Kasey Gary’s Story

Kasey’s rare disease journey began on October 29, 2017, when she was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. Bell's Palsy is a nerve disorder which causes facial muscle weakness or paralysis. For most individuals symptoms resolve on their own within six months. However, Kasey is one of the rare few whose symptoms did not resolve. She is now left with permanent facial paralysis due to her Bell's Palsy. As is often the case with rare disease, she developed a thirst for knowledge about this condition, and has become a self proclaimed advocate for those living with permanent facial paralysis. Kasey considers herself lucky to have found a specialist in her hometown. After finding hope through a specialist, Kasey developed a passion to make that hope possible for others walking the lonely road of a rare diagnosis. Ashley and Kasey have been friends for over fifteen years. When Ashley brought the idea to Kasey, Garage 10 was born, and together they are striving to make change for those with rare diseases.