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Today's interview is with an amazing woman named Aella Askew! She is a retired circus performer (I'm not even kidding, she was in the circus), and was recently diagnosed with hEDS, or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. According to The Ehlers-Danlos Society, EDS are "a group of hereditary disorders of connective tissues." There are 14 types of EDS, 13 of which are linked to genetic markers. Aella and I talk about her circus days, the dumb things doctors say via medical gaslighting, and much more! I know this is another longer episode, but Aella's story is a great portrait for what the everyday, American rare disease patient goes through, especially since rare disease treatments are so expensive when they shouldn't be.

Be sure to subscribe to R is for Rare on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! And be sure to follow me on Instagram @risforrarepodcast!
Follow Aella Askew on Instagram - @being.askew
The Ehlers-Danlos Society - https://www.ehlers-danlos.com