Health Activist Video Stars
Through personal experience and self-education, Health Activists stand out from the pack of online health users. By collecting that information and sharing that knowledge, they truly become leaders. Now they are some of the most important voices in the online health space. Get the inside scoop on the stars of WEGOHealth.tv and learn more about their dedication to health communities:
Kelly Johnston
, Joint PainKelly Christal Johnston is a certified Texas teacher who was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis in 2008. The pain from her AS, an autoimmune arthritis, keeps her from teaching elementary school, but has led her to become a passionate Patient Activist. She is the co-founder of ASAP: Ankylosing Spondylitis Awareness Project, an online support group with more than 3600 members. Currently she writes her blog Hurting, But Hopeful. In her downtime Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband of 13 years and her two kids, ages 4 and 5.
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Sarah Keturah
, Joint PainSarah Keturah is professional artist working in the animation industry in Los Angeles. She is also a health advocate, avid reader and researcher and a great source of information. In her spare time, she continues to participate in online groups for Rheumatoid Arthritis and other autoimmune diseases and sharing information that she thinks would be important to the autoimmune diseased community on her blog, gentlehugscafe.com
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Karen Langston
, Crohn's DiseaseKaren Langston is an author, mentor, coach and keynote speaker. In her role as an internationally recognized Nutritionist based in Arizona she consults with clients across Canada and the US on all health matters with a special focus on Crohn’s Disease and the mind/body connection.
Jennifer Lawler
, Tuberous Sclerosis ComplexCONNECT
Jennifer Lawler is a book author and editor whose daughter, now a teenager, was born with tuberous sclerosis. She writes about her experiences as a mother of special needs child at www.jenniferlawler.com Her essays about raising a special needs child have appeared in Family Circle, Minnesota Monthly, Neurology Now, and a number of anthologies.
Mariah Leach
, Rheumatoid ArthritisMariah was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at the age of 25. Since her diagnosis, she has graduated with a law degree and a masters in environmental policy, married the love of her life, and worked to promote awareness about autoimmune arthritis. Mariah has been writing a personal blog since 2008 to chronicle adjusting to life with RA while always trying to look forward.
Emma Martin
, DiabetesEmma Martin has lived with type 1 diabetes for 18 years, and is a volunteer for a major UK health charity and advocate for diabetes health and awareness. She blogs at bigpurpleduck.blogspot.com, shares videos at www.youtube.com/emznandy and tweets @bigpurpleduck to share her experiences, improve awareness and connect with others.
Maria Mauriello
Maria spent most of her teen years in back braces and body casts. During that time, she had two spinaI surgeries to correct spondylolisthesis and scoliosis. As an adult, she developed severe arthritis and must consider the reality of a hip replacement at some point. In the meantime she manages her pain and stays mobile through physical therapy. Professionally, Maria is a writer and public relations practitioner. She'd love to hear your story, so please feel free to email!
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Carrie McMahon
After struggling with an eating disorder for 6 years, Carrie McMahon has turned her health and her life around. The 17 year old writes on her blog daily movesnmunchies.wordpress.com covering topics from body image, nutrition, exercise and overall health and wellness. She encourages woman to appreciate their bodies and create that balance between health and happiness.
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Kerri Morrone Sparling
, DiabetesCONNECT
Diagnosed in 1986 with type 1 diabetes, Kerri has contributed to many health-related publications, and is a passionate advocate for diabetes awareness. Kerri presents regularly at new media conferences and currently works full-time as a freelance writer and social media consultant.
Kathleen Nichols
, Crohn's DiseaseAlthough Kathleen has been suffering from Crohn’s related symptoms for some time, her road to diagnosis was a long one and she was only officially diagnosed about a year ago. She has undergone several treatments, culminating in an operation early this year. Since then, Kathleen has become a blogging addict and enjoys becoming a part of the wider Crohn's community through her blog www.crohnologicalorder.blogspot.co.uk