Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
During this panel at the 2025 RNDS, individuals living with a diagnosis shared their stories. Angela Jackson began with her story of developing TM, from the moment of paralysis, the initial misdiagnosis of a pinched nerve, and how her doctors found the correct diagnosis and acute treatment. Next, Julia Lefelar shared her journey with MOGAD and how she slowly developed symptoms across time rather than having acute attacks. She was initially diagnosed with sero-negative NMOSD, but was re-diagnosed with MOGAD in 2017, and then created the MOG Project organization to advocate for MOGAD.
Jodi Arminio described her story of being diagnosed with NMOSD and the onset of her TM and optic neuritis symptoms. Jodi is the SRNA support group leader for Georgia and meets monthly at the Shepherd Center. Lastly, Stephanie Wingfield shared her story as a mother to a child who has been diagnosed with MOGAD. Although her daughter’s health journey was tumultuous and traumatic, she has made some amazing steps toward recovery—full motor function and functional vision, although it is still damaged. An audience member asked the panel how to navigate insurance and medical bills.
During this panel at the 2025 RNDS, individuals living with a diagnosis shared their stories. Angela Jackson began with her story of developing TM, from the moment of paralysis, the initial misdiagnosis of a pinched nerve, and how her doctors found the correct diagnosis and acute treatment. Next, Julia Lefelar shared her journey with MOGAD and how she slowly developed symptoms across time rather than having acute attacks. She was initially diagnosed with sero-negative NMOSD, but was re-diagnosed with MOGAD in 2017, and then created the MOG Project organization to advocate for MOGAD.
Jodi Arminio described her story of being diagnosed with NMOSD and the onset of her TM and optic neuritis symptoms. Jodi is the SRNA support group leader for Georgia and meets monthly at the Shepherd Center. Lastly, Stephanie Wingfield shared her story as a mother to a child who has been diagnosed with MOGAD. Although her daughter’s health journey was tumultuous and traumatic, she has made some amazing steps toward recovery—full motor function and functional vision, although it is still damaged. An audience member asked the panel how to navigate insurance and medical bills.
