Interview

Sondra Rothwell

Myasthenia Gravis Holistic Society

About Me

Patient Advocate Director

In Conversation

Tell Us About Your Business / Organization

I am the Patient Advocate Director for the Myasthenia Gravis Holistic Society.

Our mission is to empower individuals impacted by myasthenia gravis through advocacy, connection, engagement, and education—while advancing health equity for underserved communities. We provide support groups across multiple states, host large-scale awareness events, offer wellness retreats, and lead research initiatives that center the lived experiences of patients—particularly those often underrepresented in traditional healthcare systems.

What is your story

My passion for advocacy was born during my career as a nurse consultant with the federal government. Over more than 30 years, my work has focused on overseeing the quality of care and quality of life for individuals receiving Medicare and Medicaid services. I ensured that both federal and state regulations were upheld—but, more importantly, I saw beyond them. I saw the people behind them.
That perspective shaped my purpose.

After retiring, I felt called to continue this work in a more personal and meaningful way. When the CEO of the Myasthenia Gravis Society invited me to join the team, I didn’t hesitate. It was an opportunity to continue the advocacy work that has long been part of my life’s mission.

Living with an autoimmune disorder—Stiff Person Syndrome—has given me a deeply personal understanding of the challenges individuals face. This experience has strengthened my commitment and allowed me to connect with others with empathy, authenticity, and compassion.

My mission is not only to advocate, but to educate, empower, guide, uplift, and protect those navigating life with autoimmune disease.

Accomplishments/Accolades/Awards

I was truly honored to be named the 2025 MG Ambassador of the Year. I also had the privilege of serving as the keynote speaker at the Black Autoimmune Forum, where I shared my personal journey following my 2009 diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome.

At the time, very few people had even heard of this condition. It wasn’t until Celine Dion courageously brought awareness to Stiff Person Syndrome that it entered the public conversation.
In addition to sharing my story, I had the opportunity to travel to Capitol Hill to advocate for rare diseases—standing in spaces where decisions are made, using my voice not only for myself but for so many others living with conditions that are often overlooked.

Being able to stand before a community—many of whom are navigating their own autoimmune challenges—and share my story was both humbling and empowering. It reminded me that our voices matter, that our stories have purpose, and that through advocacy we can bring light to conditions that have long lived in the shadows.

Personal Life

Beyond my professional and advocacy work, I have been happily married for 13 beautiful years, a journey that continues to ground and inspire me. I am also deeply honored to help care for my mother, the matriarch of our family, and to use my advocacy skills to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system on her behalf.

I have a true passion for traveling and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, as I believe that engaging with different mindsets broadens perspective, deepens compassion, and strengthens our shared humanity.

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Principles to Live By

What were you like growing up? For example: personality, interests, aspirations, education, etc.

Believe it or not, I was once a very shy little girl who had not yet found her voice. My mother, however, saw something greater in me. She taught me to stand tall, to ask questions, and to never stop learning.
I am a proud graduate of Tuskegee University, where I not only earned my nursing degree, but also gained a lifetime of friendships and a deep sense of sisterhood that continues to shape who I am today.

About

Sondra Rothwell

business or organization

Myasthenia Gravis Holistic Society

office location of a business or organization

Decatur, Georgia

Address

Phone Number

Email

Sondra@MGHolisticSociety.org

Social Media Profiles

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About

Sondra Rothwell

business or organization

Myasthenia Gravis Holistic Society

office location of a business or organization

Decatur, Georgia

Address

Phone Number

Personal Email

Sondra@MGHolisticSociety.org

Social Media Profiles

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Interview

Sondra Rothwell

Myasthenia Gravis Holistic Society

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About Me

In Conversation

Tell Us About Your Business / Organization

What is your story

Accomplishments/Accolades/Awards

Personal Life

Principles to Live By

What were you like growing up? For example: personality, interests, aspirations, education, etc.

About

Sondra Rothwell

business or organization

office location of a business or organization

Address

Phone Number

Email

Social Media Profiles

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Search

About

Sondra Rothwell

business or organization

office location of a business or organization

Address

Phone Number

Personal Email

Social Media Profiles

MONTHLY SPOTLIGHT

Stay Inspired

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