Sleep
Real-Life Narcolepsy Superhero Reveals Powers to Captain America’s Jeremy Renner
Recently, ‘Captain America: Civil War’ star Jeremy Renner said that he wanted to be “Captain Narcolepsy… so he could nap whenever he wanted” on Live! with Kelly and Michael. Afterward, many people with narcolepsy and their supporters took to social media to respond. One particular response caught my attention – written by Wendy Ellsworth, a 34-year-old registered nurse living…
Read MoreWatch Now: New Video on Narcolepsy, Sleepiness & Invisible Illnesses
Recently, I was honored to join a group of rockstar advocates and innovators for a fantastic discussion and experimental filming exercise! Check out this awesome first video highlighting narcolepsy, sleepiness and invisible illnesses: When you get invited to an “experimental filming dinner party” in the Hollywood Hills where there’s no cellphone service, you may feel a little uncertain……
Read MoreMy best hallucination yet! A Visit from the Phantom Foot Massager
During lunchtime today, I went to my nap room at work, cuddled up into my lovely blanket from Ireland and quickly fell asleep. Next thing, I awoke to the most AMAZING foot massage!! Oh la la. My feet were sore from intense yoga classes over the weekend, so I really appreciated the free yummy foot massage from…. um…. my phantom foot…
Read MoreEver Met Someone with Narcolepsy? Or Feeling ALONE with Narcolepsy?
I recently created my first Flipagram, highlighting the NARCOLEPSY: NOT ALONE campaign! I hope you enjoy and please share with friends and family. Watch here: Thanks for watching my first Flipagram! NARCOLEPSY: NOT ALONE has over 1,200 photos of people with narcolepsy and supporters from all 50 U.S. States and 48 countries around the world. Of course, this campaign is not…
Read MoreNARCOLEPSY: NOT ALONE takes over the French Alps!
Say HELLO to Ben who shares a monumental message of hope and narcolepsy awareness from 5,800 feet in the air. Thanks to Ben, NARCOLEPSY: NOT ALONE is now inscribed on a scenic snow-topped mountaintop in the French Alps, along a popular chair-lift route for every single ski resort visitor to see until the next snow…
Read MoreHappy Rare Disease Day 2016!
Today, February 29 is Rare Disease Day! With 350 million people around the world living with a rare disease, HUG someone with a RARE DISEASE today. For Rare Disease Day 2016, I was SO honored to contribute to two great articles for Mashable’s Social Good program. Author, Katie Dupere eloquently describes: “For those living with rare…
Read MoreSleep in to speak out! Join Project Sleep’s SLEEP IN 2016 today.
On March 11-13, Project Sleep is taking to our beds for SLEEP IN 2016 to make PEACE with SLEEP during National Sleep Awareness Week! Challenge yourself to stay in bed for 12-48 hours over the weekend and join an international movement to raise awareness about sleep health and sleep disorders. Register today (it’s free): www.crowdrise.com/sleepin2016 With…
Read MoreThe Simpsons Modifies Homer Narcolepsy Episode “Somewhat” After Reading Narcolepsy Article
When the Simpsons premieres tonight at 8pm ET/PT, Homer will get “narcolepsy”. I’m thrilled to report that Executive Producer, Al Jean tweeted me: “The episode was modified somewhat after I read the extremely compelling article you wrote. Not sure you will be 100% happy…” Thank you, Al Jean and the Simpsons for thoughtfully reading and modifying…
Read MoreNarcolepsy Presentations at UCLA Med School 2015 – “A learning experience for both medical students and seasoned physicians.”
On Sept. 1 – 3, I had the extraordinary opportunity to speak at UCLA Medical school three nights in a row, sharing my inspiring narcolepsy journey with 120 first-year medical students and a dozen faculty members. The first-year students were just days into their medical education – energetic and eager to learn! I spoke as part of the students’ required…
Read MoreLiving Bravely With Chronic Illness – Guest Post by Katie G. Nelson
As a 29-year-old, female journalist and photographer, I am accustomed to the words people use to define me; “Fearless”, “gutsy”, “courageous” are just a few. But, as a woman living with severe narcolepsy, I often struggle to reconcile these one-dimensional characterizations with my own sense of self. That disconnect was recently underscored when I announced…
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