Living with chronic disease means managing a whole life – work, relationships, identify and mental health – not just symptoms. But a diagnosis is only part of your story, not the whole of it. Save the date for Thursday, November 12 at 1:00 p.m. ET and plan to join the Chronic Disease Coalition for a one-hour virtual fireside chat celebrating Coalition Ambassador Gwen Mayes and her new book, More Person Than Patient. You'll hear stories from Gwen and other Coalition ambassadors and insight from psychologist and author Dr. Ashley Smith.
Speakers
Gwen Mayes, JD, MMSc
Gwen is a lawyer, former physician assistant, and health policy expert with forty years of advocacy and leadership. Born with a life-threatening genetic heart condition and told she would have a shortened life, Gwen outlived all expectations and now combines her career and personal experiences as a patient to bring a unique 360-degree perspective to the needs of those living with a chronic illness.
Dr. Ashley Smith
Dr. Smith is a psychologist, speaker, author, and co-founder of Peak Mind. Born with a rare vision impairment, she knows firsthand what it takes to break limits and live boldly—and now teaches others how to do the same.
Donovan Guerrero
Donovan is a college student, chronic disease warrior and patient advocate. He is a Chronic Disease Coalition ambassador and a member of the New Hampshire Beneficiary Advisory Council, the Atrius Health Patient and Family Advisory Council and a research fellow and Youth Advisory Council member at Partners for Youth With Disabilities.
