I Am Not My Pain with Melissa Adams

Continuing our throwback to S1E21 with warrior, Samantha Moss. Listen in as Sam shares more about how she finds acceptance and embraces her new life as a patient advocate, blogger, podcaster, and author, with her biggest passion being her global Facebook support group called, Medical Musings with Friends; now 1,800 members strong. To learn more about Samantha Moss or her new book, you can visit her blog, "My Medical Musings"  https://mymedmusings.com/ or listen to her Podcast, "Medical Musings With Sam" https://anchor.fm/my-medical-musings. 

We are throwing back to S1E20 with warrior, Samantha Moss. Sam had a successful management career in financial services until 2014, when she had a severe bowel prolapse resulting in a permanent colostomy. Many diagnoses followed including a complex idiopathic Rare Bone Disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Sam constantly struggles with pathological broken bones and a future filled with unpredictability. Tune in to hear Sam’s amazing story of finding acceptance and embracing her new life as a patient advocate, blogger, podcaster, and author, with her biggest passion being her global Facebook support group called, Medical Musings with Friends. To learn more about Samantha Moss or her new book, you can visit her blog, "My Medical Musings"  https://mymedmusings.com/ or listen to her Podcast, "Medical Musings With Sam" https://anchor.fm/my-medical-musings. 

Continuing our conversation with warrior, Jenny Jones from S1E27. Jenny lives with two rare, chronic conditions called Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Short Bowel Syndrome and more recently was diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Esophageal Dysmotility. Due to FAP, she underwent a total colectomy at age nine. Complications resulted in six additional surgeries and an eighth surgery to remove her gall bladder. Her genetics and additional factors led Jenny to decide not to have biological children. As fate would have it, she ended up becoming a very involved auntie to her twin nieces and stepmom to her bonus son. Listen to Part Two as Jenny discusses when and how she shares a health crisis with her bonus kid, how she addresses the challenges from her health limitations and being a stepmom and auntie, and more. To learn more about Jenny Jones, her blog, YouTube vlog, children’s book, Life’s a Polyp with Zeke and Katie or to support The National Organization for Rare Disorders Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Research Fund, go to her website at https://www.lifesapolyp.com. 

Let’s catch up with warrior, Jenny Jones from S1E27. Jenny lives with two rare, chronic conditions called Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Short Bowel Syndrome and more recently was diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Esophageal Dysmotility. Due to FAP, she underwent a total colectomy at age nine. Complications resulted in six additional surgeries and an eighth surgery to remove her gall bladder. Her genetics and additional factors led Jenny to decide not to have biological children. As fate would have it, she ended up becoming a very involved auntie to her twin nieces and stepmom to her bonus son. Tune in to Part One as Jenny fills us in on her health journey, shares her decision on kids and how she manages her many conditions as a stepmom and auntie. To learn more about Jenny Jones, her blog, YouTube vlog, children’s book, Life’s a Polyp with Zeke and Katie or to support The National Organization for Rare Disorders Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Research Fund, go to her website at https://www.lifesapolyp.com.

Finishing our conversation with warrior, Jenny McPherson. Jenny has lived with chronic migraine disease for over forty years. During that time, she has spent tens of thousands of dollars even with insurance to treat her disease including Botox, many different medications, treatments, and even migraine surgery. Jenny spends her days juggling life as a contracts professional working for an aerospace company and mother while managing the before, during, or after of a migraine attack. Listen to Part Three as Jenny shares how one can join the cause to fight for chronic migraine disease as well as find support and the benefit of advocacy in her life. To learn about Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy, go to https://allianceforheadacheadvocacy.org/ and to learn about brain donation, go to https://hbtrc.mclean.harvard.edu/.  

Continuing our conversation with warrior, Jenny McPherson. Jenny has lived with chronic migraine disease for over forty years. During that time, she has spent tens of thousands of dollars even with insurance to treat her disease including Botox, many different medications, treatments, and even migraine surgery. Jenny spends her days juggling life as a contracts professional working for an aerospace company and mother while managing the before, during, or after of a migraine attack. Tune in to Part Two as Jenny discusses a treatment decision which she later regretted, balancing her life with chronic migraine disease including her mental health and why she decided to get involved in advocating for chronic migraine disease. To learn about  Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy, go to https://allianceforheadacheadvocacy.org/ and to learn about brain donation, go to https://hbtrc.mclean.harvard.edu/. 

Meet warrior, Jenny McPherson. Jenny has lived with chronic migraine disease for over forty years. During that time, she has spent tens of thousands of dollars even with insurance to treat her disease including Botox, many different medications, treatments, and even migraine surgery. Jenny spends her days juggling life as a contracts professional working for an aerospace company and mother while managing the before, during, or after of a migraine attack. Listen to Part One as Jenny shares her story, her experience with handling her expensive treatments, and the difficulties in deciding when to take her rescue medicine. To learn about Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy, go to https://allianceforheadacheadvocacy.org/ and to learn about brain donation, go to https://hbtrc.mclean.harvard.edu/.

Finishing our conversation with warrior, Aunia Kahn. Aunia’s journey with illness started at birth. Her symptoms were overlooked until Aunia began her search for answers at nineteen. Twenty years passed but with determination, Aunia was eventually diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Type 3, Dysautonomia, Mast Cell Disease, POTS, PTSD, Craniocervical Instability, Hiatal Hernia, Dysphagia, Vocal Cord Dysfunction, Neurodiversity, and Esophageal Dysmotility. Listen as in Part Three Aunia explains how she manages the fear of the unknown, how she became an accidental entrepreneur and how being visible with her disability has changed her career and life. Aunia is a remarkable artist and photographer and a proud and certified disabled business owner of a values-first web design SEO and digital marketing agency called Rise Visible. Rise Visible has been named Top-Ranking Woman-Owned Digital Agency by Clutch and has created the Rise Above Be Visible Podcast offering strategies and tips to help other small businesses and entrepreneurs. She is also the founder of Create for Healing and co-owner of Finch & Flare Treasures. To learn more about Aunia Kahn’s art or photography, go to ⁠https://auniakahn.com⁠, for Rise Visible or the Rise Above Be Visible Podcast, go to ⁠https://risevisible.com⁠, for Finch & Flare, go to ⁠https://finchandflare.com/⁠ and for Create for Healing, go to ⁠https://createforhealing.com/⁠. 

Continuing our conversation with warrior, Aunia Kahn. Aunia’s journey with illness started at birth. Her symptoms were overlooked until Aunia began her search for answers at nineteen. Twenty years passed but with determination, Aunia was eventually diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Type 3, Dysautonomia, Mast Cell Disease, POTS, PTSD, Craniocervical Instability, Hiatal Hernia, Dysphagia, Vocal Cord Dysfunction, Neurodiversity, and Esophageal Dysmotility. Tune in to Part Two as Aunia discusses her thoughts on toxic positivity, more on her process of acceptance and how she kept going to find her diagnoses. Aunia is a remarkable artist and photographer and a proud and certified disabled business owner of a values-first web design SEO and digital marketing agency called Rise Visible. Rise Visible has been named Top-Ranking Woman-Owned Digital Agency by Clutch and has created the Rise Above Be Visible Podcast offering strategies and tips to help other small businesses and entrepreneurs. She is also the founder of Create for Healing and co-owner of Finch & Flare Treasures. To learn more about Aunia Kahn’s art or photography, go to ⁠https://auniakahn.com⁠, for Rise Visible or the Rise Above Be Visible Podcast, go to ⁠https://risevisible.com⁠, for Finch & Flare, go to ⁠https://finchandflare.com/⁠ and for Create for Healing, go to ⁠https://createforhealing.com/⁠. 

Meet warrior, Aunia Kahn. Aunia’s journey with illness started at birth. Her symptoms were overlooked until Aunia began her search for answers at nineteen. Twenty years passed but with determination, Aunia was eventually diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Type 3, Dysautonomia, Mast Cell Disease, POTS, PTSD, Craniocervical Instability, Hiatal Hernia, Dysphagia, Vocal Cord Dysfunction, Neurodiversity, and Esophageal Dysmotility. Listen as in Part One Aunia shares her story and how acceptance of her conditions, her situation and herself has given her strength and fuels her passion for her art, her business and her life’s purpose. Aunia is a remarkable artist and photographer and a proud and certified disabled business owner of a values-first web design SEO and digital marketing agency called Rise Visible. Rise Visible has been named Top-Ranking Woman-Owned Digital Agency by Clutch and has created the Rise Above Be Visible Podcast offering strategies and tips to help other small businesses and entrepreneurs. She is also the founder of Create for Healing and co-owner of Finch & Flare Treasures. To learn more about Aunia Kahn’s art or photography, go to https://auniakahn.com, for Rise Visible or the Rise Above Be Visible Podcast, go to https://risevisible.com, for Finch & Flare, go to https://finchandflare.com/ and for Create for Healing, go to https://createforhealing.com/. 

Continuing our conversation with warrior, Tracy Marie. Tracy was born with a very rare, progressive life-long disease called Morquio Type A Syndrome. The syndrome causes cellular damage due to a missing enzyme. Even with all her health challenges and being misdiagnosed until 2017, Tracy forges ahead as a singer, songwriter, producer, and sound engineer who has recorded and produced numerous albums and travelled around the country performing with jazz legends like Stanley Jordan or the legendary drummer, Buddy Miles. Tracy knows firsthand the downfalls in implementing the criteria in the Americans with Disability Act and has taken tremendous strides to fight for herself and others with disabilities and rare conditions by advocating for ADA coordinators and by volunteering at her local government as co-chair of the ADA Transition Plan Task Force and at her local hospital as co-chair of the MetroHealth Patient Family Advisory Committee. As of 2021, Tracy has also been working with RAMPD, Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities, to make the music industry more accessible and to continue her advocacy work on a national level. In Part Two, tune in as Tracy dives into the challenges in getting her city ADA compliant and more about her important advocacy work. Tracy hopes to raise awareness on existing ADA compliancy issues and helps to share the steps we can all take to address them. To learn more about Tracy Marie, go to her website at https://tracymarie.com and go to https://archive.ada.gov/pcatoolkit/chap2toolkit.htm to find the ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State and Local Governments. This step-by-step kit can help you begin the process of advocating for ADA compliancy in your area.   

Meet warrior, Tracy Marie. Tracy was born with a very rare, progressive life-long disease called Morquio Type A Syndrome. The syndrome causes cellular damage due to a missing enzyme. Even with all her health challenges and being misdiagnosed until 2017, Tracy forges ahead as a singer, songwriter, producer, and sound engineer who has recorded and produced numerous albums and travelled around the country performing with jazz legends like Stanley Jordan or the legendary drummer, Buddy Miles. Tracy knows firsthand the downfalls in implementing the criteria in the Americans with Disability Act and has taken tremendous strides to fight for herself and others with disabilities and rare conditions by advocating for ADA coordinators and by volunteering at her local government as co-chair of the ADA Transition Plan Task Force and at her local hospital as co-chair of the MetroHealth Patient Family Advisory Committee. As of 2021, Tracy has also been working with RAMPD, Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities, to make the music industry more accessible and to continue her advocacy work on a national level. In Part One, listen as Tracy shares her story and her opinion on the current ADA compliance issues.  To learn more about Tracy Marie, go to her website at https://tracymarie.com and go to https://archive.ada.gov/pcatoolkit/chap2toolkit.htm to find the ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State and Local Governments. This step-by-step kit can help you begin the process of advocating for ADA compliancy in your area.   

Continuing our conversation with warrior, Jewel Dukes. After experiencing unexplained, rapid weight gain, extreme fatigue, mini-strokes and various other symptoms in 2021, Jewel began the difficult journey to find her proper diagnosis of Cushing’s Disease. This rare condition required pituitary surgery and caused her to become adrenally insufficient. Two major adrenal crises, several ER visits, and other health complications and comorbidities such as Lipedema, Arthritis, Sickle Cell Trait, and Spinal Stenosis soon followed. Tune in to Part Two as Jewel discusses her best treatment options, her suggestions for the recently diagnosed and her wish for others to understand about living with Cushing’s Disease and other rare conditions including the Rare Compassion Program. This program offers a unique opportunity for rare disease patients to share their experience with a medical student. To learn more about The Rare Compassion Program, go  https://globalgenes.org/participate/rare-compassion-program/ and to learn more about Jewel Dukes, go to her social media @thelipedemacushie on Instagram and @Jewel Dukes on Facebook.

Meet warrior, Jewel Dukes. After experiencing unexplained, rapid weight gain, extreme fatigue, mini-strokes and various other symptoms in 2021, Jewel began the difficult journey to find her proper diagnosis of Cushing’s Disease. This rare condition required pituitary surgery and caused her to become adrenally insufficient. Two major adrenal crises, several ER visits, and other health complications and comorbidities such as Lipedema, Arthritis, Sickle Cell Trait, and Spinal Stenosis soon followed. In Part One, listen as Jewel shares her health journey including her diagnosis discovery and all her comorbidities. Jewel wishes to raise awareness on Cushing’s Disease and all the facets of living with chronic illness through her social media, various podcasts and by participating in the Rare Compassion Program. The Rare Compassion Program by Global Genes offers the opportunity for rare disease patients to share their disease and experience with a medical student. To learn more about The Rare Compassion Program, go  https://globalgenes.org/participate/rare-compassion-program/ and to learn more about Jewel Dukes, go to her social media @thelipedemacushie on Instagram and @Jewel Dukes on Facebook. 

Meet warrior, Erin Paterson. Erin tested gene positive for Huntington’s Disease in her early thirties. After her life-changing diagnosis, Erin naturally began suffering from depression and also received the news she was infertile. Despite everything, she was determined to expand her family and to enjoy a meaningful life. Erin is now a proud mom, author, speaker, and international Huntington’s Disease advocate. Her work has appeared in two anthologies, and has been published on over ten different sites.  She wrote a monthly column for Huntington’s Disease News, and facilitated her new book including recruiting people to share their stories, coaching them through the writing process, finding sponsors, and publishing the book. She is a public speaker sharing her story both locally and internationally including at a recent conference for the Huntington’s Disease Youth Organization. Listen to Part Two as Erin shares her thoughts for others diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease, her recommendations to loved ones as well as medical staff caring for HD patients and about her new book and its impact on her life. To learn more about Erin Paterson, go to https://www.erinpaterson.com and find her memoir on Amazon at All Good Things: A Story About Genetic Testing, Infertility and One Woman’s Relentless Search for Happiness or her new book on Amazon at Huntington’s Disease Heroes: Inspiring Stories of Resilience from the HD Community.

Meet warrior, Erin Paterson. Erin tested gene positive for Huntington’s Disease in her early thirties. After her life-changing diagnosis, Erin naturally began suffering from depression and also received the news she was infertile. Despite everything, she was determined to expand her family and to enjoy a meaningful life. Erin is now a proud mom, author, speaker, andinternational Huntington’s Disease advocate. Her work has appeared in two anthologies, and has been published on over ten different sites. She wrote a monthly column for Huntington’s Disease News, and facilitated her new book including recruiting people to share their stories, coaching them through the writing process, finding sponsors, and publishing the book. She is a public speaker sharing her story both locally and internationally including at a recent conference for the Huntington’s Disease Youth Organization. Tune in to Part One as Erin dives into managing the aftermath of her diagnoses as well as being a caregiver for her father who is currently living with the debilitating symptoms of Huntington’s Disease. To learn more about Erin Paterson, go to https://www.erinpaterson.com and find her memoir on Amazon at All Good Things: A Story About Genetic Testing, Infertility and One Woman’s Relentless Search for Happiness or her new book on Amazon at Huntington’s Disease Heroes: Inspiring Stories of Resilience from the HD Community.

Meet warrior, Irene S. Roth. Irene is a full-time writer, blogger, online teacher, and writing mentor coach. Irene has managed chronic pain from osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic migraine disease, and more for the past twenty-five years. Barely functioning due to the debilitating pain, Irene was determined to not let the pain from her osteoarthritis defeat her. She educated herself and implemented a self-management plan allowing herself to not only function but thrive despite her pain. Through her writing, Irene teaches, encourages, and spreads her message of hope to the chronic pain community. In Part Two, listen as she shares her treatment suggestions and self-management tips for managing the ever-changing symptoms of arthritis and other chronic conditions. To learn more about Irene S. Roth, go to her Smashwords e-books including Living Well with Chronic Illness, The Emotionally Resilient Arthritis Sufferer, Tips to Successful Chronic Pain Management, How to Pace Yourself Despite Migraine Attacks or her blogs including https://livingwellwitharthritis.wordpress.com and the I Am Not My Pain Podcast blog at https://chronicpainwarriorsblog.ca.

Meet warrior, Irene S. Roth. Irene is a full-time writer, blogger, online teacher, and writing mentor coach. Irene has managed chronic pain from osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic migraine disease, and more for the past twenty-five years. Barely functioning due to the debilitating pain, Irene was determined to not let the pain from her osteoarthritis defeat her. She educated herself and implemented a self-management plan allowing herself to not only function but thrive despite her pain. Through her writing, Irene teaches, encourages, and spreads her message of hope to the chronic pain community. In Part One, tune in as she discusses how a pain in her toe began her incredible journey with osteoarthritis and its comorbidities. To learn more about Irene S. Roth, go to her Smashwords e-books including Living Well with Chronic Illness, The Emotionally Resilient Arthritis Sufferer, Tips to Successful Chronic Pain Management, How to Pace Yourself Despite Migraine Attacks or her blogs including https://livingwellwitharthritis.wordpress.com and the I Am Not My Pain Podcast blog at https://chronicpainwarriorsblog.ca.

Meet warrior, Marc Hoberman. Marc is a certified life coach, creator and host of the talk show: Life Stories with Marc Hoberman, motivational speaker/trainer, bestselling author, and study skills expert. At 16, Marc began suffering from epilepsy and later in his life from type 2 diabetes. Marc understands the struggles chronic illness can bring, especially at a young age. Listen as Marc shares how epilepsy presented an opportunity to connect with himself on a deep level, to learn valuable coping skills and above all, to utilize this knowledge to help others. Marc has authored and co-authored many books including his bestseller Opportunity In Disguise: How I Defeated Adversity sold online and in select bookstores and through his various passions strives to educate and uplift teens and parents to navigate life challenges such as illness, bullying, peer pressure, anxiety and depression. To learn more about Marc Hoberman, go to https://www.marchoberman.com/ or for his Grade Success educational tools, go to https://gradesuccess.com. 

Meet warrior, Larissa Martin. Larissa was born 26 weeks premature. She has Cerebral Palsy along with an intellectual disability and is an amputee requiring use of a wheelchair. Larissa is an activist, an advocate and an independent self-published author who has written Dear Anxiety: Letters from a Girl Who Cares and Stories from People who Suffer with Anxiety. She has been published and republished in numerous magazines and digital outlets such as The Mighty, Unwritten Magazine, Yahoo, and MSN. By sharing her life and perspective, Larissa hopes to expand people’s understanding of the true and complex nature of living life with disabilities. Tune in as Larissa explains the challenges, she faces day-to-day from simply opening a door to traveling, how she manages her mental health and the importance of listening and conversing with the disabled community. To learn more about Larissa Martin or her writing, go to https://www.larissaswriting.com.  

Continuing our conversation with warrior, Lydia Joy Launderville. Lydia is a freelance writer specializing in health and lifestyle, a ghostwriter, a blogger, an advocate, and a full-time Reading Interventionist for elementary children. Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Migraine, Raynaud's syndrome, and a host of other conditions, Lydia entered the dating world while still discovering her diagnoses and how to manage her various symptoms. Through each relationship, Lydia has grown to understand her conditions and what she needs in her partner and for her health. Tune in to Part Two as Lydia discusses managing her health including doctor appts and flare ups while in a relationship, how she took care of herself during a breakup and how past and present romantic relationships have given her a deeper understanding of herself, her health and life. Lydia reminds all chronic illness warriors that you are so much more than your disease and are deserving of love. To learn more about Lydia Joy Launderville or her writing, go to https://lydiajoylaunderville.wordpress.com.  

Meet warrior, Lydia Joy Launderville. Lydia is a freelance writer specializing in health and lifestyle, a ghostwriter, a blogger, an advocate, and a full-time Reading Interventionist for elementary children. Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Migraine, Raynaud's syndrome, and a host of other conditions, Lydia entered the dating world while still discovering her diagnoses and how to manage her various symptoms. Through each relationship, Lydia has grown to understand her conditions and what she needs in her partner and for her health. Listen to Part One as Lydia shares her story as well as her dating history including how she manages the challenges of dating when chronically sick and how she supports her health above all. Lydia reminds all chronic illness warriors that you are so much more than your disease and are deserving of love. To learn more about Lydia Joy Launderville or her writing, go to  https://lydiajoylaunderville.wordpress.com. 

Continuing our conversation with warrior, Carole Griffitts and her husband, FJ. Carole and FJ were happily married with two young sons when a severe, disabling back injury at work in 1978 began Carole’s 44-year journey with invisible disabilities. Carole was later diagnosed with post-polio syndrome in 1985, dystonia in 2005 and Sjogren’s syndrome in 2009. Her neuromuscular conditions interact with each other causing weakness, pain, spasms, and fatigability. Carole and FJ were forced to acclimate to their new roles. Listen as in Part Two this husband-and-wife duo share more on adapting to Carole’s ever evolving health challenges, their advice for the chronically ill and their significant other, and how they find hope and purpose especially through their compelling book. To learn more about Carole and FJ and their book, Sunbreaks in Unending Storms, go to https://sunbreaksbooks.com/.  To follow Carole’s journey, go to https://www.navigatingthestorms.com.   

Meet warrior, Carole Griffitts and her husband, FJ. Carole and FJ were happily married with two young sons when a severe, disabling back injury at work in 1978 began Carole’s 44-year journey with invisible disabilities. Carole was later diagnosed with post-polio syndrome in 1985, dystonia in 2005 and Sjogren’s syndrome in 2009. Her neuromuscular conditions interact with each other causing weakness, pain, spasms, and fatigability. Carole was not the only one who needed to adapt to her new normal, but her faithful husband, FJ, had to adapt as well adding many new responsibilities as a father and as a caregiver to his wife. Tune in to hear this husband-and-wife duo provide valuable insight into how they address the challenges of parenthood including mom guilt and together managing Carole’s ever evolving health finding hope and purpose along the way. To learn more about Carole and FJ and their book, Sunbreaks in Unending Storms, go to https://sunbreaksbooks.com/.  To follow Carole’s journey, go to https://www.navigatingthestorms.com.  

Continuing our conversation with warrior, Camellia Phillips. Camellia has been suffering from chronic migraine for the past eighteen years as well as mild ulcerative colitis for the past decade. Camellia holds an MFA in creative writing from The New School and her essays and short stories have been published in literary magazines, children's magazines, and online outlets like The Mighty. She is a longtime writer and leader with social justice organizations and was honored as a 2019 Women in Power Fellow in New York City. Until recently, Camellia did not publicly discuss the severity her conditions fearing the negative impact on her career as well as people’s perceptions of her, but months of visible mobility issues compelled Camellia to open up about her conditions including through her blog. Listen to Part Two as Camellia shares how migraine impacts her other health issues and what mainstream society may not realize about living with migraine and chronic illness. To learn more about Camellia Phillips go to her website at www.camelliawrites.com. You can also learn more about her freelance copywriting and SEO strategy business at www.evergreenwords.org.

Meet warrior, Camellia Phillips. Camellia has been suffering from chronic migraine for the past eighteen years as well as mild ulcerative colitis for the past decade. Camellia holds an MFA in creative writing from The New School and her essays and short stories have been published in literary magazines, children's magazines, and online outlets like The Mighty. She is a longtime writer and leader with social justice organizations and was honored as a 2019 Women in Power Fellow in New York City. Until recently, Camellia did not publicly discuss the severity her conditions fearing the negative impact on her career as well as people’s perceptions of her, but months of visible mobility issues compelled Camellia to open up about her conditions including through her blog. Tune in to Part One as Camellia explains how migraine affects her body and every facet of her life and how the work world is not made for the chronically ill. To learn more about Camellia Phillips go to her website at www.camelliawrites.com. You can also learn more about her freelance copywriting and SEO strategy business at www.evergreenwords.org.

Continuing our discussion with warrior, Kathleen O’Shea. Kathy is an award-winning author, a regular blogger for psychologytoday.com, a professor of English and a migraine sufferer for over forty-three years. Her research and expertise combine masterfully to create her award-winning book, So Much More than a Headache: Understanding Migraine through Literature. Listen to Part Two Kathy explains why migraine is a full-time, life-long condition along with sharing significant migraine literature. Finalist in Health category: 2021 Best Book Award and first-place winner in Health category for Firebird, So Much More than a Headache: Understanding Migraine through Literature is currently sold on Amazon and select bookstores.

Meet warrior, Kathleen O’Shea. Kathy is an award-winning author, a regular blogger for psychologytoday.com, a professor of English and a migraine sufferer for over forty-three years. What initially began as writing about her own migraine experience transitioned into more as she researched literature on migraine. Her research and expertise combine masterfully to create her award-winning book, So Much More than a Headache: Understanding Migraine through Literature. Tune in as Kathy shares her story and how literature improves our understanding of the complexity of migraine. Finalist in Health category: 2021 Best Book Award and first-place winner in Health category for Firebird, So Much More than a Headache: Understanding Migraine through Literature is currently sold on Amazon and select bookstores.

Meet warrior, Katiuscia Maria. Katiuscia was diagnosed with lupus nephritis at only thirteen. The lupus attacked her kidneys requiring a myriad of medications and chemotherapies. She enjoyed a few years of milder symptoms until 2009 when she became very ill. When all treatments failed to help, she decided to change her lifestyle and her lupus went into remission. Katiuscia is still immune suppressed and must always be mindful of her health. She also manages migraine, arthritis, and some other symptoms; however, her lupus has been in remission for almost a decade. Listen as Katiuscia manages life after lupus including the fear of her symptoms returning and the sadness from missing out on previous life events. Katiuscia actively chooses to see good in every situation and has come to appreciate her decades long struggle with lupus as her experience has made her the strong woman she is today. To learn more about Katiuscia Maria and her blog, go to https://www.lupuslifebalance.com or find her on social media at @katiuscia_maria.

Continuing our discussion with warrior, Kathleen (Kath) Nicholls. Kath is a published author, a freelance illustrator and award-winning blogger and advocate living in Scotland. At the age of 21, she began suffering with pain and having limited use of her legs followed by crippling stomach pain. She was later diagnosed with arthritis and Crohn’s Disease which subsequently required surgery. Kath now manages her conditions through a variety of treatments and medications and has felt the weight of carrying the feelings of guilt and of being a burden due to her chronic conditions. In Part Two, listen as Kath shares how she responds to loved one’s suggestions as well as her recommendations on how to support your chronically ill loved one without adding to the feeling of guilt. To learn more about Kathleen Nicholls including her award-winning blog and books, go to her website at https://www.kathfantastic.com or you can purchase her books on Amazon at Go Your Crohn Way: A Gutsy Guide to Living with Crohn's and My Flare Lady: a handbook for today's (diseased) dame.

Meet warrior, Kathleen (Kath) Nicholls. Kath is a published author, a freelance illustrator and award-winning blogger and advocate living in Scotland. At the age of 21, she began suffering with pain and having limited use of her legs followed by crippling stomach pain. She was later diagnosed with arthritis and Crohn’s Disease which subsequently required surgery. Kath now manages her conditions through a variety of treatments and medications and has felt the weight of carrying the feelings of guilt and of being a burden due to her chronic conditions. Tune in as Kath dives into these feelings and how she copes with them and her health challenges. To learn more about Kathleen Nicholls including her award-winning blog and books, go to her website at https://www.kathfantastic.com or you can purchase her books on Amazon at Go Your Crohn Way: A Gutsy Guide to Living with Crohn's and My Flare Lady: a handbook for today's (diseased) dame.

Continuing our discussion with warrior, Tessa Koller. Tessa manages a rare genetic syndrome called 22Q11.2 Deletion Syndrome which can cause heart defects, poor immune function and more. She has endured several near-death experiences including one due to long haul Covid as well as many surgeries resulting in chronic pain. The diagnoses of Fibromyalgia and Behcet’s Syndrome soon followed. Tessa always looks for the lessons each experience and condition has taught her. Through her art and advocacy, she keeps moving forward, supports others and is able to find some peace amidst the chaos. Listen as in Part Two Tessa explains how she handles the unpredictability of it all and offers her tips to others living with chronic illness. To learn about Tessa including her art and blog or to subscribe to her newsletter, go to https://www.tessakollerart.com/.

Meet warrior, Tessa Koller. Tessa manages a rare genetic syndrome called 22Q11.2 Deletion Syndrome which can cause heart defects, poor immune function and more. She has endured several near-death experiences including one due to long haul Covid as well as many surgeries resulting in chronic pain. The diagnoses of Fibromyalgia and Behcet’s Syndrome soon followed. Tessa always looks for the lessons each experience and condition has taught her. Through her art and advocacy, she keeps moving forward, supports others and is able to find some peace amidst the chaos. Tune in to Part One as Tessa shares her remarkable story living with her rare conditions as well as some of her near-death experiences and how she handles the unpredictability of it all. To learn about Tessa including her art and blog or to subscribe to her newsletter, go to https://www.tessakollerart.com/.

Continuing our discussion with warrior, Marlena Chertock, born with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, a rare bone disorder and form of dwarfism resulting in short stature, chronic pain, arthritis, scoliosis, and more. In Part Two, listen as Marlena describes what it was like to grow up with her condition and to begin to recognize the resilience of her body. She shares her journey to identifying as disabled and her thoughts on invisible disabilities in our society. Marlena has published two works of poetry called Crumb-sized: Poems and On that one-way trip to Mars. She works as a Communications Manager, Water at the World Resources Institute, sharing research and data that helps companies, cities, and countries understand water risks and invest in solutions for a water-secure future. She also serves on the Board of Split This Rock, a nonprofit that cultivates poetry that bears witness to injustice and provokes social change, and was previously the Co-Chair of OutWrite, Washington, D.C.’s annual LGBTQ literary festival. Marlena utilizes her life experience to showcase the diversity of disability and chronic pain, highlight the importance of including disabled people in climate change planning, and imagine all bodies in the future through science fiction, speculative fiction, and crip lit (crippled literature). To learn about Marlena Chertock, go to marlenachertock.com.

Meet warrior, Marlena Chertock, who was born with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, a rare bone disorder and form of dwarfism resulting in short stature, chronic pain, arthritis, scoliosis, and more. Marlena grew up knowing she was different from her peers. Tune in as Marlena shares how she navigated those differences, bullying, chronic pain, and medical interventions to find her identity, advocate for important causes, and become a published author. Marlena has published two works of poetry called Crumb-sized: Poems and On that one-way trip to Mars. She works as a Communications Manager, Water at the World Resources Institute, sharing research and data that helps companies, cities, and countries understand water risks and invest in solutions for a water-secure future. She also serves on the Board of Split This Rock, a nonprofit that cultivates poetry that bears witness to injustice and provokes social change, and was previously the Co-Chair of OutWrite, Washington, D.C.’s annual LGBTQ literary festival. Marlena utilizes her life experience to shine a light on topics such as chronic pain, disability, sexuality, and science fiction. To learn about Marlena Chertock, go to marlenachertock.com.

Continuing our discussion with warrior, Samah Khan. Samah’s dream was to be a doctor. She was making her dream a reality when in her penultimate year of medical school, mysterious and chronic symptoms started. She graduated but her health issues forced her to give up practicing medicine, her passion in life. Samah spent the following years searching for her diagnoses, being dismissed by the medical profession, and managing her new reality. With persistence, Samah was finally diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, and joint hypermobile syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos, but to this day, doctors are unresolved on her conditions, leading her to suffer from improper management. In Part One, Samah reveals how she redefined success for herself. In Part Two, Samah shares her unique perspective on why doctors tend to dismiss patients with chronic illness especially functional disorders such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome and the importance of believing the patient. If you would like to become part of Samah Khan’s Facebook group, go to PICK SEBBIE BC SEBBIE PICKS U and send an invitation request.

Meet warrior, Samah Khan. Samah’s dream was to be a doctor. She was making her dream a reality when in her penultimate year of medical school, mysterious and chronic symptoms started. She graduated but her health issues forced her to give up practicing medicine, her passion in life. Samah spent the following years searching for her diagnosis, being dismissed by the medical profession, and managing her new reality. With persistence, Samah was finally diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, and joint hypermobile syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos, but to this day, doctors are unresolved on her conditions, leading her to suffer from improper management. Tune in as Samah reveals how redefining success for herself was instrumental in finding new meaning in her life again and allowed her to move forward as a medical editor and writer and founder of the Facebook group called PICK SEBBIE BC SEBBIE PICKS U where many chronically ill come for support. Samah also discusses the lack of proper training for doctors especially as it pertains to rare and chronic conditions. If you would like to become part of Samah Khan’s Facebook group, go to PICK SEBBIE BC SEBBIE PICKS U and send an invitation request.

Continuing our discussion with warrior, Kashinda Marche. In 1995, Kashinda was a nineteen-year-old, new mother when she received the life-changing diagnosis of HIV. Reaching a breaking point with her mental health, Kashinda choose to focus on changing her mindset. Four neurosurgeries and many diagnoses followed throughout the years including Hidradenitis Suppurative, Autoimmune Disorder, Adrenal Insufficiency, Pituitary Adenoma, and Peripheral Neuropathy. Listen to Part Two as Kashinda shares how discovering of her authentic self fuels her passion to inspire, uplift, and empower African American girls and the chronic illness community as a published author, a life lesson speaker, a TEDx speaker, an Executive Committee Member with The Raleigh-Apex NC NAACP and an Executive Director of the nonprofit, Kreative On Purpose. Kashinda believes health and life challenges don’t need to prevent one from living a fulfilled life. To learn more about Kashinda Marche, her services and her nonprofit, Kreative On Purpose, go to https://www.kreativeonpurpose.org.

Meet warrior, Kashinda Marche. In 1995, Kashinda was a nineteen-year-old, new mother when she received the life-changing diagnosis of HIV. Reaching a breaking point with her mental health, Kashinda choose to focus on changing her mindset. Four neurosurgeries and many diagnoses followed throughout the years including Hidradenitis Suppurative, Autoimmune Disorder, Adrenal Insufficiency, Pituitary Adenoma, and Peripheral Neuropathy. Tune in to Part One as we hear Kashinda tell her remarkable story and explain the importance of mindset and of discovering her authentic self. This discovery fuels her passion to inspire, uplift, and empower African American girls and the chronic illness community as a published author, a life lesson speaker, a TEDx speaker, an Executive Committee Member with The Raleigh-Apex NC NAACP and an Executive Director of the nonprofit, Kreative On Purpose. Kashinda believes health and life challenges don’t need to prevent one from living a fulfilled life. To learn more about Kashinda Marche, her services and her nonprofit, Kreative On Purpose, go to https://www.kreativeonpurpose.org.

Meet warrior, Aston Martinez. Aston is diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Narcolepsy, Chronic Activated Epstein Barr Virus, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Trigeminal Neuralgia. Aston understands biases are part of being human. However, when doctors and medical staff fail to recognize and address their personal biases, they can cause irrevocable physical and mental harm to their patients. Listen as Aston shares her experience with biases in healthcare, their impact on her medical care and mental health, and how these experiences have fueled her passion to raise awareness on living with rare conditions. To learn more about Aston Martinez or the organization she works for called Habit Nest, go to www.habitnest.com.

Continuing our discussion with warrior, Tracy Riggs Frontz. Tracy is a professional, award-winning photographer and writer, mom, and newly married. From childhood to adulthood, Tracy manages a myriad of diagnoses from bipolar type II, dysautonomia, complex regional pain syndrome, and more. Tune in as Tracy shares how certain comments impacts her both negatively and positively. If you ever wondered what to say to the chronically ill, listen in! To learn more about Tracy including her writing or photography, you can visit www.NovelPhotos.com. To access her blog, go to her website and click on the Spotlight on Stigma header.

Meet warrior, Tracy Riggs Frontz. Tracy is a professional, award-winning photographer and writer, mom, and newly married. As a child and teen, Tracy experienced many health issues such as reactive hypoglycemia, anxiety, depression, Mitral Valve Prolapse, and dysautonomia. In adulthood, she began to suffer with polycystic ovarian syndrome, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, bipolar type II, Sjogren's syndrome, type 2 diabetes, complex regional pain syndrome, hypermobility syndrome, major obesity, acid reflux, serotonin toxicity syndrome, osteoarthritis, PTSD, and high blood pressure. Tracy understands living with chronic illness and the stigmas that inevitably follow. She even created a blog to raise awareness called Spotlight on Stigma. Listen as Tracy discusses the positive or negative impact of these chronic illness stigmas and phrases. To learn more about Tracy including her writing or photography, you can visit www.NovelPhotos.com. To access her blog, go to her website and click on the Spotlight on Stigma header.

Continuing our discussion with warrior, Carly Fox. Carly is a 20-year-old disabled student living with psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, mental illnesses of generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, and ADHD. Listen to Carly as she discusses coping with disability, her experience with autoimmune medications, the connection between her PTSD, anxiety and pain, and how advocating for her disability has opened her up to new opportunities and new purpose such as with the National Educational Association of Disabled Students and the Council of Canadians with Disabilities as their International Chair. Carly is also an international development student hoping to pursue a career in policymaking and diplomacy to strengthen the position of disability rights on the international agenda and to reduce global inequality. To learn more about Carly Fox, her blog or her advocacy services, go to https://carlyfoxdisabilityadvocacy.ca or find her on socials @ItsCarlyFox.

Meet warrior, Carly Fox. Carly is a 20-year-old disabled student living with psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, mental illnesses of generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, and ADHD. Identifying as disabled was a complex and personal journey where Carly challenged her own preconceived notions on disability to address her internalized ableism and find a new understanding of what it really means to be ‘disabled'. Tune in to Carly’s story as she shares how embracing her disability sparked her passion for advocacy and opened her up to new opportunities, such as with the National Educational Association of Disabled Students and the Council of Canadians with Disabilities as their International Chair. Carly is also an international development student hoping to pursue a career in policymaking and diplomacy to strengthen the position of disability rights on the international agenda and to reduce global inequality. To learn more about Carly Fox, her blog or her advocacy services, go to https://carlyfoxdisabilityadvocacy.ca or find her on socials @ItsCarlyFox.