Julie Flygare is a leading narcolepsy spokesperson, published author, blogger, yogi and runner diagnosed with narcolepsy and cataplexy in 2007. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Brown University in 2005 and her Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School in 2009.
Upon recognizing that many doctors were unfamiliar with narcolepsy, Julie collaborated with Harvard Medical School researchers in 2009 to establish a 5-hour educational program based on her story now taught to all Harvard Medical School students.
She is the author of “REM Runner” blog about running and living with narcolepsy. On April 19, 2010, Julie took on one of the greatest athletic challenges of her life, running the Boston Marathon. On June 16, 2012, she ran the steepest major road race in the U.S.A., the Mount Washington Road Race.
Julie has spoken about narcolepsy to scientific researchers, doctors, nurses, Harvard Medical students, NIH, FDA and CDC government officials and the general public. Her story has been featured by Marie Claire Magazine, ABC News, NBC Universal, Sirius XM Radio and the Discovery Channel. (View Press)
In 2011, Julie established the first SLEEP WALK in Washington DC and received the National Public Awareness Award from Narcolepsy Network. In December 2012, she published her inspirational memoir, “Wide Awake and Dreaming: A Memoir of Narcolepsy.”
Julie currently serves on NIH’s Sleep Disorder Research Advisory Board and is preparing to host the 3rd Annual National SLEEP WALK on March 3, 2013 to celebrate sleep health and sleep disorder awareness.
About Narcolepsy:
Narcolepsy is a neurological autoimmune sleep disorder in which the brain loses the ability to maintain normal sleep and wake states. Affects 1 in every 2,000 Americans (200,000-250,000 Americans). For more info: NARCOLEPSY QUICK FACTS.
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