Giusiana Prosser crowned Ms. Wheelchair NorthWestern USA, advocates for rare disease awareness
Giusiana Prosser, a 22 year old rare disease patient and passionate advocate for the rare disease community has been crowned Ms. Wheelchair Northwestern USA. She will compete in the Ms. Wheelchair USA national competition in July, using her platform to amplify the voices of individuals living with rare diseases and chronic illnesses.
Diagnosed with multiple rare conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis, Giusiana has firsthand experience navigating the challenges of an often-inaccessible healthcare system. Her advocacy focuses on bridging the gap between patients and medical professionals, shortening the diagnostic delay which in her case was over 19 years, and ensuring that every rare disease patient has access to the resources, community, and support they deserve.
As Ms. Wheelchair Northwestern USA, Giusiana is committed to raising awareness about the intersection of disability and rare disease, sharing her journey through public speaking engagements, social media, and her podcast, Rare Living with Giusiana. And the organization she is building, the Rare Living Foundation. Her work has already inspired countless individuals, and she hopes to use this title as a stepping stone to further her mission of inclusion and education.
“Living with a rare disease is probably one of the loneliest experiences you can have, but it shouldn’t have to be,” said Giusiana. “ 1 in 10 americans live with a rare disease. Through this title, I want to continue advocating for better healthcare policies, accessibility, and the representation of rare disease patients in conversations that impact so many of our lives.”
The Ms. Wheelchair USA competition celebrates women who use wheelchairs and are making a difference in their communities. The event highlights advocacy, leadership, and the power of storytelling to create positive change. To follow Giusiana’s journey and support her advocacy efforts, visit https://linktr.ee/giusiana or contact the Ms. Wheelchair USA organization www.mswheelchairusa.org
