Gloria Marshak (She/they/he)

My journey with chronic illness began as a child but was not officially recognized by the medical professionals in my life until I was a teen. I began with one diagnosis at the age of 17, but continued to have further issues into my twenties. I am now in my late twenties and as of the last year I am finally getting diagnoses and treatments for issues I have struggled with for most of my life. From everything to chronic pain to dysautonomia and in between, I am learning more every day about my disorders and the treatments that may be possible for me. The chronic illness and disease world can be extremely isolating, and self-advocacy has been a large part of my journey. Recently, through finding quality communities, I have continued to deepen my knowledge for my disorders and make meaningful connections with those who share them.

There are a multitude of reasons why I find myself advocating for change and growth in the chronic illness and disease community. Growing up queer and non-gender conforming began the journey of learning how to not only advocate for myself but as well as for the community I identified with. Now, I work within the healthcare system, and it is no secret that there are large gaps of quality care for those with chronic conditions. I had to learn how to navigate the already confusing world of healthcare as a chronically ill person, often without help or guidance. I have had a desire from a young age to help others, and this desire plays deeply into my life now as I learn to navigate the world and American healthcare system as a person with chronic illnesses.

Whether it’s one person that I am able to help or many, I feel strongly that sharing knowledge and using my voice is one of the most important tools I have.