Katie Maskey
Katie Maskey is a wife, advocate, volunteer, author, philanthropist, marketing specialist, state and national titleholder, and cat mom.
In 2004, a few months before taking the walk down the wedding aisle, Katie fell ill and underwent several lung surgeries. From that point on, she has lived with chronic rib cage pain. In 2021 Katie was diagnosed with a rare spinal disease. Because of her life experiences, Katie is passionate about raising awareness to shed light on those living with an invisible disability.
IDA Ambassador – Michigan
Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Katie Maskey married Russ in 2004 and they happily renewed their vows in 2014. She is forever grateful to have had such a supportive spouse on her journey of pain management. In 2021, Katie was diagnosed with Tarlov Cyst Disease, a rare disease that causes fluid-filled nerve root cysts to grow inside of the spinal nerves.
In 2022, Katie flew to Texas to work with one of only three TCD expert neurosurgeons to undergo a life changing operation. Since then, Katie has made it her mission to connect with others who share this same diagnosis to provide hope as they navigate this scary journey. Katie has been recovering well and even ran her first 5k!
You can usually find Katie volunteering for a community fundraiser, coordinating a fashion fundraiser event, recording videos, or networking with others who share her similar experience. Recently, Katie also published her first children’s book series, “Ferdinand with the Extra Toes,” stories about her polydactyl cat geared at teaching children about acceptance, inclusion and friendship. Learn more about her books at greencloverbooks.com.
Whether she’s volunteering, serving the non-profits, or helping others to rise above life’s challenges and overcome their own invisible disability, she is passionate about advocating for those who feel they are alone. As you can imagine, Katie is looking forward to spreading the “Invisible No More” message to everyone she encounters as an IDA Ambassador!
