Dillon Loomis- Head is a dear friend to Salem Oaks, a mental health advocate, a clinical trial participant, and a Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance Ambassador. The Salem Oaks team met Dillon a number of years ago and are thrilled to have him join the hosts of Raising Rare on this emotional episode to discuss his life experiences, clinical trial participation, and what it’s like living with FA (Friedreichs Ataxia). Dillon emotionally discusses his motivation for participation in clinical trials is the obligation to feel that this is how he can move forward research and can do better with his life.  

Mental Health advocacy has always been a focus and interest of Dillon’s. In this episode he discusses therapy, new endeavors to deal with his own mental health and emotions as well as stigmas around engaging in treatment for mental health including his own. He also touches on the importance of not only connecting with his own FA community as well as finding a therapist that understands his specific situation but also the lack of mental health research in the FA and rare disease community.

Dillon talks with the hosts about the new release of a treatment for FA and what his decision will be about taking it. This episode is emotional, inspiring, and really takes the decisions about treatment much deeper. We are honored to share this episode with you for Mental Health Awareness Month. This insightful patient experience and how Dillon is able to connect with our caregiver hosts is worth the listen and sharing with others.