About SMASH
Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Help (SMASH) launched in 2020 to support patients who have been diagnosed with SMA Syndrome, and their loved ones. SMASH is supported by the Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Foundation.
About Katy
After ten years of chronic illness, Katy was diagnosed with Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in 2013.
Before receiving her diagnosis, Katy saw dozens of doctors about her painful condition and underwent a variety of unsuccessful treatments. Her gallbladder was removed and she underwent two exploratory surgeries to remove parts of her rib, surgical adhesions, and granulomas. Many patients with chronic illness suffer similarly difficult and lonely paths to their diagnosis.
Katy founded Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Help (SMASH) to make it easier for those who suffer from SMA Syndrome to join together, find their diagnosis, create a treatment plan, and become advocates.
Katy grew up in the beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains and now lives in Greenville, South Carolina. She is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She works as a strategy consultant in financial services transformation. In 2019, she was honored to be featured in Greenville Business Magazine’s Best & Brightest 35 and Under.
