Jun 13 2019
Andover’s Kim Grady Is Appointed to Wake Up Narcolepsy Board
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Mother of son with narcolepsy expands long association with nonprofit advocating for people with narcolepsy
Worcester, MA – December 29, 2014 – Kimberly D. Grady, of Andover, MA, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Wake Up Narcolepsy, Inc. (WUN), a nonprofit organization working to speed narcolepsy diagnosis by spreading awareness of this lifelong, disabling sleep disease, and fund research to find a cure.
Ms. Grady brings more than 20 years of marketing and sales experience to Wake Up Narcolepsy. She has worked in financial sales for such companies as John Hancock and The John Nuveen Company. Over the past 15 years, she has held many volunteer positions within her community, helping organizations raise funds and build awareness.
Her son was diagnosed with narcolepsy and cataplexy in 2005 at age 7. Soon after Ms. Grady and her family moved to Massachusetts in 2008, she became involved with Wake Up Narcolepsy, volunteering to spread greater understanding of the disease within local and regional school communities. She also completed the 2011 Boston Marathon as a member of the Wake Up Narcolepsy team of WUNners.
“Kim has been an exemplary friend and volunteer for WUN almost since our founding,” said Gordon Gow, Chair. “We are thrilled that she has accepted our appointment to a true leadership role with the agency. Her energy, focus, and dedication are sure to help guide WUN in our mission to improve the lives of people everywhere living with narcolepsy.”
“As mothers of teens with narcolepsy, Kim and I share many of the same parenting challenges, and we’re there for each other through thick and thin,” said Monica Gow, Executive Director and Co-founder. “Kim joins a Board composed of individuals with outstanding professional credentials and commitment. And we are privileged that every member, like Kim, brings a level of credibility honed by either living with the disease itself, or living side-by-side with a loved one struggling with the disorder.”
Narcolepsy affects some 200,000 Americans and millions worldwide. The disorder is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and many other disabling symptoms, including cataplexy, present in about 60% of patients. Cataplexy is the brief loss of muscle control or complete physical collapse, usually triggered by a strong emotion, such as laughter or surprise. Treatment is available, but even then, life with narcolepsy is never normal. There is no cure.