Living with Myelitis (TM/AFM, NMO, ON, ADEM): Navigating Life, School, College, Work and Beyond

July 13, 2015

2015 ASK THE EXPERT PODCAST SERIES SPONSORED BY

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd  is conducting clinical studies to create original and innovative drugs, both in the USA and overseas, to address unmet medical needs in neurological disorders, where the level of pharmaceutical contribution and satisfaction concerning patient treatment remains low.

* The Executive Committee of SRNA with the medical and scientific council determines the content and topics of the podcasts. Sponsors are not able to influence the education program.

Alexion is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on serving patients with severe and rare disorders through the innovation, development and commercialization of life-transforming therapeutic products. Their goal to deliver medical breakthroughs where none currently exist is driven by the knowledge that people’s lives depend on their work. 

* The Executive Committee of SRNA with the medical and scientific council determines the content and topics of the podcasts. Sponsors are not able to influence the education program.

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About Our Guest Speakers

Forber-PrattAnjali Forber-Pratt, PhD

 

Anjali J. Forber-Pratt, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Human & Organizational Development at Vanderbilt University. Her research agenda adopts a social-ecological framework and looks at issues surrounding identity, equity and empowerment through methodology for individuals who are different in some way, with a large focus on disability. She completed her degrees the University of Illinois.

Outside of the academy, Dr. Forber-Pratt was also a member of Team USA at the 2008 and 2012 Paralympic Games.  As a Paralympic medalist in the sport of wheelchair racing, she has dedicated her life to helping others recognize their potential. Dr. Forber-Pratt acquired transverse myelitis as an infant. She helps to develop and further Paralympic sport in developing nations and is actively involved in the world of disability sport across the United States. Dr. Forber-Pratt co-authored an educational kids’ coloring book about disabled sports titled, “Color Learn & Play: All About Sports for Athletes with Physical Disabilities”.

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has also recognized her leadership abilities by awarding her the prestigious 2013 Paul G. Hearne Leadership Award, given to emerging leaders within the national disability community.  Dr. Forber-Pratt has appeared on several television programs and radio shows including: NPRThe Stream; and Sesame Street; and has been quoted in the national print press, including The Boston Globe, New York Times, Huffington PostUSA Today, and Runner’s World. She was honored by the White House as a Champion of Change in 2013 and had an opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion with President Obama about disability policy issues.

McGrory Amanda McGrory

 

Amanda McGrory contracted Transverse Myelitis in 1991 at the age of five. After struggling for years to adjust to her new life with a disability, she was introduced to wheelchair sports through the Variety Club of Philadelphia. Amanda continued with sports through high school, securing an athletic scholarship to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2004. A two-time Paralympian in Track and Field, Amanda is a full time athlete living in Savoy, Illinois and training for the Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games at the National Training Center for Wheelchair Track and Road Racing. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys eating cheese, dreaming about owning a pet pig, and organizing things. She hates when people breathe on her.