April is MOGAD Awareness Month. This month was created “To shine a light on MOG antibody disease (MOGAD) and the journeys of all those diagnosed with this rare disorder and their loved ones.”
MOGAD is a rare neuro inflammatory disease. There is a protein on the myelin sheaths of your central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, optic nerves) called Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein. When you have MOGAD, your immune system attacks these proteins causing inflammation and damage to your brain, spinal cord and optic nerves called (lesions). Depend on where the lesions occur and how severe, these attacks or (relapses) can cause irreversible damage.
MOG has affected my life in more ways than one.
I have had recurring relapses since 2018 and have gone undiagnosed until 2021. I lost my vision twice. The second time I lost vision in my left eye, in December of 21, I got into a car accident. I was once a nursing assistant but instead of taking care of others, I was the one being cared for. So, I started going to school; I discovered my passion for graphic designing as an outlet to express my creativity. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I have been able to develop a wide range of skills in the process. Having MOGAD is a challenge some days, but no matter how difficult the day may be, I have the determination and strength to overcome those challenges.
I will take every obstacle and use it as an opportunity to grow and become a better version of myself.
By Brianna
