FAQs. Press. Awards. Events.
What is Optic Neuritis?
Optic Neuritis is an autoimmune response that inflames the optic nerve, sometimes causing irreversible damage to vision. Many diseases, disorders, and infections can cause Optic Neuritis. However, there are many people like Gina who have CRION or Idiopathic Optic Neuropathy with no official cause. Most people who suffer from Optic Neuritis attacks are treated with immunosuppressive drugs. These treatments are not guaranteed to work and can sometimes have harmful side effects. However, it is important to stop a patient’s attacks as too many attacks can lead to blindness. We are creating awareness as it is an invisible disease and many people grappling with Optic Neuritis appear totally healthy.
How does this all work?
What started out as a creative outlet turned into a passion project as well as Gina’s full-time job for several months. After much encouragement, she decided to make a book with a charitable piece. She wants you to know that it is a business and if there are profits left after covering all hard costs and donations, they will go to helping her cover some of the time invested and cover some of her medical expenses while she fighting to save her vision.
Who is Rafael?
Rafael’s papers say he is from China, but he says he is from Spain. His name, specifically spelled with an F, means God of Healing. He is Gina’s number one #Covidcompanion.
Who does this support?
For each book purchased, $5 of the book price will be donated to credible organizations that provide research and support for Optic Neuritis patients. Organizations chosen for the donation portion include:
- Dr. Sotirchos, Clinical and Research Director of the Johns Hopkins Neuromyelitis Optica Clinic
How to donate directly?
Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology
How do I follow along?
Check out Gina + Rafael on a regular basis on Instagram at @thenextprojectisme.
You should also probably sign-up on our mailing list here!
How to buy the book?
You can buy your copy here.
Who is Gina?
Gina Hessburg is a Minneapolis-based photo/video Producer, Art Buyer, and now, an Author with the new book, “Blowing Up”. She is passionate about c raising awareness for Optic Neuritis. She is also a patient. While the cause of her attacks remains undiagnosed, she works to save her own vision and to fight for an alternative to Prednisone.
Press. Events. Awards.
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AdFed The Show Gold Pin Award
Advertising agency Little & Company received the highest award for book design and branding. Design Director Tim Schumann was the creative behind the award-winning look of Blowing Up.
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What if an invisible disease blew up your life?
Gina talk about the correlation between autoimmune disorders and ACE’s (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and how her own experiences have affected her health. She also shares how Rafael came to be and what he really means to her on her own healing journey.
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Terrible, Thanks for Asking Podcast
Gina was interviewed by Nora McInerny on the podcast Terrible Thanks for Asking about how an undiagnosable autoimmune disorder has impacted her life and what solo travel means to her.
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Kickstarter Funded!
To fund about 65% of the hard costs of the project, Gina launched a grass roots campaign and successfully funded her $10,000 goal.
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Podcast: Wellness Evolution
Gina speaks about how she approaches her treatment protocol and defects in our healthcare system.
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MSP St. Paul Magazine
Blowing Up: Gina Hessburg Discusses Her Unlikely Quarantine Buddy
A Minneapolis creative producer shines a light on optic neuritis and the social isolation of the pandemic with her new pal Rafael. Article by Lauren Cutshell.
“Rafael asks why I stick with him during this strange time? I remind him he sticks with me...his plastic is sticky. He asks again, not changing his fastened expression. I don’t remind him, that at this juncture, while we isolate, I don’t have other options, rather I tell him he is 75% of the reward for only 5% of the work. He asks what work he requires other being told that he is handsome on a regular basis? I confess he is nearly weightless, but I almost pass out once a day bringing him to life.”