Sandra D. Young of New Jersey, was diagnosed with late-onset Pompe disease in 2016. She received her doctorate in nonprofit management and leadership and serves on the board of the Pompe Alliance. Sandra reflects on her experiences and shares how she’s approached life with Pompe, encouraging others to consider what’s possible.

Don’t let Pompe be your demise. Don’t think just because you’ve been diagnosed with Pompe disease that it’s the end of the world or you’re prohibited from doing certain things. My motto is, “Anything’s possible even with Pompe.”

When I was diagnosed, I had long wanted to get a doctorate degree. And instead of me thinking, “Oh my God, I can’t do it now,” I was like, “Well, let me get on the horn.” So I enrolled that same year and I received my degree in 2022. It took me a little longer than I wanted it to, but I did it.

And you can do it, just sometimes a little slower. But we can still do the things that we strive to do. And we can still have dreams and aspirations with Pompe disease. It’s possible.