Meet Julie Stamm

We were lucky to catch up with Julie Stamm recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found purpose when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It was a moment that dramatically altered my life, but instead of letting it define me, I used it to fuel my passion for advocacy and education. My purpose evolved as I focused on raising awareness, providing support for others with chronic illnesses, and advocating for inclusivity, especially for children and families affected by these conditions. Sharing my story and creating resources like my children’s book helped me turn personal struggles into a platform for positive change and resilience.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a passionate advocate for individuals and families living with chronic illnesses, especially multiple sclerosis (MS). My work revolves around raising awareness, educating others, and creating resources to support the unique challenges faced by this community. One of the most exciting aspects of my work is how it connects personal experience with advocacy—particularly through storytelling. I’ve authored a children’s book, Some Days, to help kids understand and cope with a parent’s chronic illness. What makes my work special is its authenticity and focus on inclusivity, ensuring that differing abilities are seen as strengths rather than limitations.

Last year, I also co-created 52 Essential Inclusion Skills, a guide focused on fostering kindness, compassion, and respect for diverse abilities. It’s been a powerful tool to transform the narrative around disabilities from one of apology to one of strength. As I continue to expand my advocacy efforts, I’m always exploring new ways to create educational tools and resources that uplift and empower the chronic illness community.

I aim to inspire resilience, inclusivity, and understanding in every aspect of life, and I’m excited to continue growing and finding new ways to make an impact.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, empathy, and self-advocacy.

Resilience: Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis required me to adapt to constant challenges, and resilience became my greatest asset. My advice to those starting their journey is to embrace the obstacles as opportunities for growth. Life may not follow the path you envisioned, but resilience will help you thrive regardless of the circumstances.

Empathy: Learning to deeply understand and connect with others’ struggles, especially those facing similar challenges, has shaped my advocacy work. For those early in their journey, I recommend practicing active listening and putting yourself in others’ shoes. This will allow you to build meaningful relationships and support systems.

Self-Advocacy: Navigating healthcare and managing a chronic illness taught me the importance of advocating for myself. My advice to others is to trust your instincts, speak up for your needs, and educate yourself. Don’t be afraid to seek second opinions or push for what’s right for you.

Developing these qualities takes time, but with persistence, empathy, and self-belief, you’ll create a solid foundation to build on throughout your journey.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge I’m currently facing is balancing my role as an advocate and content creator with the demands of living with multiple sclerosis, while also being a parent. MS can be unpredictable, making it difficult to maintain consistency in my work and personal life. To overcome this, I’ve been focusing on prioritizing self-care and learning to set realistic expectations for myself.

I’ve also leaned into creating systems that allow me to work more efficiently during the times when my energy is high, and I rely on a strong support network to help manage my responsibilities. By setting boundaries and embracing flexibility, I’m able to maintain momentum in my advocacy work while ensuring that I can still be present for my family and my own health.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iamstamm.com
• Instagram: @iamstamm
• Facebook: Julie A. Stamm
• Linkedin: Julie A. Stamm

Image Credits

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