Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanna Butler Gayle.
Hi Deanna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story has been written a lot differently than I could have imagined. Growing up in SC was a simple life with humble beginnings, but it was filled with a lot of love and life lessons. I learned how to survive and adjust to difficult things. My passion for music and sports gave me a creative outlet that developed discipline and perseverance.
Fast forward to my second year of college, I was shocked with an MS diagnosis at the age of nineteen. With the intent to pursue a career in the Computer Info Science field, I had to rethink a lot of things. Everything would be different now. I fought hard to maintain the person I was, but she was slowly fading. Some things that once brought me joy became uncomfortable because, in many cases, I still looked “normal” but struggled through pain and fatigue.
It had taken almost a decade for me to be more transparent about my experience, but I felt like an imposter because people really didn’t know me. I didn’t want to feel pity, but then again, I needed a little more grace and time if I wasn’t feeling the best. I decided to host an event that would raise awareness about MS while providing family-fun music and entertainment. My passion still gave me the courage to keep going and inspire others. In 2017, I began a monthly support group for people living with MS and their families in the East Atlanta area. Last year, it became an official non-profit organization called the “Stay Low Initiative,” which is dedicated to providing unwavering support to individuals and families affected by life-altering diseases.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has surely been bumpy and full of struggles, but that is expected in any situation. As a founder of a nonprofit and group leader, I am required to always lead and be strong, even when I feel like taking a step back. When there are a lot of people depending on you for support, it can be depleting. You must take time for yourself and find things and other people who bring you peace.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Stay Low Initiative is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting individuals and families affected by life-altering diseases. Although our origins lie in offering assistance specifically for individuals with multiple sclerosis, our mission has evolved to encompass anyone impacted by any life-altering disease or condition. We recognize that the hurdles faced when living with a chronic illness or disability can be daunting. Therefore, our organization is committed to delivering a wide range of comprehensive support, educational opportunities, and valuable resources to empower individuals and families as they navigate these complex challenges. Our primary objective is to establish and cultivate a supportive community where individuals and families can find solace, understanding, and the necessary tools to cope with the profound impact of life-altering diseases. Our offers include a wide spectrum of assistance, including but not limited to informational resources, home-based services, emotional support networks, livelihood opportunities, and practical counsel, which we tailor to the unique needs and circumstances of everyone.
This organization makes me proud because it’s evidence that you can take a bleak situation and turn it into a blessing for yourself and others. We want people diagnosed with any life-altering disease to feel seen, to feel loved, to be heard.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is that everyone is going through something, been through something or about to go through something. You must take a moment to humanize another person’s experience and see God in them. Forgive quickly and love hard.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.staylowcampaign.com
