Heather Moran Special Feature

"You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it." - Maya Angelou

Rising Above: Heather Moran's Journey from Patient to Powerful Advocate
 @ Ms. Irons Sharpens

How one woman transformed her chronic illness challenges into a mission to revolutionize patient care

When Heather Moran fell while walking her dog one day, she had no idea this moment would become a pivotal turning point in both her personal and professional journey. After almost a year of being told her symptoms were "all in her head," Moran would eventually receive a diagnosis that would change everything: vestibular migraine. This diagnosis, along with rheumatoid arthritis, would become the catalyst for her transformation from patient to passionate advocate and respected healthcare leader.

A Journey of Purpose and Persistence

"Every step we take leads us down the life path we're supposed to be on," Moran reflects, sharing how her initial struggles as a mother of three young children, including one with autism, prepared her for the advocacy role she would later embrace. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Healing Net Foundation (HNF), Moran's professional evolution mirrors her personal health journey. Prior to HNF, Moran served as the Director of Programs and Advocacy for the American Migraine Foundation and Chief Programs and Operations Officer for the Global Patient Advocacy Coalition. Her years immersed in the migraine sector allowed her to deliver impactful programs and advocate on a global level to raise awareness and improve access to care for the over 1 billion people worldwide living with migraine. She has also founded Core Advocacy Group, where she consults with non-profits on program development, advocacy training, strategic planning, and event management.

Breaking Barriers in the Professional World

Despite facing significant challenges, including workplace discrimination and skepticism about invisible disabilities, Moran has maintained her professional excellence while advocating for meaningful change. "Organizations need to realize that focusing on people will lower costs and decrease turnover," she emphasizes, pointing to the need for proper workplace education and cultural shifts in understanding chronic conditions.

Navigating the Balance: Career and Health Management

Moran's approach to managing multiple chronic conditions while maintaining a successful career offers valuable insights for professional women facing similar challenges. Her strategy includes:

- Creating structured breaks during the workday

- Maintaining a consistent wellness routine including exercise and nutrition

- Setting boundaries to prevent overwork

- Advocating for necessary accommodations

Heather facilitating a wellness conversation with advocates and local community leaders.

Shaping the Future of Patient Care

Moran's excitement about emerging treatments, particularly Axsome's Symbravo, reflects her commitment to advancing patient care. "This innovative treatment combines all four physiological areas of treatment in one oral tablet," she explains. "For those who have tried and failed many of the latest treatments, this multi-mechanistic approach offers new hope."

The Evolution of Patient Advocacy

Looking ahead, Moran sees tremendous progress in patient advocacy. "I've witnessed remarkable changes over the past 3-5 years," she shares. "Life sciences companies are now recognizing the crucial importance of patient perspective throughout the entire clinical trial process." Her goal is to continue creating those crucial turning points, the "aha moments" for partners, stakeholders, legislators, and clinical trial developers.

"While companies need to make money," she notes, "if a treatment isn't making an impact and truly helping the patient, it won't be successful in the long run. Patients are drawn to companies that genuinely care about their lived experiences."

Leadership Through the Lens of Empathy

Drawing from her parents' example of treating employees "like gold," Moran has developed a leadership style that emphasizes empathy while maintaining professionalism. "I want to ensure people are comfortable and thrive in their work," she shares, "while creating a positive work environment where teams can have fun and succeed."

Looking to the Future

Moran remains committed to being a voice for patients, creating ripple effects of change through personal storytelling and logical discussion. "It's long work," she acknowledges, "but once you create the first wave, the ripple effect will continue." Her goal is to continue creating those crucial "aha moments" for partners, stakeholders, legislators, and clinical trial developers.

For professional women newly diagnosed with chronic conditions, Moran offers this advice: "Do your research and find community for support to navigate your new normal. You will go through the stages of grief, but don't allow yourself to be stuck. Surround yourself with connections and move forward."

Stay tuned for next month's feature article of a professional woman rising above as she embraces her setbacks, savor her wins, continue to persevere.

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