A Resilient Advocate’s Fight Against Thyroid Eye Disease

I’m Christine Gustafson, residing in Monterey, California, with my husband Frank and our Siamese cat, Sweet Pea. Sharing my battle with Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), I underscore that health issues like mine transcend race, yet access to care often doesn’t.In 2009, my vibrant life unraveled unexpectedly. Active and fulfilled, I suddenly faced rapid weight loss, crippling anxiety, and dramatically altered vision—my eyes bulged painfully. Diagnosed with Graves’ Disease and its companion TED, I experienced a profound shift.Despite seven corrective surgeries, I learned resilience is vital. Now, I advocate for TED patients and celebrate progress. With newfound hope, no one faces TED alone.