We are thrilled to introduce you to Megan, a senior content strategist and new board member of the Myasthenia Gravis Association. She is exploding with knowledge, compassion, and a mission to make everyone feel seen. Learn more about Megan below!
What inspired you to join the healthcare field, and how do you see your work intersecting with the needs of individuals living with myasthenia gravis?
As a young girl, I watched my dad work tirelessly to care for some of the most fragile babies. People would stop him at the store, call at all hours or thank him through beautiful cards. Seeing this, I knew I wanted to make an impact on someone’s life. Like many marketing minds, math and science weren’t my strengths so I found another door into healthcare: communications. At 13 years old, I volunteered at a local children’s hospital and decades later, haven’t left the field. Here, I learned that all beings want the same thing – to be loved, accepted for who they are, belong and live at their best. That includes their health, and how they feel in the presence of any interaction or experience you provide them. Understanding this, along with my 20+ years of healthcare, writing, facilitation and project management experience, can help practice things like active listening, compassion, solution-finding, advocacy and clear communication to help support those living with myasthenia gravis.
Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your life that has had a significant impact on you?
Recently, I opened an inbox to find a message from a former colleague I hadn’t connected with in 15 years. In it, she shared “you probably won’t remember me…I had a dream about you. You ran a business where your job was to help people find and appreciate their skills, talents and gifts. I watched as you invited women into your circle and guided them to next steps of where they want to go. I am not sure where the dream came from, but when I woke up, I realized that is how I think of you.” As I processed her words, tears streamed down my face. It was such a wonderful reminder that people may not always remember the work you did but will likely recall how you made them feel. There are so many magical, mini moments in a day – don’t forget to look around and gather them!
As a senior content strategist at Mercy Children's Kansas, what aspects of your professional experience do you think will be particularly valuable in your role as a board member?
Rare diseases are just that – rare! Serving at a leading pediatric hospital, we run into that a lot: how do we get a large group of people engaged in something that often feels like it doesn’t or never will impact them? Especially when there is SO much to care about in the world? Moving stories, powerful channels, and right timing matter. Knowing how to position something in a way that will catch attention and inspire people to act (the seventh time they saw it!) is key to create positive movement and meet mission. The ability to break apart and puzzle piece information across various mediums and channels is part of the secret sauce to get people to notice. Impactful messages get them to care. And relationships are the next ingredient to get them to act. Tackling this daily for dozens of audiences across nearly 100 channels and serving hundreds of departments make great practice for applying this with almost any need.
Can you share a hobby or interest that might surprise people?
A true Enneagram 2 (The Helper!), there are three extra-curriculars people often like to tap me for: 1) House accessory or gift shopping 2) Guidance to navigate a child’s behavioral health diagnosis and journey 3) Creative naming, writing or photography. It’s an honor to support others in fun, helpful and unique ways and fills my soul, too.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you're not working or volunteering?
Give me all the people things! You can often find me on sports fields quietly clapping or filming my two sons at one of their six sports. My friends are like family, so at least once a week I connect with them to share a meal, walk, celebrate their latest accomplishment or try a local experience. Whenever a much talked about book or show launches, I’ll grab the nearest blanket and snuggle in to enjoy it. I also work to journal, do barre, take a spiritual moment and connect with my life coach to find grounding in daily life.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time as a board member for the Myasthenia Gravis Association?
Three of the many things I hope to bring to the board and those we serve are: 1) to provide perspective, skill and new ideas that can help meet mission 2) connect with and be inspired by people who quietly and confidently take baby steps and leaps to better the lives of those impacted by myasthenia gravis 3) Make at least 20 new people aware of the rare disease and get them engaged in the difference-making process.
As someone deeply involved in content strategy, how do you think effective communication can play a role in raising awareness and providing support for myasthenia gravis patients?
At work we have a saying: communication is kind. In this noisy world, how and where we approach people is as important as what we say. Understanding what channels our people are on, their culture of communication and clear calls to action are key. People are limited on time and attention and overextended on life and stress (especially supporting one another in rare disease!). Reduce the friction, appeal to what they care about it and make it easy for them to decide if they want to act. This can help us get to the results we want.
Any parting words?
Thank you – for the belief that all those who live and love with myasthenia gravis deserve to be at their best. And for the hope that more answers, best care and passionate people can make an impact. You’re amazing! Keep going.
Commentaires