Host L.A. Aguayo and Co-Host Drew Kochera invite guest Kris Mill on the HemoLife Podcast. Kris, known on Instagram as @millzy2370, shares his transformative journey with the Exosym brace, a cutting-edge orthotic device that has restored his mobility and dramatically improved his quality of life as a severe hemophiliac.
• Detailed explanation of how the Exosym brace works by transferring pressure off damaged ankle joints
• Journey from severe mobility limitations to running a 5K after getting the brace
• Funding challenges and community support through GoFundMe to cover the $18,000 cost not covered by insurance
• Learning process of adapting to the brace, from painful first steps to running within a week
• Unique perspective on mental health with hemophilia: "We're bigger than hemophilia"
• Discussion on different severity levels within the bleeding disorder community
• Fitness recommendations for hemophiliacs, emphasizing machines for target joints
• Challenging common wisdom that swimming is beneficial for all hemophiliacs
• Tips for navigating insurance battles and leveraging resources like HTCs and hemophilia organizations
• The importance of developing resilience and helping others: "If you can't be a hero for yourself, be a hero for someone else"
Follow Kris Mill on Instagram at @millzy2370 to stay connected with his journey, and if this episode spoke to you, share it, tag a friend, and leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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