Spotlight Speaker: Lisa K. Gigliotti

Lisa Gigliotti is an attorney who for more than twenty-five years has lived with serious myasthenia gravis and severe rheumatoid arthritis. Through twelve major surgeries Lisa has maintained a fulfilling and positive life. Lisa has achieved successful careers as an administrative law judge, a policy advisor for the Michigan state senate and governor, an advocate for people with disabilities and for improving pain management and end-of-life care, and is dedicated to helping others lead more fulfilling lives. In pursuit of encouraging others, Lisa has written four books that describe her Italian-American upbringing and how Coraggio—courage—is the key to overcoming adversity and to achieving any endeavor.

As part of the 5th Zebra Nation Benefit Night, Lisa will inspire you to believe that even though you feel as if you have no control over an illness, a situation, or what others think of you, there always is an aspect of the situation you can control. With courage to take charge you will be on your way to living your dreams!

Dysautonomia

Dysautonomia literally means dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is the master regulator of organ function throughout the body. It is involved in the control of heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, respiration, digestion and other vital functions.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Individuals with EDS have a defect in their connective tissue, the tissue that provides support to many body parts such as the skin, muscles and ligaments. The fragile skin and unstable joints found in EDS are the result of faulty collagen.

Vasculitis

Vasculitis is a family of rare and chronic autoimmune diseases, all characterized by the inflammation of blood vessels. There are more than 15 different vasculitis diseases, all of which can affect people of various ages, races, and genders.