Elaine Ben-Yaacov
Elaine Ben-Yaacov is a clinical social worker with experience in the fields of dementia care and the autism spectrum. She contracted RHS in 2024, an experience that impacted her to write a medical memoir, available on Amazon. She is a proud mom of five and grandmother of nine.
Amy Sameck
Amy Sameck was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome in November 2019. That experience led her into advocacy work with the Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Foundation, where she has supported others navigating facial paralysis. She ran the collaborative book project The Hunt for My Smile, which brought together 24 authors from seven countries sharing their experiences with facial paralysis. Amy is also the founder of Abundantly Seen Consulting, based in Lithia, Florida, where she lives with her two sons.
Imaobong Ndon
Imaobong Ndon is a Bell’s palsy survivor, advocate, and support-group facilitator based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She works in the financial services industry. After experiencing facial paralysis in 2018 and navigating years of treatment, synkinesis, and recovery, she turned her journey into a mission to encourage others affected by facial paralysis, including Bell’s palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
Through her support group and personal message, “My smile is in construction,” Imaobong creates a compassionate space where others can connect, share their experiences, and find hope throughout the healing process.
Julie Berg
What started as an earache led to a Ramsey Hunt syndrome diagnosis and a year spent chasing every treatment and specialist I could find. As an LCSW and mom of three, I threw everything I had into fixing my face — and eventually into learning how to live fully with it instead. A 12-hour surgery in 2022 helped, though it isn’t a cure. Ramsey Hunt is part of me now, and I’m here to help you keep going too.
Melanie Albin
My first experience with Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome was in the summer of 2013. Because my diagnosis came late, I ended up with complete left vestibular damage and vertigo, and after 18 months my facial paralysis only improved from 84% to 64%. The nerve damage caused intense pain in my eye and face. Due to a blood disorder, I’ve had three more episodes since then. I was able to walk and drive again after working with a physical therapist specializing in vestibular rehabilitation. I also drew on my skills as a marriage and family therapist to cope with the lifestyle and physical changes that came as a result of RHS.