Mickey Melba Young-McMiller

About Mickey Melba Young-McMiller

Mickey Melba Young-McMiller serves as Honorary President and CEO of the Mickey Melba Autoimmune Research Foundation. Mickey peacefully went to sleep on March 5, 2023, transitioning at the young age of 17. Mickey had a variation of multiple autoimmune disorders, which is extremely rare. Her battle with autoimmunity began at the age of 8 years old. Mickey had been in and out of hospitals and specialty clinics due to the ongoing misdiagnosis conveyed.

From cancer testing to spinal taps, genetic testing, biopsies, and many more invasive procedures that Mickey had to endure, their goal was that other young children would not have to go through years of chronic pain and racial disparities in healthcare. Being so frustrated with the healthcare system, at the age of 13, after many unclear diagnoses and a lack of provided pain management, Mickey began to research her own Eastern and Natural Herb remedies.

However, Mickey never complained nor let these unfortunate circumstances hinder her progress. Mickey was a bright light of support for many and loved every person she encountered. Not only did Mickey graduate high school early at the age of 16, but at 17 years old, she began the Veterinary program at Carrington College in Phoenix, AZ. Mickey lived life at an accelerated pace, knowing that her body was failing her daily, but she always saw the bright side of everything. Mickey's mission continues to be to support and help bring awareness of autoimmune disease, especially defining the gap of women of color on the autoimmune journey of diagnosis.