Narcolepsy Network is pleased to welcome Desireé Gorbea-Finalet and Mike Heil to its Board of Directors. Both live with narcolepsy and bring valuable lived experience, strong advocacy backgrounds, and fresh perspectives to the organization as Narcolepsy Network prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

A native of Puerto Rico, and fluent in both English and Spanish, Desireé has an extensive background as a patient advocate. At Disability Rights North Carolina, she runs a program devoted to screening and training for brain injuries. She also monitors state prisons for appropriate treatment of disabled inmates, and sits on the American Red Cross National Ability Network Steering Committee to facilitate peer support for their Neurodiversity & Invisible Disability Groups.

Based in Arizona, Mike is a retirement planning consultant who has spent years as an ardent voice for the narcolepsy community. His advocacy work includes writing, podcasting, and moderating both live and virtual support groups. Mike has presented at Narcolepsy Network conferences and has frequently represented the sleep community during Rare Disease Week events in Washington, D.C.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Desireé and Mike to the board. Their energy and dedication in helping others who are living with narcolepsy will bring tremendous value as we evolve to further support the community, especially people who are newly diagnosed,” said Keith Harper, President of the Board, Narcolepsy Network. “The newly expanded Board of Directors is building strong momentum that will take us through 2026 and beyond. The highlights include significant progress in our search for a new Executive Director—whom we expect to introduce later this month.”