NGF Mentor: Stacey J. Feuer

Stacey J. Feuer
Pennsylvania
Adult with Gaucher advocate/speaker
Email: sjfeuer@comcast.net

I was diagnosed with Gaucher Disease in 1997 and have been living successfully with the Disease for more than ten years. I have combined my professional experience in training and public speaking with my personal knowledge of the Jewish and medical communities to relay my message of preventative education. I have spoken in U.S. for the last eight years, and recently Canada, to Jewish families, students, congregations, and clergy, as well as doctors, medical students, and industry professionals regarding her experience with Gaucher Disease. I have appeared in a nationally televised public service announcement, as well as a brief television interview on CNN, and was highlighted by the Jewish Exponent in 2003 for my work in the community. I have also written several articles relating my experiences on health and illness issues. Through preventative education, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, my hope is that no person will unknowingly and unnecessarily suffer from the effects of Gaucher Disease, the most common genetic disease among Ashkenazi Jews.

I currently work as the assistant director of Intercultural Affairs at Penn State Abington outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I am also presently pursuing my master’s in leadership development with an emphasis on the health and biotechnology industry. I plan to pursue my Ph.D. in social psychology, where I can combine my interests in health and illness, diversity, and leadership studies. I have played the violin since the age of five, and currently plays with the Ambler Symphony Orchestra, where I serve as an executive board member, fundraising committee member, and co-organizer of the annual scholarship concert for young musicians.

I am committed to helping patients and family members living with Gaucher Disease and looks forward to doing so through the NGF mentor program.