Katrina Byrd\, writer and playwright livin g in Jackson\, MS\, received her MFA in Creative Writing from Mississippi University for Women. An emerging writer published in several magazines\, Byrd and Dora\, her partner of 23 years\, created the Boa Flouncer alter e go in 2010. The Boa Flouncer is a social media influencer who encourages f ollowers to be themselves. &ldquo\;If who I am offends you\, then\, honey\ , prepare yo&rsquo\;self!&rdquo\; With attitude\, flair and feather boas\, she delivers messages of hope. &ldquo\;Honey\, keep struttin&rsquo\; yo&r squo\; strut. Don&rsquo\;t give up.&rdquo\;
\nDiagnosed with ALS Nov ember 18\, 2019\, Katrina&rsquo\;s long-term partner Dora lived only anoth er seventy-six days. After her death on February 2\, 2020\, Byrd was fully aware of the devastating impact of ALS on the body\, soul and spirit. Wit h no legal ties to each other\, Dora and Katrina navigated the 100% fatal disease alone. Byrd cared for Dora alone with no money\, no family support \, no real understanding of ALS\, no understanding of how to navigate the healthcare system\, and minimal equipment. Shortly after Dora&rsquo\;s dea th\, Byrd&rsquo\;s advocacy work began. Notable accomplishments include te stifying before the FDA in support of amx0035\, speaking at the 2022 STAT News Summit and being selected as a 2023 ALS/MND Patient Fellow to attend the ALS/MND conference in Basel. Byrd is a NEALS Ambassador who advocates with several ALS organizations including ALS Problem Solvers\, ALS/TDI\, H oney Badgers\, and R1.
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