Shows
BeliefcastValen Keefer & Cristen WathenValen Keefer and Cristen Wathen have both turned their personal battles with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and organ transplants into powerful platforms of advocacy and education. Their stories reflect resilience, courage, and a commitment to improving the lives of those facing similar health challenges.
Meet Valen
At 41, Valen has spent over half her life as a transplant recipient. Diagnosed with PKD at just 10 years old, she received a kidney transplant at 19 and a liver transplant at 35. With limited support during her own health journey, Valen has spent the last two decades as a passionate p...
2024-09-161h 00
Unpacking the Gift of LifeAsk Us AnythingIn the final episode of Season 1 of Unpacking the Gift of Life, Valen and Cristen invite you into an open conversation where no question is off-limits. In this “Ask Us Anything” special, they tackle topics that resonate deeply within the transplant community: coping with post-transplant depression, navigating the nuances of family and friend support, managing sun exposure, staying vigilant against COVID, and safeguarding your kidneys when surrounded by children. As they reflect on the season's journey, Valen and Cristen explore the inspiration that has fueled each episode, highlighting the resilience, hope, and community that have made this season so impa...
2024-09-0429 minUnpacking the Gift of LifeAdvocating for Ourselves in Social and Healthcare RelationshipsCommunication and speaking up for ourselves is so important, yet can feel exhausting. Valen, Cristen, and their friend, Noelia, dig deep into three aspects of communication as it relates to patient advocacy. First, experiences of advocating for ourselves in our social relationships with partners, loved ones, friends, and the community at large. Second, the meaning, purpose, and value of a trusting relationship with our healthcare teams. And third, they share conversations about internal dialogue, being kind to ourselves, and emotional honesty. Tune in to learn ways to advocate for yourself, be empowered to have honest conversations, and live a...
2024-08-1943 minUnpacking the Gift of LifeThree Unique Perspectives on Having Children: Pre- and Post-TransplantValen, Cristen, and their friend, Elizabeth, share their individual paths of whether to have children, what led to their choices, and how ADPKD and transplant shaped their decision-making. They acknowledge the emotions surrounding their difficult decisions, share personal stories on how they navigated and embraced having or not having a child, and how they moved forward in a positive way. Listen in to be inspired and empowered by their vulnerability and determination.Learn more about your hosts:Valen Keefer, Patient Advocate, Consultant, Educator, Motivational Speaker: www.valenkeefer.comCristen Wathen, Licensed Counselor and Associate Professor...
2024-07-0947 minUnpacking the Gift of LifeLiving Well Alongside Chronic IllnessWe never forget the day we receive a life-altering diagnosis. Valen and Cristen share their pivotal moments of being diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). With Valen being diagnosed as a child, they discuss the lessons learned from living with ADPKD from youth to adulthood. Through the challenges surrounding a lifelong health journey, they discovered a wellspring of resilience, strength, and above all, hope. Listen in to hear how they learned to live well alongside PKD and be inspired on how you can too. Learn more about your hosts:Valen Keefer, Patient Advocate, Consultant, Ed...
2024-06-0332 minUnpacking the Gift of LifeThe Importance of Being Proactive with Our Emotional WellbeingValen and Cristen delve into the profound world of emotions surrounding chronic illness. They discuss mental health stigma, the lack of support and resources, and why being proactive with our mental health is so important. You’ll learn insights into how to become an advocate for your emotional wellbeing and strategies for accessing and working with mental health professionals.Hosted by:Valen Keefer - Patient Advocate, Consultant, Educator, Motivational SpeakerCristen Wathen - Licensed Counselor and Associate Professor at Palo Alto Universitywww.valenkeefer.comwww.paloaltou.ed...
2024-05-0630 min
Unpacking the Gift of LifeMeet Your Hosts and Learn the Meaning Behind Unpacking the Gift of LifeHosts Valen and Cristen share how their unique yet parallel experiences of living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) led to their serendipitous friendship and passion for patient advocacy. This episode introduces the two women and how they inspired the power of hope in each other before meeting. Valen and Cristen also explore how their PKD and transplant journeys motivate them to provide an honest perspective of the physical and emotional complexities of living with chronic illness. By offering the support and resources they wish they had, Valen and Cristen aspire to connect with others who are not a...
2024-04-0126 min
The Thoughtful CounselorEP185: Living with Chronic Illness and Immunosuppression During COVID-19 – A Conversation with Valen Keefer and Cristen WathenDr. Megan Speciale talks to Valen Keefer and Dr. Cristen Wathen on the experiences and struggles of people with chronic illness and immunity suppression during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation explores how the pandemic is impacting immunosuppressed people and offers strategies to help support the health and wellness of your clients, loved ones, and community members who face increased risks related to COVID-19. For more on Valen & Cristen, links from the conversation, and then APA citation for this episode visit www.thethoughtfulcounselor.com The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University's...
2020-09-091h 02