{"id":12803,"date":"2026-02-20T11:45:44","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T16:45:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/?p=12803"},"modified":"2026-02-23T06:47:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T11:47:24","slug":"olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/","title":{"rendered":"The Powerful Advocate Who Became a Lupus and Brain Injury Survivor"},"content":{"rendered":"

Meet: Olga Lucia Torres<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few weeks ago, while scrolling through Instagram, I came across a woman speaking about advocacy, medicine, and justice. Not from a podium, but from lived experience. There was something about her. Not loud. Not performative. Just grounded. She reminded me of me and what I’m doing here. Helping myself in hopes of helping others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Olga<\/a>
Olga Lucia Torres \u2014 public defender, advocate, survivor, and educator. A life of service, resilience, and purpose imagined.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After friending her, I realized she wasn\u2019t just an attorney. She wasn\u2019t just an advocate. She wasn\u2019t just a patient. She spent her career fighting for others in court, until a coma forced her to fight for her own voice. She was all of it \u2014 at once. And this is her story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Olga Lucia Torres, JD, MS<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where are you from and what was your childhood like?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I’m originally from Elmhurst, Queens, and Greenpoint, Brooklyn. I split my time between those two neighborhoods, though I also lived in other parts of Queens throughout my childhood. I split summers between Colombia, South America, and Levittown, Puerto Rico. My childhood was rich and diverse. I grew up a proud Latina. I am an only child on my mami\u2019s side and have half-siblings on my papi\u2019s side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I grew up with chronic illnesses, starting with asthma from infancy that caused frequent trips to the emergency room. My papi was a chronic smoker. But of course, we didn’t know then you shouldn’t smoke in the same room where your kid’s crib is located.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I spent a lot of time with my childhood friends playing tag and stickball. Right on the street between the parked cars, stopping traffic so we could finish our round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a teen, I only made it to 10th grade before dropping out. And went to work to help my mami and abuela. I was really lucky to earn my GED and get into a top college and law school. I had amazing opportunities. Don\u2019t tell my mami, but she was right: it paid off to be a good student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I didn\u2019t have any favorite extracurricular (activities). I loved being in the library, reading, writing, and advocating for others. I was involved in campus protests\u2014anything related to cuts in financial aid. It\u2019s no surprise I ended up as a public defender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TV and Music<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My favorite TV show is The Sopranos. My favorite type of music is Spanish music, like salsa and reggaeton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why law? Why public defense?<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I knew I wanted to be a public defender when I went to college. In the places where I grew up, I witnessed black and brown people being arrested. They were often targeted simply because of the color of their skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was fortunate that the scholarship I received to attend law school allowed me to do that. Since I didn\u2019t have to take on debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bronx Defenders<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I decided to go into appellate work after leaving law school. I wanted a strong foundation in criminal law and procedure before I started trying cases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the founder of The Bronx Defenders, Robin Steinberg, approached me with her vision for the office. It resonated with me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bronx Defenders would offer holistic representation to clients. I knew what a difference this would make in our clients\u2019 lives. The criminal injustice system is set up to keep people trapped in it. We could help break the cycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My favorite memories are of driving clients to rehab centers, reuniting family members, and meeting clients outside of jail because we had won their case<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shortened Law Career<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My law career ended due to an iatrogenic brain injury. Medical staff gave me too much hypertonic IV during a routine hydration admission after food poisoning. It took me six years of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation to re-learn to walk, talk, and take care of myself. All the basic things of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By then, I had held two legal jobs. I was not married. I was the sole caretaker of my mami. She had undergone one stem cell transplant and was preparing for a second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family Support<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was really lucky that my partner at the time chose to move to New York and be with me. We had only been dating for a year in a long-distance relationship, and after he moved to New York. We were together for half a year. Then I went into a coma. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When they thought, I was going to die, he stood by my mami\u2019s side. When I came out of the coma, he stood by our side and helped with my recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My family is extremely supportive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Olga<\/a>
Olga Lucia Torres with her husband and daughter<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Illness Rewrites the Script<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before the brain injury, I lived with asthma and a pituitary tumor. I also had hormone imbalances and diabetes insipidus resulting from the tumor. Additionally, I had lupus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the brain injury changed everything. I couldn\u2019t return to trial work. I practiced health law for a year and eventually found my way to narrative medicine. I now teach narrative medicine at Columbia University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advocacy beyond the courtroom<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I serve as one of 16 patient and caregiver representatives on the Patient Engagement Collaborative (PEC). Eight members appointed by the FDA and CTTI for two-year terms. In this role, I meet regularly with the FDA to provide input on medical product regulation. My focus is on improving communication, education, and patient engagement in the regulatory process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a member of the Advocacy Collaborative at the Patient Advocate Foundation, I join in a voluntary forum. In this forum, advocates exchange ideas. They give feedback on programs. Advocates also help design new initiatives. I contribute to monthly communications highlighting engagement opportunities and serve as a bilingual patient advocate, helping patients navigate assistance programs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the Lupus Foundation of America, I serve as the inaugural Northeast Region Advocacy Chair. I work as an ambassador across multiple LFA programs. I recruit and support volunteers for the Advocacy Committee. I also assist with organizational management. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also serve on the Advisory Board of Hear Your Song. The organization empowers children and teens with serious illnesses. It also helps those with complex health needs to make their voices heard through collaborative songwriting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, I chair the board of the Multicultural Media Correspondent’s Association. This organization addresses media diversity through thought leadership. It engages in strategic planning. It also creates platforms for measurable action and change in the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2024 Sandra C, Raymond Advocate of the Year Award<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sandra C. Raymond Advocate of the Year Award<\/strong>, presented by the Lupus Foundation of America, honors an individual. This person has demonstrated exceptional leadership. They show commitment and impact in advancing lupus advocacy. Named after the organization\u2019s longtime president and CEO, the award recognizes those who work tirelessly. They raise awareness and influence public policy. They also expand research efforts and improve the lives of people living with lupus. It is given to advocates whose dedication goes beyond personal experience. These are individuals who use their voice and skills. They create measurable change within the lupus community. – Rick<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Olga<\/a>
Olga Lucia Torres (center), recipient of the 2024 Sandra C. Raymond Advocate of the Year Award. She was recognized by the Lupus Foundation of America for her leadership and unwavering commitment to the lupus community.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From the 2024 Winner<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks healthy tissue anywhere in the body. It is your organs, your skin, your hair\u2014it\u2019s so unpredictable. It affects 1.5 million Americans, primarily women of childbearing age (between 15 and 44). 90% of those affected by lupus are women, primarily women of color. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winning the Sandra C. Raymond Advocate of the Year Award from the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) meant a lot to me. It is an award you never set out to win. You do advocacy work, whether for LFA or another organization, because you want to raise awareness of the disease. You also do it to raise funds for research. Additionally, you work toward finding a cure. But more importantly, you do it to be there for your fellow lupus warriors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No Mission Is Worth Losing Your Family<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reluctantly, I\u2019ve stepped down from boards and obligations to be present with my daughter and husband. I also felt the toll on my body. No amount of advocacy is worth it if I\u2019m working myself sick and alienating my family. Thankfully, they\u2019re my biggest cheerleaders, and I\u2019m learning to balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Do You Like Most About My Site?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The articles I\u2019ve enjoyed have stood out for their authenticity. You don\u2019t mince words, and people need to hear the truth. Living with these diseases isn\u2019t a slogan or a ribbon. It\u2019s the endless appointments, rushing to the ER when you spike a fever, and fighting with your insurance for coverage. Thank you for telling the difficult truths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Professional<\/a>
Rick Ollie \u2013 Author and Writer<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Author’s Note:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I first came across Olga<\/a><\/em><\/strong>, it wasn\u2019t her resume that stopped me. Though it\u2019s extraordinary, it was her steadiness that kept me there. The way she speaks about advocacy, illness, injustice, and survival without theatrics. Just truth. That grounded strength is what I attached to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We come from different neighborhoods with different career paths. Still, we understand what it means to have life interrupt the script. To build something meaningful, only to have illness walk in and rearrange the furniture. To sit in hospital rooms and realize the fight isn\u2019t theoretical anymore that it\u2019s personal is an amazing attribute. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know what it feels like to advocate not from a podium, but from experience. To learn that resilience isn\u2019t loud. It\u2019s quiet. It\u2019s paperwork. It\u2019s appointments. It\u2019s pushing through brain fog and fatigue and still choosing to show up. It\u2019s telling the truth even when it\u2019s uncomfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I admire most about Olga is that she didn\u2019t let illness erase her identity. Instead, she allowed it to expand her identity. She is still an advocate. Still a teacher. Still a voice for others. Just in a different courtroom now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And maybe that\u2019s the common thread between us. We are both learning that purpose doesn\u2019t disappear when life changes. It evolves. And if we\u2019re brave enough, it deepens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you, Olga for the wonderful interview and the time you spent working on it with me. I pray all continues to go well for you and life brings you the success you so deserve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider making a small donation to help keep my website afloat at JustMeRic<\/a>. And check out my Amazon Creator Storefront<\/a>. There you’ll see some of the awesome purchases I\u2019ve made and recommend. Yes, I earn a small commission when you shop there. You can also find all of my sites in one place on my Linktree<\/a> page. If you enjoy what you read here, please subscribe to my email list at the bottom of the page. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I knew I wanted to be a public defender when I went to college. Because where I grew up, I saw black and brown people being arrested simply because of the color of their skin.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":91886495,"featured_media":12900,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_first_post":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"Meeting Olga reminded me why I tell these stories. Her strength isn\u2019t loud, it\u2019s lived. From courtroom to hospital room, she\u2019s proof that purpose doesn\u2019t end when life changes.\n#LupusWarrior #BrainInjurySurvivor #PatientAdvocate #Resilience #ChronicIllness #Advocacy #HealthJustice #NarrativeMedicine","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2,"attached_media":[{"id":12905,"url":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/olga-insta-story-size.png","type":"image\/png"}]},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[770052863,770052862],"tags":[770054323,770054322,770052751,770054321,770054324,770054325,770052740,770054319,770054320],"class_list":["post-12803","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-meet-me","category-news","tag-advocate","tag-brain-injury","tag-interview","tag-latina","tag-lupus","tag-lupus-foundation-of-america","tag-meet-me","tag-olga-lucia-torres","tag-the-bronx-defenders"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Powerful Advocate Who Became a Lupus and Brain Injury Survivor - Rick Ollie<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Public defender Olga Lucia Torres shares how lupus and a brain injury transformed her into a national patient advocate and educator.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_MX\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Powerful Advocate Who Became a Lupus and Brain Injury Survivor - Rick Ollie\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Public defender Olga Lucia Torres shares how lupus and a brain injury transformed her into a national patient advocate and educator.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Rick Ollie\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ricollie\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-20T16:45:44+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-23T11:47:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/olga-sur-1024x683.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"683\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Rick Ollie\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@rickollie\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@rickollie\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Escrito por\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Rick Ollie\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Tiempo de lectura\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutos\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/20\\\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/20\\\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Rick Ollie\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/19a3c5a950011a084bed9bebcabf115a\"},\"headline\":\"The Powerful Advocate Who Became a Lupus and Brain Injury Survivor\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-20T16:45:44+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-23T11:47:24+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/20\\\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1864,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/20\\\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/rickollie.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/olga-sur.png?fit=1536%2C1024&ssl=1\",\"keywords\":[\"Advocate\",\"brain injury\",\"interview\",\"Latina\",\"Lupus\",\"Lupus Foundation of America\",\"Meet Me\",\"Olga Lucia Torres\",\"The Bronx Defenders\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Meet Me\",\"News\"],\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/20\\\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/20\\\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/20\\\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\\\/\",\"name\":\"The Powerful Advocate Who Became a Lupus and Brain Injury Survivor - Rick Ollie\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/20\\\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/20\\\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/rickollie.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/olga-sur.png?fit=1536%2C1024&ssl=1\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-20T16:45:44+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-23T11:47:24+00:00\",\"description\":\"Public defender Olga Lucia Torres shares how lupus and a brain injury transformed her into a national patient advocate and educator.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/20\\\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/20\\\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/20\\\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/rickollie.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/olga-sur.png?fit=1536%2C1024&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/rickollie.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/olga-sur.png?fit=1536%2C1024&ssl=1\",\"width\":1536,\"height\":1024,\"caption\":\"Olga Lucia Torres, JD, MS \u2014 public defender, advocate, and survivor whose journey through lupus and brain injury reshaped her life and deepened her impact.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/20\\\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"The Powerful Advocate Who Became a Lupus and Brain Injury Survivor\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/\",\"name\":\"Rick Ollie\",\"description\":\"Writer\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Rick Ollie\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/rickollie.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/IMG_62591.png?fit=1024%2C1024&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/rickollie.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/IMG_62591.png?fit=1024%2C1024&ssl=1\",\"width\":1024,\"height\":1024,\"caption\":\"Rick Ollie\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/ricollie\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/rickollie\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/rickollie\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.threads.net\\\/@rickollie\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tiktok.com\\\/@rickollie\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/19a3c5a950011a084bed9bebcabf115a\",\"name\":\"Rick Ollie\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/10b2bd775032026ddd183f8dc445cd824405c9dda0dae68c1ae29f9713fe30f3?s=96&d=identicon&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/10b2bd775032026ddd183f8dc445cd824405c9dda0dae68c1ae29f9713fe30f3?s=96&d=identicon&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/10b2bd775032026ddd183f8dc445cd824405c9dda0dae68c1ae29f9713fe30f3?s=96&d=identicon&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Rick Ollie\"},\"description\":\"Rick Ollie is a writer and storyteller whose work centers on resilience, self-worth, and the lived human experience. Through a growing body of online essays and articles, he explores themes of love, healing, creativity, and perseverance\u2014often at moments when life demands clarity, honesty, and courage. Rick publishes reflective, narrative-driven pieces shaped by both personal experience and cultural observation. His work includes thoughtful commentary on relationships, personal growth, health, and identity, as well as essays documenting his ongoing cancer journey with transparency and purpose. These articles are not written for spectacle, but to offer grounded insight and connection for readers navigating their own challenges. Influenced by Detroit\u2019s art, culture, and community, Rick\u2019s writing carries a strong sense of place while remaining universally relatable. His voice is direct, reflective, and measured\u2014balancing vulnerability with perspective and intention. Across his work, Rick consistently returns to one core belief: that meaningful, honest storytelling has the power to remind people of their value, foster connection, and encourage forward movement, even in difficult seasons\",\"sameAs\":[\"http:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/rickollie.com\\\/es\\\/author\\\/rickollie\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"The Powerful Advocate Who Became a Lupus and Brain Injury Survivor - Rick Ollie","description":"Public defender Olga Lucia Torres shares how lupus and a brain injury transformed her into a national patient advocate and educator.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/","og_locale":"es_MX","og_type":"article","og_title":"The Powerful Advocate Who Became a Lupus and Brain Injury Survivor - Rick Ollie","og_description":"Public defender Olga Lucia Torres shares how lupus and a brain injury transformed her into a national patient advocate and educator.","og_url":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/","og_site_name":"Rick Ollie","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ricollie","article_published_time":"2026-02-20T16:45:44+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-02-23T11:47:24+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":683,"url":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/olga-sur-1024x683.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Rick Ollie","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@rickollie","twitter_site":"@rickollie","twitter_misc":{"Escrito por":"Rick Ollie","Tiempo de lectura":"9 minutos"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/"},"author":{"name":"Rick Ollie","@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/#\/schema\/person\/19a3c5a950011a084bed9bebcabf115a"},"headline":"The Powerful Advocate Who Became a Lupus and Brain Injury Survivor","datePublished":"2026-02-20T16:45:44+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-23T11:47:24+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/"},"wordCount":1864,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rickollie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/olga-sur.png?fit=1536%2C1024&ssl=1","keywords":["Advocate","brain injury","interview","Latina","Lupus","Lupus Foundation of America","Meet Me","Olga Lucia Torres","The Bronx Defenders"],"articleSection":["Meet Me","News"],"inLanguage":"es","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/rickollie.com\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/","url":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/","name":"The Powerful Advocate Who Became a Lupus and Brain Injury Survivor - Rick Ollie","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rickollie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/olga-sur.png?fit=1536%2C1024&ssl=1","datePublished":"2026-02-20T16:45:44+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-23T11:47:24+00:00","description":"Public defender Olga Lucia Torres shares how lupus and a brain injury transformed her into a national patient advocate and educator.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"es","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/rickollie.com\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"es","@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rickollie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/olga-sur.png?fit=1536%2C1024&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rickollie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/olga-sur.png?fit=1536%2C1024&ssl=1","width":1536,"height":1024,"caption":"Olga Lucia Torres, JD, MS \u2014 public defender, advocate, and survivor whose journey through lupus and brain injury reshaped her life and deepened her impact."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/2026\/02\/20\/olga-torres-lupus-brain-injury-advocate\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"The Powerful Advocate Who Became a Lupus and Brain Injury Survivor"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/","name":"Rick Ollie","description":"Writer","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"es"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/#organization","name":"Rick Ollie","url":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"es","@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rickollie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_62591.png?fit=1024%2C1024&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rickollie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_62591.png?fit=1024%2C1024&ssl=1","width":1024,"height":1024,"caption":"Rick Ollie"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ricollie","https:\/\/x.com\/rickollie","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/rickollie\/","https:\/\/www.threads.net\/@rickollie","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@rickollie"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/#\/schema\/person\/19a3c5a950011a084bed9bebcabf115a","name":"Rick Ollie","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"es","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/10b2bd775032026ddd183f8dc445cd824405c9dda0dae68c1ae29f9713fe30f3?s=96&d=identicon&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/10b2bd775032026ddd183f8dc445cd824405c9dda0dae68c1ae29f9713fe30f3?s=96&d=identicon&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/10b2bd775032026ddd183f8dc445cd824405c9dda0dae68c1ae29f9713fe30f3?s=96&d=identicon&r=g","caption":"Rick Ollie"},"description":"Rick Ollie is a writer and storyteller whose work centers on resilience, self-worth, and the lived human experience. Through a growing body of online essays and articles, he explores themes of love, healing, creativity, and perseverance\u2014often at moments when life demands clarity, honesty, and courage. Rick publishes reflective, narrative-driven pieces shaped by both personal experience and cultural observation. His work includes thoughtful commentary on relationships, personal growth, health, and identity, as well as essays documenting his ongoing cancer journey with transparency and purpose. These articles are not written for spectacle, but to offer grounded insight and connection for readers navigating their own challenges. Influenced by Detroit\u2019s art, culture, and community, Rick\u2019s writing carries a strong sense of place while remaining universally relatable. His voice is direct, reflective, and measured\u2014balancing vulnerability with perspective and intention. Across his work, Rick consistently returns to one core belief: that meaningful, honest storytelling has the power to remind people of their value, foster connection, and encourage forward movement, even in difficult seasons","sameAs":["http:\/\/rickollie.com"],"url":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/author\/rickollie\/"}]}},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rickollie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/olga-sur.png?fit=1536%2C1024&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6xWjK-3kv","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12803","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/91886495"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12803"}],"version-history":[{"count":50,"href":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12803\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12960,"href":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12803\/revisions\/12960"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12900"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12803"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12803"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12803"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}