Meet the MCC Youth Advocates
Courage.
Resilience.
Hope.
The MOGAD Connection Center Youth Advocates are an extraordinary group of children and teenagers from around the world who are proving every day that a diagnosis does not define who you are or what you can accomplish. They are warriors, advocates, role models, and a source of hope for other children and families living with MOGAD.
Rajan, Age 14
Rajan has experienced both transverse myelitis (TM) and optic neuritis (ON) as part of his MOGAD journey. Despite these challenges, he is doing incredibly well and continues to pursue the things he loves. Rajan plays football, runs track, and enjoys making music. His determination and positive attitude remind us that life after MOGAD can still be filled with passion, goals, and big dreams.
Brody, Age 16
Brody has courageously battled multiple episodes of transverse myelitis. Today, he is participating in the Meteoroid clinical trial and is doing well. Through every challenge, Brody has shown incredible resilience and has become an inspiration to others in the MOGAD community.
Blake, Age 7
At just five years old, Blake suffered an ADEM attack that changed her life forever. Today, she is adapting beautifully to her new normal and continues to thrive with the love and support of her incredible family. Blake's smile and spirit remind us that children are remarkably resilient.
Isaac, Age 8
Isaac is an energetic twin from the United Kingdom who experienced an ADEM attack and has worked hard on his road to recovery. He continues to fight to remain relapse-free while also navigating life with autism. Through it all, Isaac's courage and determination shine brightly.
Aria, Age 8
Aria is Isaac's biggest cheerleader and one of the youngest advocates in our community. She recently gave a presentation to her classmates explaining how MOGAD affects the brain and raised an amazing $1,500 for MOGAD by participating in the Great Manchester Run.
Lenni, Age 15
Lenni is currently recovering from transverse myelitis and working hard in rehabilitation to regain his mobility. He is a true warrior whose goal is to return to playing football and participating in all the sports he loves.
Maddi, Age 17
For four years, Maddi experienced symptoms of MOGAD before finally receiving her diagnosis. Today, she is recovering well from treatment and moving forward with incredible strength and purpose. Maddi is also a world-class baton twirler and has founded her own 501(c)(3) supporting cancer research in honor of her grandfather.
JW, Age 8
JW is doing well but continues to recover from brain injuries caused by MOGAD. Despite everything he has faced, he still enjoys all the fun activities that come with being an eight-year-old boy. His joy and resilience inspire everyone around him.
Sonia, Age 15
Sonia was first diagnosed with MOGAD at age nine and has fought through numerous episodes of optic neuritis and other challenges. She is also a competitive junior drag racer and brings incredible determination and fearlessness to everything she does. Sonia is fierce!
Jaidyn, Age 9
Jaidyn was diagniosed in 2021 with MOGAD (ADEM, ON and TM) and has had 2 relapses that temporarily took her sight and 2 years of IVIG! She has a port to help with all the poking! She's a real warrior with a smile that lights up the world!
Raine, Age 4
Raine is a sweet boy who like Isaac has an identical twin! He first became ill in 2025 with what was diagnose with cerebitis. In January 2026 he fell ill again and was diagnosed with MOGAD.
He is a brave young boy with all he"s been through!
Kennedy, Age 10
Kennedy is full of life and spunky, silly, free spirited, artistic, thoughtful and kind! In 2024 Kennedy was diagnosed with MOGAD and Optic Neuritis and after some vision loss she has made a full recovery!
Finn, Age 7
Finn is the sweetest boy and has MOGAD as well as Downs Syndrome! Despite these challenges he is doing really well! They are grateful to Dr Santoro who sits on our Clinical Advisory Council as well as his incredibly caring staff!
Ella, Age 11
Ella was first diagnosed with Mogad at the age of 7. inspiring attitude. Since her diagnosis at the age of seven she has faced challenges with unwavering strength. Ella excels academically, consistently maintaining straight A’s. Her efforts not only raise awareness about MOGAD but also inspire other children facing similar challenges to remain hopeful and engaged!
Noah, Age 3
Noah was diagnosed with Mogad at the age of 1 after an attack of Adem. Noah is a smart and funny boynavigating some really challenging health issues with great resilience! He inspires his loving parents every day!
Melissa, Age 9
Melissa is a true warrior and an advocate for Mogad as she advocates for MOGAD on Social Media from Brazil!
Magic, Age 14
Magic was diagnosed with MOGAD in2019 and has not let that stop her from becoming a real warrior!
Not only was she the Class President in Elementary School, she also has a green belt in Hapkido, attended Nasa Summer Camp, plays volleyball and now while attending middle school is part of student council and just made the National Honor Society!
KK, Age 17
KK is youth advocate Rajan's supportive sister and friend of MCC! She has been Rajan's biggest cheerleader thru his journey with MOGAD! She also is a big advocate raising awareness for her brother and his journey!
Together, these incredible young people represent the heart of the MCC Youth Advocate Program. Their courage, kindness, and determination inspire us all and remind every family affected by MOGAD that they are never alone.
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