This episode is a thorough presentation of Graves' Disease from Kimberly Dorris, an educator and expert, and also a patient.  In this episode, listeners will gain a thorough understanding of a disease that is often confused with other diagnosis.  

Kimberly Dorris is the Executive Director and CEO of the Graves' Disease and Thyroid Foundation, a small nonprofit organization based in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. She began working with the GDATF as a volunteer in 2010, and took over day-to-day management of the Foundation in 2011.  

​Her responsibilities include organizing patient education events in various locations throughout the U.S.A., managing the Foundation's social media sites, producing print and electronic communications, seeking grant funding, and providing support for patients via phone, e-mail, and an online support forum.  ​ ​She also leads a monthly patient support group meeting in Phoenix, AZ.   ​Ms. Dorris has a unique perspective on thyroid dysfunction, having lived with both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.  She was diagnosed with Graves' disease in 2007 and took methimazole for seven years.   ​A​pproximately 18 months after stopping the methimazole, she became hypothyroid and is currently taking replacement hormone.  ​   Ms. Dorris received a B.A. from the University of Arizona in 1990 and an M.B.A. from Belmont University in Nashville in 1990.  ​P​rior to joining the GDATF, she spent  ​8 years with Mercury Nashville Records, a year with KPMG Consulting, and ​ 10 years with a community bank, including a two-year term as chairman of the company’s Charitable Giving Committee.   NOTES & RESOURCES: GDATFWebsite:  http://gdatf.org/ GDATF Online Support Forum: http://gdatf.org/forum/ Reading List: http://gdatf.org/about/about-graves-disease/reading-list-for-patients/  Recommended Links: http://gdatf.org/about/about-graves-disease/links/ GDATF YouTube Site (includes free videos on Graves' disease, autoimmunity, and thyroid eye disease): https://www.youtube.com/user/GravesAndThyroid   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gdatf   Twitter: @GDATF   Patients and family members can also e-mail the Graves' Disease Foundation at [email protected] or call toll-free 877-643-3123.