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Posted by: The Sumaira Foundation in NMO, Patient, Voices of NMO
Born and raised in Tokyo, Mamiko Sakaida always loved singing and wanted to become an opera singer. In pursuit of her making her dreams come true, she studied opera in Bologna, Italy, where she trained with the best of the best in her industry.
Mamiko’s life suddenly and drastically changed in 2016 when she became paralyzed from the chest down and diagnosed with NMOSD. After spending months in rehab, Mamiko decided to shift her attitude to a more “peaceful” state to continue pursuing her dreams. She eventually returned to the stage as an opera singer and continues to do what she loves.
Mamiko looks at NMO as the newest chapter and challenge in her life. In 2020, she organized the 1st NMOSD Patient Day in Japan and created 日本視神経脊髄炎患者会 Japan NMOSD Network, the country’s first organization dedicated to neuromyelitis optica. She’s also learning English to effectively communicate with other patients around the world
Watch Mamiko’s NMO story in 3 languages:
