During Rare Disease Month, Patient Worthy is honored to share Gabby's story. Gabby's Wonderful World
Gabby is a 33-year-old school psychologist from Wading River, NY whose life is rooted in purpose, perseverance, and heart. She loves summer days at the beach and finds her greatest joy in her mini goldendoodle, Bella Grace, who is truly her whole world. Diagnosed with Neutral Lipid Storage Disease, an ultra-rare genetic disease, at 16 after a decade of misdiagnosis, Gabby began developing symptoms at 20—first in her arms, then her legs—leading to significant physical weakness that impacts her daily life. Walking and moving have become extremely difficult. Still, she refuses to be defined by her diagnosis. Every day, Gabby rises with intention, powering through long workdays, intensive therapies including PT, OT, and strength training, and leading Gabby’s Wonderful World Nonprofit Foundation. Her strength is not measured by what her body can do, but by the resilience, compassion, and purpose she brings into the world.
What Rare Disease Month Means to Gabby:
"Rare Disease Month is about visibility, advocacy, and hope. It is a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty and challenge, our lives carry immense value—and when we share our stories, we turn struggle into strength and isolation into community."
#RareDiseaseMonth #RareDisease #RareButNotAlone #WeCareAboutRare #ShareYourStripes #ShareYourStory #PatientWorthy #NeutralLipidStorageDisease
... See MoreSee Less