Help Glo Fight Graves' Disease

My name is Gloria, I'm 28 years old. I was born and raised in East Los Angeles, CA. I am a photographer, artisan, and a cyclist. In 2013 after arriving back from an amazing journey bicycling across the country, I was diagnosed with Graves' Disease. This is an immune system disorder of the butterfly-shaped gland in the throat, where the thyroid overproduces hormones. Symptoms include anxiety, hand tremor, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, an abnormal protrusion of the eyes, enlarged thyroid, insomnia, muscle weakness, and puffy skin changes on the shin 


A month prior to my diagnosis, I had just completed the most positive life changing experience - I rode my bicycle from Utah to New York City with another member of the Ovarian Psycos. The Ovarian's are an all women of color bicycle collective advocating for the rights of women and communities of color. This journey showed me my own strength, hope, and determination for self love. It restored my faith in humanity through all the love and generosity we experienced everywhere we rode. People were inclined to help in monetary ways, as well by offering their homes for us to shower and sleep. Folks who just wanted to hear our story. Without any of these individuals playing a part in our journey, we may have quit as soon as we started. This was not an easy thing to do for two city girls. All the support from all these strangers turned friends will forever leave an imprint in my life and remind me to be kind and loving.


Shortly after this journey, I was faced with the new challenges of Graves' Disease. It was out of my control and would change my life. As time passed I felt fear, depression, pain and an inability to do the things I loved. I could no longer ride my bicycle farther then a mile, when not long ago, I endured thousands of miles. I could not hike without feeling I would collapse and have an asthma attack, which before I had never had. Even simple things like hanging out with friends and family became unbearable - constantly being asked, are you ok? Are you on something? Are you crying? These were questions brought forth by the symptoms of the disease.


The reality is that since the diagnosis, three years have passed and I have not wanted to admit to myself the severity of my condition and how it's affecting my life, my sanity, and my willingness to continue on. I am finally done being in denial. Which leads me to now seek much needed treatment due to years of not receiving the appropriate care. However, my financial circumstances do not allow me to access the specialist I need. Your help will enable me to afford the treatment, medication, and possible surgery I so crucially need.

Once I regain my health, my next goal is to complete the Canada to Mexico bike tour and document it with my photography. Every contribution is appreciated, big or small. Thank you for your kindness and support, and for helping me take my life back.