Melissa Adams VanHouten is a wife, mother, and former university political science instructor and corporate trainer who holds a B.S. in Political Science from St. Joseph’s College and an M.A. in Political Science from Indiana State University. After being diagnosed with gastroparesis in February of 2014, she became a passionate advocate for those in her community who feel voiceless and ignored.
Melissa currently serves as the Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders (AGMD) Public Policy and Outreach Director. She is the co-author of the book, “Real Life Diaries: Living with Gastroparesis,” has contributed and co-authored articles to scientific journals, has spoken at illness-related conferences, and manages several online patient support and advocacy groups, the largest of which serves more than 57,000 members. She spends her days advancing the cause of those who struggle with the sometimes devastating and life-altering effects of gastroparesis, and it is her fondest desire to empower others to advocate for awareness, better treatments, and, ultimately, cures.
