Born in St. Louis with a rare lymphatic disease, Amy Rivera spent more than 30 years searching for answers while living with the physical and emotional consequences of being misunderstood, dismissed, and unable to access appropriate care.

Her journey eventually required more than finding the correct diagnosis. Amy had to learn how to understand medical records, communicate with healthcare professionals, examine insurance coverage, respond to denials, and advocate for medically necessary treatment.

Today, Amy is a speaker, educator, patient advocate, NIH rare disease research participant, and founder of The Rivera Method. She brings together lived experience, evidence-based education, clinical collaboration, and practical advocacy to help patients and professionals better understand lymphatic disease and the barriers that prevent people from receiving care.

Amy speaks candidly about the realities of chronic illness while giving audiences practical tools, renewed hope, and a clearer path forward.