Shows
HSCT WarriorsConnect with Ali and celebrate launching season 10 of the podcast (Ep. 95)Warrior: Ali Strong
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: November, 2017
Superpower: Acceptance
What do you do for yourself that brings you joy? Are you someone who accepts moderation? To what extent do you find balance in life?
Check in with Ali Strong to recount her experience finding her way to and through HSCT and learn how she is feeling now at more than five years post-transplant, including her struggles with menopause, disordered eating, and mental health. Join Ali and Zen Jen in discussion about Dr. Burt’s latest book and what’s to come with the podcast.
Be sure to visit our webs...2023-02-011h 02
HSCT WarriorsReconnect with Michelle and be inspired to pursue decisions you feel are right (S5 replay)Warrior: Michelle Webb
AI: Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 5/19
Superpower: Compassion and understanding
Are you someone to believe that everything happens for a reason? How often does your experience with disease cancel plans with friends and family? How often are you kind to your body and mind?
After realizing the eighth disease modifying therapy she tried (since 2011) wasn’t helping her feel any better, Michelle began looking into options. As a person who doesn’t trust blindly, hear more about how Michelle - also, a high school friend of Jen’s - gained information when she found herself seeking guidance about...2022-03-1649 min
HSCT WarriorsJoin Leta in her practice to dwell on the positive in life (S2 replay)Warrior: Leta Krieger
Snowflake: Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 07-08/18
Superpower: Support from husband and friends
How affiliated are you with your autoimmune disease? How connected are you with your community?
After living with MS for nearly 40 years, when Leta first heard of HSCT while watching the BBC on vacation, she researched it and considered the chance that HSCT could possibly halt her progression. Rather than take a chance on letting her disease run her life, she decided to pursue the quickest course to treatment possible.
Tune in to learn more about the fabulous care, comfort, and personalized service, and...2021-06-0950 minHSCT WarriorsRevisit Bonnie's affirmation of mental health considerations before and after HSCT (S2 replay)Warrior: Bonnie McKenzie
Snowflake: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 7.10.18
Superpower: divine positivity
How thick is the fog on your brain? How clearly are you able to think and plan? When gearing up for a significant procedure, how well do you prepare for recovery?
After years of experiencing symptoms without answers until finally receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 2016, Bonnie experienced heart complications with her first line of treatment that were exacerbated after abruptly stopping her medication. After finding HSCT as an option, she knew she would need to move quickly in hopes to halt her relapses.
Tune in to hear more...2021-05-2649 minHSCT WarriorsRevisit powerful insights from Jay's experience caregiving for his wife (S2 replay)Warrior: Jay Blankenfeld
Snowflake: MS Caregiver
HSCT: March 18, 2018
Superpower: “Knowledge we could not do it alone”
How do you shift focus from self to other when faced with taking on the role of caregiver? When you ask your neurologist about HSCT as an option for treatment, what is their reaction? Do you have what it takes to construct space for success?
Meet Jay, a proactive planner who made a conscious decision to move past his own emotions to focus on helping his wife navigate her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and research a best course of action. After learning more about mult...2021-05-1959 minHSCT WarriorsRevisit the journey of Chris and relate to challenges of CIDP diagnosis by exclusion (S2 replay)Warrior: Chris
Snowflake: CIDP (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy)
HSCT: August 14, 2018
Superpower: ability to walk again
Have you ever lingered on the brink of life? Or wondered why diagnosis by exclusion takes so long? How much energy would you have to spin your wheels?
Meet Chris, a physical therapist familiar with physical movement, injury, and the understanding that when numbness, tingling, and pain consumed his abilities to move, he needed to fast-track some answers. Despite the shuffle from doctor to doctor without diagnosis, once his body completely shut down while driving to work, Chris and his wife knew they had to...2021-05-1250 minHSCT WarriorsRevisit Alison's insights for caregivers traveling abroad for HSCT (replay from S2)Warrior: Alison Coates
Snowflake: AIMS Charity
HSCT: Caregiver
Superpower: Dedication
Have you considered the possibilities of traveling abroad to pursue HSCT to halt your autoimmune disease? Are you striving to overcome obstacles like funding or researching HSCT?
Meet Alison, a caregiver for her warrior husband who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2010 and experienced significant declines in a short time. Once they determined HSCT would be the best avenue for treatment, they struggled to be accepted to their local clinic in the United Kingdom. After fundraising to pursue HSCT at Clinica Ruiz in Puebla Mexico, they were finally accepted for...2021-05-0545 minHSCT WarriorsRevisit all the hopeful curiosities of Katie's Hope Journey pre-HSCT (replay from S2)AI: RRMS
HSCT: Chicago, scheduled in March 2019
Superpower: walk with God
Where do you find confidence to move forward? How do you take the reins and find the right mindset? Who do you consider to be family?
Join us along Katie’s Hope Journey and learn from this interview with our first HSCT Hopeful. After spending 9 years battling multiple sclerosis, Katie found the mindset and the communal support to tackle HSCT head on. Despite her roller coaster of seeking insurance approval, the denial that led to fundraising and efforts of advocacy, Katie is now scheduled for pretesting and if all go...2021-04-2856 minHSCT WarriorsMeet Cassidy along her journey of over-achieving before and after HSCT* (Ep. 67)*This episode contains content that may be alarming to some listeners, including mentions of suicidal ideation. Please check the show notes for more detailed descriptions and take care of yourself*
Warrior: Cassidy V. Chapman
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: July 15, 2019
Superpower: Passion for bringing awareness to HSCT
To what extent are you an over-achiever? How open are you to receiving support from others? Where do you find family?
After being diagnosed with MS her first year of law school, Cassidy was initially able to manage her disease with a variety of disease-modifying therapies. Though building a successful career as an attorney...2021-04-211h 17HSCT WarriorsLearn how Rachel managed CIDP before myeloablative HSCT at the CBCI in Denver (Ep. 66)Warrior: Rachel Gallery
AI: Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
HSCT: Oct 19, 2020
Superpower: Empathy
Do you consider yourself a lucky person? How often do you receive treatment for autoimmune disease? How layered is your circle of support?
After spending nearly a year with strange symptom progression, a neurologist was finally able to diagnose Rachel when IVIG helped to offset some of her most problematic symptoms. After five years of managing her disease with IVIG infusions every two weeks, she found herself facing rapid decline, trying a variety of aggressive treatments including cytoxan and rituxan that failed to help.
Tune in to learn...2021-04-1454 minHSCT WarriorsMeet Erin and be inspired to find empathy and connection despite feelings of isolation (Ep. 65)Warrior: Erin Schoenlein
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: March 15, 2020
Superpower: energy to help other people
How wide is your view? Do you know what it feels like to be well? For how long have you been distanced?
Having been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in high school, Erin is no stranger to advocacy for well-being and the importance of spinning challenges into positive opportunities. Although she did not qualify for the clinical trials in the United States, Erin researched her options and found herself at Clinica Ruiz just prior to the start of the global pandemic. Erin distracted herself from the...2021-04-071h 03HSCT WarriorsContinue learning from DeWayne’s experience with myeloablative HSCT despite COVID (Ep. 64 part 2)Warrior: DeWayne Durr
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: Oct 29, 2020
Superpower: Confidence
How supported do you feel? To what extent do you think about each step that lies ahead?
Continuing from where we left off in this two part episode, tune in to learn from DeWayne as he shares more about his experience navigating his return to work, changes with his diet, and considerations for health and wellness while in the early stages of recovery from the myeloablative protocol at Cleveland Clinic.
Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or fe...2021-03-3150 minHSCT WarriorsLearn from DeWayne's experience as the first HSCT patient for MS at Cleveland Clinic (Ep. 64 part 1)Warrior: DeWayne Durr
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: Oct 29, 2020
Superpower: Confidence
Check-in with DeWayne to hear more about his experience as the first patient to receive HSCT for Multiple Sclerosis at the Cleveland Clinic. With so many details about his experiences with the myeloablative protocol of the BEAT-MS study, including securing insurance coverage, the staff and his in-patient experiences, as well as logistics and details about the time spent after discharge in a nearby hotel, DeWayne shares so many valuable insights, this interview airs as a two-part episode.
Tune in this week to hear the details about being in-patient at Cleveland...2021-03-2447 minHSCT WarriorsBe inspired by Vic's resolve, despite the naysayers and positive COVID tests (Ep. 63)Warrior: Vic Bonilla
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: October 2020
Superpower: unbreakable resolve
Have you ever felt like an observer of your life? Have you stared down the barrel of mortality? Is the patience you have with others, the same, greater, or less than the patience you have with yourself?
Within a few months of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Vic was connected with someone who was transplanted in Russia ten years ago and immediately began researching HSCT. Once he made his way to Clinica Ruiz for his treatment, he and his brother tested positive for COVID and opted to quarantine in...2021-03-171h 01HSCT WarriorsContinue along Joceline’s journey and learn the practice to work-around covid (Ep. 62 part 2)Warrior: Joceline
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: soon in 2021?
Superpowers: doing nothing
How comfortable are you with uncertainty? Are you able to leave the unknown alone? How do you find patience when you find yourself on the brink?
Picking up where we left off in this two-part episode, tune in to learn more about how Joceline reacted to the idea of incorporating a wheelchair as an assistive device, how she continues to manage her multiple sclerosis as she awaits HSCT, and the practices she has learned through various resources and connections. As a nurse’s assistant by training, Joceline continues detailing he...2021-03-1053 minHSCT WarriorsEnjoy Joceline’s reflections and find compassion for just wanting to feel normal (Ep. 62 part 1)Warrior: Joceline
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: soon in 2021?
Superpowers: doing nothing
How do you establish trust in the systems? How many doctors have you fired? How do you find patience when you find yourself on the brink?
After initially being brushed off by doctors, once diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Joceline found she wasn’t interested in pursuing medication for what she felt doctors knew very little about at the time. As she chose to pursue a natural course of treatment with Chi Gong, diet, and acupuncture, Joceline offers powerful reflections with the wisdom of hindsight in finding compassion for her yo...2021-03-0354 minHSCT WarriorsBe inspired by Chloe to increase awareness, and stay active and sane despite COVID (Ep. 61)Warrior: Chloe Zallen
AI: Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis
HSCT: Oct/Nov 2020
Superpowers: self-love
Are you able to recognize your limitations? Are you aware of your stressors?
As a traveling cardiac specialist with experience at several hospitals, Chloe found herself in an extremely stressful environment with a lot of fear incited by the uncertainties of her MS. When she suddenly had numbness along the entire right side of her body, she began googling her symptoms and weighing the possibilities while awaiting the results of an MRI. Though she received a diagnosis soon thereafter, nearly every neurologist she consulted encouraged the same...2021-02-241h 10HSCT WarriorsJoin Christy on her way to Monterrey and learn more about the power of connections (Ep. 60)Warrior: Christy Miller Kuziensky
AI: MS
HSCT: February 2021 in Monterrey
Superpowers: patience and trust in Clinica Ruiz
Have you been fortunate enough to find confidence in your big decisions? How has patience served you along your journey? Are you comfortable showing up with no expectations?
With arm numbness that led to her diagnosis at the age of 24, Christy experienced some time without many MS symptoms and was doing her best to be adventurous and live a full life. Until she found herself in the outback of Australia for an outdoor teaching experience, hit with a terrible flare and optic neuritis...2021-02-161h 01HSCT WarriorsMeet Ovi on her way to Puebla and learn what it means to be strong-strong (Ep. 59)Warrior: Ovi James
AI: PPMS
HSCT: February 2021
Superpower: Strength, Bravery, Grit, Courage
When faced with adversity, are you able to advocate for yourself? Are you someone who can find gratitude often? What gifts can you share with the world?
After years of terrible headaches and issues with standing and walking, Ovi ended up losing her job and her home which caused significant relapses that rendered her disabled. As a single mother, Ovi’s goal was to focus on the positive and help her son “see the light at the end of the tunnel” even though she struggled to understand everything that w...2021-02-1049 minHSCT WarriorsWelcoming Season 6 and personal growth with Ali Strong (Ep. 58)Warrior: Ali Roberts
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 11/6/17
Superpower: Gratitude
Our season openers would not be the same without checking in with Ali Strong about her experiences post-HSCT with diet and nutrition, exercise, mindset, wellness, and personal challenges to continue promoting wellness, health and longevity. Check in with Ali to reflect on all that has changed during her experience with HSCT recovery. Join us for this informative, authentic, and engaging dialog that highlights the importance of reaching out for help.
Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or...2021-02-0351 minHSCT WarriorsRevisit Kevin's inspiring journey to overcome nearly every HSCT complication (replay from S1)Warrior: Kevin Keplinger
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: February 23, 2017, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Superpower: Novena to St. Jude
When facing the unknown, are you curious about possibilities or do you fear uncertainties? What is the part of your journey that has become too familiar? How can we support each other to mobilize for different outcomes?
If you’ve ever been curious to know more about potential complications or side effects associated with HSCT, meet Kevin, who faced nearly any possible challenge you could possibly face (e.g. failed mobilization, infection in the blood) with HSCT, including travel across the globe to Singapore. Despite fa...2021-01-201h 01HSCT WarriorsPause to reflect and find gratitude with our own 'zen' Jen and friend, Sara Leah (replay from S1)zWarriors: 'Zen' Jen & Sara Leah
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: October 18, 2017, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Superpower: Zen
Do you embrace life’s challenges with open arms? One step at a time? As you find your way along your journey, do you pause to reflect in the moment and express gratitude for those who are along with you?
Learn more about the journey of our very own “Zen” Jen, as she shares the mic for a chat with her dear friend Sara Leah and they find commonalities in their unique experiences with MS. With a fun break from the usual interview protocol, enjoy this conver...2021-01-131h 32HSCT WarriorsRevisit Cecilia's journey to HSCT and be inspired by her renewed "lens of love" (replay from S1)Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: July 11, 2018, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Superpower: Connections
How positive is your outlook? How empowered do you feel by your faith and innate resilience? When life seems scattered like a puzzle, how do your pieces fit together?
Tune in to learn more about how Cecilia embraces a positive mindset, regular mantras, and her lens of love to face any challenge that presents itself. Within the first few weeks post-HSCT, Cecilia found strength in physical therapy, resilience in connections and sharing her experiences, and even found the balance to get back to work part-time.
Be sure to explore our website...2021-01-0646 minHSCT WarriorsLearn from Anna's various trials and efforts to halt her MS (replay from S1)Warrior: Anna Wise
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: 2/23/17 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Superpower: Running
How bright is the light you shine on your present situation? What are you committed to, without any doubts or hesitation, to achieve your “next best life”?
After hearing a “no” from her first attempt at HSCT, Anna remained open to try anything (including experimenting with mesenchymal stem cell therapy) to cure her MS. She found herself on Medicare and full-time disability for two years at the end of her late-thirties and after failing four disease-modifying therapies (DMT) and facing the side-effects of yet another DMT, Anna chose to jump...2020-12-301h 10HSCT WarriorsRevisit Julie's journey to HSCT and find super helpful lessons along the way (replay from S1)Warrior: Julie Eberhardt
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: February 19, 2018, Northwestern Memorial
Superpowers: Empathy and ability to “not sweat the small stuff”
Are you a goal-oriented person who likes to create plans and back-up plans to the plans for every aspect of life? Have your plans been significantly detoured by your experience with autoimmune disease?
As a young warrior with brilliant energy, Julie shines her light on the importance of managing stress in order to negotiate the realities of unpredictability. She very quickly realized the reality that as a progressive disease, MS created daily fear that “the next day could have been the day wh...2020-12-231h 16HSCT WarriorsRevisit Karin's journey with systemic lupus that led her to pursue HSCT (replay from S1)Warrior: Karin
Snowflake: Systemic Lupus
HSCT: December 10, 2015, Northwestern Memorial
Superpower: Empathy
Do you tend to put yourself last on your to-do list? Have you ever been at the point in your life when you realize, “This is for the birds!” or feel ready to get on with it [life] already?
Karin’s experience with Systemic Lupus left her bandaged and barely recognizable. Failed medication after another, she realized that her autoimmune disease was “for the birds.” Despite the fear of being away from her busy life for too long, Karin found herself tired of her disease and encourages listeners to “take care of...2020-12-1653 minHSCT WarriorsRevisit our first chat with Ron and find motivation to research care you deserve (replay from S1)Warrior: Ron Gabrielli
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: May 6, 2017, Puebla, Mexico
Superpower: Advocacy for HSCT
Have you ever learned something that left you at a loss for words? Found yourself tied to the railroad tracks looking for a way to stop the oncoming train?
Meet Ron, a warrior who invested in the “short term pain for long term gain” of HSCT and found courage to face his fears, doubts, and misconceptions in order to commit to Clinica Ruiz in Puebla Mexico. As an American citizen residing in Canada, he unexpectedly found an extended family and friends in Mexico.
Ron leaped into his jour...2020-12-0957 minHSCT WarriorsBe inspired by Denise's courage to take charge of stiff person syndrome (replay from S1)Warrior: Denise Bishop
Snowflake: Stiff Person Syndrome
HSCT: 9/12/17, Chicago
Superpower: Increased empathy
Have you ever found yourself distracted by concern for the people in your life that are stressed about your condition? Do you question whether the resources you find when researching your condition are of comparable quality to the resources your doctors can access? Have you learned how to embrace the courage to make your own decisions in healthcare?
Be inspired to take charge of your health when you meet Denise, a warrior who tapped into her 35 years of service as a trauma-care nurse when diagnosed with Stiff Person...2020-12-021h 09HSCT WarriorsRevisit Ellie's journey with HSCT and get comfortable to "let go of expectations" (replay from S1)Warrior: Ellie Baum
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: 6/16/16, Chicago
Superpower: Tuning into the body
Do you know the importance of truly understanding your body? Can you get comfortable with letting go of expectations?
Meet Ellie, a warrior diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who received HSCT at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in June, 2016. Ellie initially found HSCT in 2003 but didn’t find herself ready for the procedure until 2015 after a relapse forced her to stop working.
Determined to “stay the course” and not rush into anything, hear more about the benefits of tuning into and getting to know your body throughout the recovery rollercoaster. Ellie shares...2020-11-1845 minHSCT WarriorsRevisit important insights shared by Dustin in this replay of our second interview (replay from S1)Warrior: Dustin Fairchild
AI: Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 4/19/17, Chicago
Superpower: Zen
Do you find yourself struggling to adapt with shifting realities of autoimmune disease? Are you looking to find peace in your life? Or get inspired by transformational journeys?
Meet Dustin, a warrior diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who received HSCT at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, four years after his initial diagnosis. His abilities were rapidly declining, he relied on a cane to walk, and was eager to find a “cure for MS.”
His resolve helped him let go of the need to be in control and stop trying to plan for...2020-11-1152 minHSCT WarriorsRevisit our very first interview and be inspired by Ali's "Law of Attraction" (replay from S1)Warrior: Ali Roberts
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: 11/6/17, Chicago
Superpower: Motivation
Have you ever found yourself on a road you’ve never been down before? Found strength to navigate a pathway that is far from straightforward? Uncovered faith where you never believed it could exist?
Meet Ali, a warrior diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who “just doesn’t settle well for [being told] ‘there’s nothing left we can do’.” Before she received HSCT at Northwestern Memorial University, her biggest challenges with MS created extreme stomach issues that restricted her diet and for 11 years, she “couldn’t eat a single meal without getting sick.”
Through ex...2020-11-0454 minHSCT WarriorsRevisit the hope in possibility with John along his journey to HSCT (replay from S4)Warrior: John Taylor
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: September 2019 at Northwestern
Superpower: Appreciation
Have you ever tried to describe the sensation of severe pain, despite knowing that you’re also physically numb? When side effects and risk outweigh the good, how do you make a choice? How do you feel when selected for the chance of a lifetime, knowing others have to miss that chance?
After years of living with symptoms considered insignificant, John finally received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 2010 from his third opinion doctor. While the first disease modifying therapy seemed to work for nearly a decade, just as...2020-10-281h 02HSCT WarriorsRevisit the importance of positive self talk with Kim (replay from S4)Warrior: Kim Rodning
AI: Scleroderma
HSCT: September 4, 2018 at Duke University Medical Center
Superpower: perseverance, patience, and perspective
Do you practice daily affirmations of positivity? Does your self talk promote healing or judgment? How does hearing the stories of other Warriors help you?
Having encountered the possibility of HSCT by chance, Kim explored more about the research and program for Scleroderma patients at Duke University. Thankfully, she found HSCT just before her lungs hardened to the point where she wouldn’t have qualified.
Tune in and learn more about her experience and symptoms of scleroderma, the aid she received to fight fo...2020-10-211h 05HSCT WarriorsMeet Lynn and gain insights to how the nuances of CIDP led her to pursue HSCT (Ep. 57)Warrior: Lynn Rogers
AI: Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
HSCT Hopeful:
Superpower: widened lens
Have you ever worried about asking people for help when their investment isn't a sure thing? How do you define barriers to treatment for your autoimmune disease?
As a triathlete, crossfit-er, and marathoner preparing for an Ironman race, imagine the frustration when Lynn found herself paralyzed after two weeks of testing that led to no answers. Having a career in biomedical engineering with a focus on helping individuals with motor-recovery, Lynn was very surprised to find herself struggling with the same acute neurological issues as her...2020-10-141h 45HSCT WarriorsLearn how Sagirah ran her way to HSCT by defining her own course committed to success (Ep. 56)Warrior: Sagirah Ahmed Norris
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: January 2020
Superpower: flexibility
Are you someone who prefers to schedule a plan for every detail in life?
After first being diagnosed, Sagirah found herself more driven than ever to complete life goals ahead of schedule while she was able, including travel to foreign countries to run marathons. Once her symptoms began matching what her doctor projected for her years down the road, she happened upon HSCT by chance while in Europe. After returning home, Sagirah did more research and then talked with her doctor, only to be told that HSCT wasn’t an...2020-10-071h 00HSCT WarriorsManaging setbacks post-HSCT; a chat with Brooke Slick (Ep. 55)Warrior: Brooke Slick
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 2013
Superpower: Surrender
Are you able to surrender to all that seems out of your control? How easy is it for you to allow things to just happen?
Revisit Brooke’s journey to HSCT and learn more about the setbacks she has faced post-HSCT, (including surgeries for trigeminal neuralgia) but also the influence of mindset, and the inspirations she has found with persevering in her battle with MS beyond HSCT.
Tune in to check-in with our dear friend, Brooke and hear more about how she continues to support others along their journey to HSCT an...2020-09-301h 01HSCT WarriorsMeet Felicia and learn how she fought against the odds and COVID to pursue HSCT (Ep. 54)Warrior: Felicia Merritt
AI: Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: August 2020
Superpower: Feeling invincible
Have you ever suddenly realized just how much you were taking for granted? Have you been able to find internal strength? What about internal peace?
Shortly after turning 30, Felicia began experiencing vision issues and weakness. Following an intense crossfit workout, Felicia hoped she could laugh things off until she checked herself into the hospital. Her doctors referred her to Ohio State University and once surrounded by a medical team for a few days, Felicia was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018.
Tune in to learn more about HSCT despite...2020-09-231h 22HSCT WarriorsCatch-up with Marlo, an HSCT hopeful who persevered despite a super twisted path to HSCT (Ep. 53)Warrior: Marlo Kalb
AI: Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: confidence to fight back
Superpower: 9.30.19
How will you face the many curves that lie ahead?
Diagnosed at just 13 years old, Marlo found herself eager for HSCT after doing research and listening to this podcast. First interviewed as a HSCT Hopeful during Season 2, Marlo shared her journey to become the first person transplanted in Boston. After facing administrative issues, delays, and opinions not favorable to her candidacy, tune in to learn more about how Marlo faced the multiple twists and turns that eventually led her to Clinica Ruiz. Join us in celebrating...2020-09-151h 04HSCT WarriorsSupport HSCT hopeful DeWayne, as he becomes the first autoimmune transplant in Cleveland (Ep. 52)Warrior: DeWayne Durr
AI: Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: scheduled for September, 2020
Superpower: prayer and understanding
How comfortable are you with difficult or impossible situations? How direct are you about the care you receive from your doctors? When faced with the chance of being randomly assigned to receive HSCT, would you feel conflicted?
After DeWayne researched the disease modifying therapies available to him, he chose to clean up his diet and forgo drugs, as he had also researched HSCT and barely missed the chance to be treated by Dr. Burt in Chicago before he closed the clinical trial. Tune in...2020-09-091h 27HSCT WarriorsMeet Michelle and be inspired to pursue the decisions you feel are right (Ep. 51)Warrior: Michelle Webb
AI: Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 5/19
Superpower: Compassion and understanding
Are you someone to believe that everything happens for a reason? How often does your experience with disease cancel plans with friends and family? How often are you kind to your body and mind?
After realizing the eighth disease modifying therapy she tried (since 2011) wasn’t helping her feel any better, Michelle began looking into options. As a person who doesn’t trust blindly, hear more about how Michelle - also, a high school friend of Jen’s - gained information when she found herself seeking guidance about...2020-09-0249 minHSCT WarriorsLearn more from Chelsey about her trek to Moscow and efforts to move, live, and prosper (Ep. 49)Warrior: Chelsey Bell
AI: RRMS
HSCT: 7/11/18
Superpower: Self awareness
How often do you find time to reflect on what works for your body? Have you been able to truly appreciate time with yourself? How does it feel to connect with someone else over commonalities?
Sharing insights to her solo experience getting to Moscow, Chelsey offers so much inspiration for the importance of mindset, taking time to figure out what works, and finding lessons from her younger self, and accepting challenges without holding on to frustration. With updates on her fundraising experience and securing an Alinker to promote her recovery, Chelsey...2020-08-1958 minHSCT WarriorsLearn more about HSCT amid the global COVID pandemic from Jan-Marie (Ep. 48)Warrior: Jan-Marie
AI: RRMS
HSCT: 6/20
Superpower: Patience
How often do you take doctors’ first opinions without questioning? How often do you take time for self-care?
Not only does Jan-Marie set a shining example to approach life with optimism and positivity, she offers insight into what it’s like to research scientific evidence to inform opinion, foster support both emotionally and financially, and gain confidence to pursue HSCT during the COVID pandemic. As a nurse by trade, Jan-Marie used her training in evidence-based medicine to be informed about her options with disease modifying therapies that ultimately did not work. After finding hers...2020-08-121h 12HSCT WarriorsWelcoming Season 5 with our dear friend, Ali Strong (Ep. 47)Have you experienced pain so severe it has robbed you of living? How do you find courage? What choices can you find each day?
Our season openers would not be the same without checking in with Ali Strong about her experiences post-HSCT with diet and nutrition, exercise, mindset, wellness, and personal challenges to continue promoting wellness, healing and longevity. Based on Ali’s experience with multiple sclerosis that included eleven years of digestive disruption, we discuss preparing for HSCT through diet and developing a healthy mindset. Join us for this informative, authentic, and engaging dialog
Be sure to visit our we...2020-08-0559 minHSCT WarriorsRevisit our chat with Jess about her myeloablative experience in Sydney (replay from S4)Warrior: Jess Green
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: February 2019 at St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney
Superpower: Love and compassion from others
When your doctors run out of options, are you ready to suggest a course of action? Despite the scary struggle or the bad times, can you find the goodness? How strong is your support system?
With a relatively quick diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis after her first sign of an issue, Jess researched treatment options and found her doctors at a loss for how to combat her relapses after she failed three different disease modifying drugs in just two years. She encouraged...2020-07-2952 minHSCT WarriorsRevisit Lydia's journey to HSCT for Crohn's Disease and find joy in surviving (replay from S4)Warrior: Lydia Rosenbaum
AI: Crohn’s Disease
HSCT: August 2002 at Northwestern Memorial, Chicago
Superpower: Empathy and self-efficacy
How often do you push your limits? After spending time planning to die, how do you shift to celebrate success with surviving? How do you find compassion for people who have never walked in your shoes?
Despite suffering extreme complications with Crohn’s disease that kept her in and out of the hospital through multiple surgeries and dangerous fevers, Lydia woke up after surgery one day and was suddenly told “you cannot eat”. Before she turned 30, on medical disability, living in the hospital more than...2020-07-221h 22HSCT WarriorsReplay our inspiring conversation with Tamara and remember that you are enough (replay from S4)Warrior: Tamara Netzel
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: Dec. 2019, Monterrey Mexico
Superpower: Truth
Have you ever been close to gaining resolution, only for it to slip through the cracks? How long has it taken for you to feel supported by your doctors? What would it look like if you pledged to help just one person get to HSCT?
After a long road to securing the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, the first disease modifying treatment that Tamara tried eventually sent her liver into failure. the first two doses of her second shot at a DMT created bladder problems and damage to her...2020-07-151h 38HSCT WarriorsRevisit the power of patience and persistence with Craig (replay from S4)Warrior: Craig Witkowski
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: September 2019 in Puebla
Superpower: Patience
Do you find it tough to maintain patience with yourself or doctors? How easily do you find a positive mental outlook? How tightly do you hold on to hope?
After being on a first-line drug to hold off initial onset of his MS symptoms, Craig found benefit for a few years until he stopped the medication due to unwelcome side effects. After changing careers, he spent some time without any sign of the disease until Craig was suddenly blind-sided by an experience while driving that left him nearly par...2020-07-0857 minHSCT WarriorsCelebrate scleroderma awareness and revisit our chat with Meghan (replay from S4)Warrior: Meghan Newell Davis
AI: Scleroderma
HSCT: 1/22/19 at Duke University
Superpower: Unbreakable
Have you ever watched a doctor google your symptoms to find help? How often do you take the little things in life for granted? As you move through life, do you take caution not to 'poke the bear'?
Celebrating a son just one year younger than her new immune system, Meghan offers our listeners a glimpse into life with a very aggressive form of scleroderma and her experience with HSCT at Duke University. The highly competitive-Ironman-Nutritionist suddenly found her body to be suddenly sore, stiffening and stonelike. As...2020-07-011h 02HSCT WarriorsRevisit our chat with Jess and her journey with myeloablative HSCT in Canada (replay from S4)Warrior: Jess Faulds
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: July 2019 in Calgary, CA
Superpower: Sensation and mental strength
How do you react when people stare at you? At what age did you feel confident about managing your options with autoimmune disease? Where do you find faith in humanity?
Being diagnosed with MS at 15 years young certainly wasn’t a walk in the park for Jess, but it motivated her to keep active and persistent with staying informed about her options. As someone raised to value movement and nutrition, Jess was sure to incorporate these cornerstones throughout her experience with HSCT.
Tune in and...2020-06-241h 07HSCT WarriorsRevisit our catch-up with Ali and her recovery strategies that apply every day (replay from S4)Warrior: Ali Roberts
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 11/6/17
Superpower: Gratitude
Do you believe in the power of self-talk? That the words you say to yourself become the narrative that you fulfill? Where do you find yourself bringing attention?
Revisit our Season Four opener and conversation with Ali Strong about her experiences post-HSCT with diet and nutrition, exercise, stress, shingles, mindset, wellness, and personal challenges to continue promoting wellness, healing and longevity. Tune in and learn how Ali navigated wellness through the flu and shingles at two years post HSCT, then take away some valuable insights about life that she shares from he...2020-06-1757 minHSCT WarriorsRevisit Barry's journey to HSCT nearly twenty-years later (replay from S3)Warrior: Barry Goudy
AI: Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: August, 2003 at Northwestern in Chicago
Superpower: Belief
How do you place a value on health? When it comes to solutions for your experience with disease, how do you determine whether a treatment is good enough? How far are you willing to go with research?
Despite the devastation after initially failing requirements for the clinical trial protocol, Barry remained persistent to receive HSCT. Once he was accepted for a new study protocol, Barry geared up for halting the progression and enjoyed such a great experience that he has become an ongoing champion...2020-06-1047 minHSCT WarriorsCheck-in with Denise and celebrate persistence through the recovery rollercoaster (replay from S3)Warrior: Denise Bishop
AI: Stiff Person Syndrome
HSCT: 9/12/17, Chicago
Superpower: increased empathy
How often do you listen to the voice in your head? How much can you afford to endure? What are your strategies to sort through all that needs attention?
Join us to check in with Denise following her two-year check up post-HSCT in Chicago. Learn more about the unexpected twists and turns along her ongoing rollercoaster, and how Denise faced the fluctuations including another autoimmune diagnosis, a traumatic fall, and tragic loss of her grandson.
Despite all the setbacks she has faced, Denise holds firm to a positive a...2020-06-031h 17HSCT WarriorsBe inspired by Ahna's journey to learn, grow, and adapt in life (replay from S3)Warrior: Ahna Crum
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: April, 2016 in Moscow Russia
Superpower: Shapeshifting
What motivates you to find curiosity in life? Have you ever been let down by a one-size-fits-all approach? How equipped are you to adapt?
After suffering significant relapses of her MS from an early age, Ahna found HSCT in her late twenties through research trying to avoid moving into an assisted living facility. With great determination and a positive mindset, Ahna found Moscow to be a welcoming, supportive place.
As someone who leaped into HSCT without any doubts, Ahna found the recovery rollercoaster to be quite the c...2020-05-2158 minHSCT WarriorsRevisit inspiration from Tamra and find resiliency among the uncertainty (replay from S3)Warrior: Tamra Minch
AI: MS Caregiver
HSCT: April 7, 2019
Superpower: Humility
Are you able to make time for yourself when caring for others? When faced with the uncertainties in life, what do you focus on? How does resiliency inform your outlook?
When her husband was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, the whirlwind experience suddenly had Tamra searching for answers and alternatives to the pharmaceuticals that only guaranteed harsh side effects with terrifying probabilities. After learning more and connecting with individuals that had gone through HSCT, Tamra’s husband decided to take the leap and forgo medications to pursue HSCT.
Tune in and...2020-05-131h 02HSCT WarriorsRevisit this check-in with Katie and be inspired to find hope and understanding (replay from S3)Warrior: Katie Hominsky
AI: MS
HSCT: 4/15/19, Chicago
Superpower: Confidence
Who has your back when things get tough? When facing struggles in life, where do you seek support? How do you find hope and understanding?
Tune in for this post-HSCT update from Katie, our first hopeful interviewed about her Hope Journey to HSCT and hear more about the ups and downs of her recovery rollercoaster at nearly six months post-transplant. In addition to simply catching up, Katie offers important updates on her fundraising initiatives and support strategies, and shares more about her ongoing Hope Journey.
Be sure to visit our website, H...2020-05-061h 09HSCT WarriorsEnjoy Paul's mindful positivity and joy along his marathon to HSCT (replay from S3)Warrior: Paul Wheeler
AI: Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: April 10, 2017
Superpower: Dancing
Have you experienced the compassion of humanity? Is your approach to life more of the “cup half-empty” or “half-full” mindset? Just how bright is your outlook?
As someone who prefers “research to the nth degree” about medical decisions, Paul weighed the odds of HSCT and determined them better than the 100% chance his disease would progress. Thanks to HSCT, Paul has not only found clarity of mind without the burden of “cog fog” he recognizes that other unexpected improvements he has been so grateful for are not guaranteed.
Tune in to learn more...2020-04-2250 minHSCT WarriorsRevisit reflections on contributions with Jarrod (replay from S3)Warrior: Jarrod Schlipf
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: November 2014
Superpower: Patience
How much effort/time/money has been spent battling autoimmune disease? What is your contribution to the outcomes that you are seeking? How committed are you to making time to build habits that nourish your mind, body and soul?
In this replay from season three, learn more about this 17 year experience with MS to an auto accident that injured his neck, Jarrod continues to find improvements post-HSCT through reducing a majority of his stress, finding the importance of sleeping and rest, and committing to movement and exercise.
Jarrod’s message that...2020-04-1537 minHSCT WarriorsJoin us in loving kindness meditation to honor healthcare workers and find a sense of calm (Ep. 46)Warrior: everyone
Superpower: Loving kindness meditation
Have you wanted to express gratitude for all the healthcare professionals who are on the front lines, responding with care for individuals battling life threatening illness? Do you know how to find calm within a state of stress and anxiety?
In this special episode, join our host zen Jen and her lifelong friend Jessica in a guided meditation practice to extend gratitude and loving kindness to healthcare professionals and others on the front lines of the covid-19 pandemic. Set against original music composed by Billy Alletzhauser, this brief practice was designed to promote calm...2020-04-0835 minHSCT WarriorsJoin John in finding possibility, similarities, and appreciation with multiple sclerosis (Ep. 45)Warrior: John Taylor
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: September 2019 at Northwestern
Superpower: Appreciation
Have you ever tried to describe the sensation of severe pain, despite knowing that you’re also physically numb? When side effects and risk outweigh the good, how do you make a choice? How do you feel when selected for the chance of a lifetime, knowing others have to miss that chance?
After years of living with symptoms considered insignificant, John finally received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 2010 from his third opinion doctor. While the first disease modifying therapy seemed to work for nearly a decade, just as...2020-04-011h 02HSCT WarriorsMeet Kim and the sunny disposition that keeps her fighting back against scleroderma (Ep. 44)Warrior: Kim Rodning
AI: Scleroderma
HSCT: September 4, 2018 at Duke University Medical Center
Superpowers: perseverance, patience, and perspective
Do you practice daily affirmations of positivity? Does your self talk promote healing or judgment? How does hearing the stories of other Warriors help you?
Having encountered the possibility of HSCT by chance, Kim explored more about the research and program for Scleroderma patients at Duke University. Thankfully, she found HSCT just before her lungs hardened to the point where she wouldn’t have qualified.
Tune in and learn more about her experience and symptoms of scleroderma, the aid she received to fight fo...2020-03-251h 05HSCT WarriorsLearn about the compassionate care that carried Jess through myeloablative HSCT in Sydney (Ep. 43)Warrior: Jess Green
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: February 2019 at St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney
Superpower: Love and compassion from others
When your doctors run out of options, are you ready to suggest a course of action? Despite the scary struggle or the bad times, can you find the goodness? How strong is your support system?
With a relatively quick diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis after her first sign of an issue, Jess researched treatment options and found her doctors at a loss for how to combat her relapses after she failed three different disease modifying drugs in just two years. She encouraged h...2020-03-1852 minHSCT WarriorsJoin Lydia to turn inward and find self-efficacy along her battle with Crohn's disease (Ep. 42)Warrior: Lydia Rosenbaum
AI: Crohn’s Disease
HSCT: August 2002 at Northwestern Memorial, Chicago
Superpower: Empathy and self-efficacy
How often do you push your limits? After spending time planning to die, how do you shift to celebrate success with surviving? How do you find compassion for people who have never walked in your shoes?
Despite suffering extreme complications with Crohn’s disease that kept her in and out of the hospital through multiple surgeries and dangerous fevers, Lydia woke up after surgery one day and was suddenly told “you cannot eat”. Before she turned 30, on medical disability, living in the hospital more than...2020-03-121h 22HSCT WarriorsJoin Tamara in her journey to HSCT and remember that you are enough (Ep. 41)Warrior: Tamara Netzel
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: Dec. 2019, Monterrey Mexico
Superpower: Truth
Have you ever been close to gaining resolution, only for it to slip through the cracks? How long has it taken for you to feel supported by your doctors? What would it look like if you pledged to help just one person get to HSCT?
After a long road to securing the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, the first disease modifying treatment that Tamara tried eventually sent her liver into failure. the first two doses of her second shot at a DMT created bladder problems and damage to her...2020-03-041h 38HSCT WarriorsFind hope in the power of patience along Craig's journey to HSCT (Ep. 40)Warrior: Craig Witkowski
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: September 2019 in Puebla
Superpower: Patience
Do you find it tough to maintain patience with yourself or doctors? How easily do you find a positive mental outlook? How tightly do you hold on to hope?
After being on a first-line drug to hold off initial onset of his MS symptoms, Craig found benefit for a few years until he stopped the medication due to unwelcome side effects. After changing careers, he spent some time without any sign of the disease until Craig was suddenly blind-sided by an experience while driving that left him nearly par...2020-02-2657 minHSCT WarriorsLearn from Meghan how not to poke the bear that is scleroderma and more about HSCT at Duke (Ep. 39)Warrior: Meghan Newell Davis
AI: Scleroderma
HSCT: 1/22/19 Duke University
Superpower: Unbreakable
Have you ever watched a doctor google your symptoms to find help? How often do you take the little things in life for granted? As you move through life, do you take caution not to 'poke the bear'?
Celebrating a son just one year younger than her new immune system, Meghan offers our listeners a glimpse into life with a very aggressive form of scleroderma and her experience with HSCT at Duke University. The highly competitive-Ironman-Nutritionist suddenly found her body to be suddenly sore, stiffening and stonelike. As she co...2020-02-191h 02HSCT WarriorsFind confidence with Jess and learn about HSCT in Calgary (Ep. 38)Warrior: Jess Faulds
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: July 2019 in Calgary, CA
Superpower: Sensation and mental strength
How do you react when people stare at you? At what age did you feel confident about managing your options with autoimmune disease? Where do you find faith in humanity?
Being diagnosed with MS at 15 years young certainly wasn’t a walk in the park for Jess, but it motivated her to keep active and persistent with staying informed about her options. As someone raised to value movement and nutrition, Jess was sure to incorporate these cornerstones throughout her experience with HSCT.
Tune in an...2020-02-121h 07HSCT WarriorsSeason Four Update with Ali Strong (Ep. 37)Warrior: Ali Roberts
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
Do you believe in the power of self-talk? That the words you say to yourself become the narrative that you fulfill? Where do you find yourself bringing attention?
A brand new season brings another conversation with Ali Strong about her experiences post-HSCT with diet and nutrition, exercise, stress, shingles, mindset, wellness, and personal challenges to continue promoting wellness, healing and longevity. Tune in and learn how Ali navigated wellness through the flu and shingles at two years post HSCT, then take away some valuable insights about life that she shares from her coaching perspective.
...2020-02-0557 min
HSCT WarriorsRevisit Tammy's courageous story of resilience through HSCTWarrior: Tammy Kazen-Richert
AI: Primary Progressive MS
HSCT: 2013, AA Maximov Hospital, Moscow Russia
Superpower: Incredible hulk-type shifts between calm intention and strength to power through
How intentional are you about making memories? Which side of the coin are you on? Who are the people in life that you can count on to run with you?
After she spent years managing another autoimmune issue, Tammy found HSCT in her research to learn more when she was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. After being denied elsewhere for HSCT due to the PPMS diagnosis, she found that Russia offered a path to...2020-01-2946 min
HSCT WarriorsRevisit Allison's courageous journey to HSCT and her efforts to spread hope and awarenessWarrior: Allison Carr
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 2014/15, Northwestern Memorial, Chicago IL
Superpower: Survival
To what extent do your doctors have your best interest in mind? Does the medical community you depend on even have accurate information about HSCT?
After suffering symptoms without a diagnosis for twenty years, Allison felt completely ignored by her medical community. As a busy mom in a busy career with a busy life, Allison didn’t find much time for her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, let alone the frightening side effects of pharmaceuticals. Despite the opinions of multiple doctors, when family friends connected her to the po...2020-01-2251 min
HSCT WarriorsRevisit Keri's remarkable journey and be inspired to persist in self-advocacyWarrior: Keri Huff
AI: Tumefactive multiple sclerosis
HSCT: July/August, 2010
Superpower: Self-advocacy
When you try to advocate for your health and doctors turn you away, how do you persist? Have you ever reflected on how much time you have? Where do you find beauty each day?
At just 28 years old, Keri started experiencing odd symptoms that countless doctors ignored and dismissed. As she persisted through debilitating pain and extreme fevers, an MRI finally evidenced several masses on her brain. After persisting through additional testing and a ten hour brain surgery, she learned she was pregnant but did not walk away...2020-01-151h 06
HSCT WarriorsRevisit lessons of positivity and gratitude with Ali StrongWarrior: Ali Strong
AI: MS
HSCT: 11/6/17
Superpower: Gratitude
Where do you find yourself bringing attention in life? Are you able to find goodness with your current state of being? What have been your most important lessons in life?
Embrace a shift from the typical podcast interview and listen in on Jen’s conversation to check in with Ali Strong on her HSCT journey, and share more about the new nonprofit, HSCT Warriors, Inc. for which Ali serves on the Advisory Board. Tune in and be inspired to integrate strategies that calm the mind and nerves, and be encouraged to find way...2020-01-0857 min
HSCT WarriorsJoin Barry in finding confidence to halt his MS and champion HSCT as a treatment option (Ep. 36)Warrior: Barry Goudy
AI: Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: August, 2003 at Northwestern in Chicago
Superpower: Belief
How do you place a value on health? When it comes to solutions for your experience with disease, how do you determine whether a treatment is good enough? How far are you willing to go with research?
Despite the devastation after initially failing requirements for the clinical trial protocol, Barry remained persistent to receive HSCT. Once he was accepted for a new study protocol, Barry geared up for halting the progression and enjoyed such a great experience that he has become an ongoing champion...2019-10-3047 min
HSCT WarriorsCheck in with Denise along her recovery rollercoaster (Ep. 35)Warrior: Denise Bishop
AI: Stiff Person Syndrome
HSCT: 9/12/17, Chicago
Superpower: increased empathy
How often do you listen to the voice in your head? How much can you afford to endure? What are your strategies to sort through all that needs attention?
Join us to check in with Denise following her two-year check up post-HSCT in Chicago. Learn more about the unexpected twists and turns along her ongoing rollercoaster, and how Denise faced the fluctuations including another autoimmune diagnosis, a traumatic fall, and tragic loss of her grandson.
Despite all the setbacks she has faced, Denise holds firm to a positive a...2019-10-231h 17
HSCT WarriorsMeet Ahna and be inspired to learn more about healing from the inside out (Ep. 34)Warrior: Ahna Crum
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: April, 2016 in Moscow Russia
Superpower: Shapeshifting
What motivates you to find curiosity in life? Have you ever been let down by a one-size-fits-all approach? How equipped are you to adapt?
After suffering significant relapses of her MS from an early age, Ahna found HSCT in her late twenties through research trying to avoid moving into an assisted living facility. With great determination and a positive mindset, Ahna found Moscow to be a welcoming, supportive place.
As someone who leaped into HSCT without any doubts, Ahna found the recovery rollercoaster to be quite the c...2019-10-1658 min
HSCT WarriorsJoin caregiver Tamra in finding resiliency to face the whirlwind (Ep. 33)Are you able to make time for yourself when caring for others? When faced with the whirlwind of life, what do you focus on? How does resiliency inform your outlook?
When her husband was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, the whirlwind experience suddenly had Tamra searching for answers and alternatives to the pharmaceuticals that only guaranteed harsh side effects with terrifying probabilities. After learning more and connecting with individuals that had gone through HSCT, Tamra’s husband decided to take the leap and forgo medications to pursue HSCT.
Tune in and learn more about their fundraising efforts to get to Cli...2019-10-091h 02
HSCT WarriorsCheck in along Katie's Hope Journey for post-HSCT updates (Ep. 32)Warrior: Katie Hominsky
AI: MS
HSCT: 4/15/19, Chicago
Superpower: Confidence
Who has your back when things get tough? When facing struggles in life, where do you seek support? How do you find hope and understanding?
Tune in for this post-HSCT update from Katie, our first hopeful interviewed about her Hope Journey to HSCT and hear more about the ups and downs of her recovery rollercoaster at nearly six months post-transplant. In addition to simply catching up, Katie offers important updates on her fundraising initiatives and support strategies, and shares more about her ongoing Hope Journey.
Be sure to visit our website, H...2019-10-021h 09
HSCT WarriorsShare in all the reasons to smile along Tracey's journey with HSCT (Ep. 31)Warrior: Tracey Rossi
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: August 2018
Superpower: Motivation
Are you looking to fit all the HSCT pieces together? What is your outlook on life? How often do you choose to turn a frown upside down?
As a former surfer, Tracey became an expert in finding balance and going with the flow. Having lived with the MS monster since 2009, Tracey was shocked when Dr. Burt was surprised enough by her symptoms to expedite her enrollment in the MOST clinical trial. Tune in and hear the latest updates from Chicago when Tracey was seen for her one-year follow-up in August.
B...2019-09-251h 02
HSCT WarriorsMeet Paul, a champion for positive outlooks along a mindful marathon (Ep. 30)Warrior: Paul Wheeler
AI: Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: April 10, 2017
Superpower: Dancing
Have you experienced the compassion of humanity? Is your approach to life with disease more of the “cup half empty” or “half full” mindset? Just how full is your cup?
As someone who prefers “research to the nth degree” about medical decisions, Paul weighed the odds of HSCT and determined them better than the 100% chance his disease would progress. Thanks to HSCT, Paul has not only found clarity of mind without the burden of “cog fog” he recognizes that other unexpected improvements he has been so grateful for are not guarante...2019-09-1850 min
HSCT WarriorsJoin Jarrod in recognizing and reflecting on your contributions (Ep. 29)Warrior: Jarrod Schlipf
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: November 2014
Superpower: Patience
How much effort/time/money has been spent battling autoimmune disease? What is your contribution to the outcomes that you are seeking? How committed are you to making time to build habits that nourish your mind, body and soul?
Tracing his 17 year experience with MS to an auto accident that injured his neck, Jarrod continues to find improvements post-HSCT through reducing a majority of his stress, finding the importance of sleeping and rest, and committing to movement and exercise.
Jarrod’s message that “You get out of HSCT… what you put into...2019-09-1137 min
HSCT WarriorsFind space and be inspired in the moment by Tammy's brave vulnerability (Ep. 28)Warrior: Tammy Kazen-Richert
AI: Primary Progressive MS
HSCT: 2013, AA Maximov Hospital, Moscow Russia
Superpower: Incredible hulk-type shifts between calm intention and strength to power through
How intentional are you about making memories? Which side of the coin are you on? Who are the people in life that you can count on as running partners?
After she spent years managing another autoimmune issue, Tammy found HSCT in her initial research to learn more when she was initially diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. After being denied elsewhere for HSCT due to the PPMS diagnosis, she found that Russia offered a path...2019-09-0446 min
HSCT WarriorsBe inspired by Keri's remarkable journey to persist in self-advocacy (Ep. 26)Warrior: Keri Huff
AI: Tumefactive multiple sclerosis
HSCT: 2010
When you try to advocate for your health and doctors turn you away, how do you persist? Have you ever reflected on how much time you have? Where do you find beauty each day?
At just 28 years old, Keri started experiencing odd symptoms that countless doctors ignored and dismissed. As she persisted through debilitating pain and extreme fevers, an MRI finally evidenced several masses on her brain. After persisting through additional testing and a ten hour brain surgery, she learned she was pregnant but did not walk away with a diagnosis.
When h...2019-08-211h 06
HSCT WarriorsKick off our third season with an update from Ali Strong (Ep. 25)Warrior: Ali Strong
AI: MS
HSCT: 11/6/17
Superpower: Gratitude
Where do you find yourself bringing attention in life? Are you able to find goodness with your current state of being? What have been your most important lessons in life?
Embrace a shift from the typical podcast interview and listen in on Jen’s conversation to check in with Ali Strong on her HSCT journey, and share more about the new nonprofit, HSCT Warriors, Inc. for which Ali serves on the Advisory Board. Tune in and be inspired to integrate strategies that calm the mind and nerves, and be encouraged to find wa...2019-08-1457 min
HSCT WarriorsReplay our first chat with HSCT hopeful KatieWarrior: Katie
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: Chicago, scheduled in March 2019
Superpower: walk with God
Where do you find confidence to move forward? How do you take the reins and find the right mindset? Who do you consider to be family?
Join us along Katie’s Hope Journey and learn from this interview with our first HSCT Hopeful. After spending 9 years battling multiple sclerosis, Katie found the mindset and the communal support to tackle HSCT head on. Despite her roller coaster of seeking insurance approval, the denial that led to fundraising and efforts of advocacy, Katie is now scheduled for pretesting and if...2019-07-1056 min
HSCT WarriorsRevisit Kevin's journey to SingaporeWarrior: Kevin
Snowflake: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: April 2016, Raffles Medical Center, Singapore
Superpower: Novena to St. Jude
When facing the unknown, are you curious about possibilities or do you fear uncertainties? What is the part of your journey that has become too familiar? How can we support each other to mobilize for different outcomes?
If you’ve ever been curious to know more about potential complications or side effects associated with HSCT, meet Kevin, who faced nearly any possible challenge you could possibly face (e.g. failed mobilization, infection in the blood) with HSCT, including travel across the globe to Singapore. De...2019-06-261h 01
HSCT WarriorsReplay this live interview of Zen Jen hostessed by friend Sara LeahLearn more about the journey of our very own “Zen” Jen, as she shares the mic for a chat with her dear friend Sara Leah and they find commonalities in their unique experiences with MS. With a fun break from the usual interview, enjoy this conversation from the lens of someone curious to know more about HSCT, and in celebration of Jen’s one-year HSCT birthday.
Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to host this interview live in the Belfry; especially for his efforts to create the soundtrack, record, edit, and perfect the audio to make t...2019-06-191h 32
HSCT WarriorsRevisit Cecilia's reminders for self care and positivityWarrior: Cecilia
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: July 11, 2018, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Superpower: Connections
How positive is your outlook? How empowered do you feel by your faith and innate resilience? When life seems scattered like a puzzle, how do your pieces fit together?
Tune in to learn more about how Cecilia embraces a positive mindset, regular mantras, and her lens of love to face any challenge that presents itself. Within the first six months post-HSCT, Cecilia has found strength in physical therapy, resilience in connections and sharing her experiences, and even found the balance to get back to work part-time.
Be sure to...2019-06-1246 min
HSCT WarriorsRewind and shine a light on Anna's journey with HSCTAfter hearing a “no” from her first attempt at HSCT, Anna remained open to try anything (including experimenting with mesenchymal stem cell therapy) to cure her MS. She found herself on Medicare and full-time disability for two years at the end of her late-thirties, so after failing four disease-modifying therapies (DMT) and facing the side-effects of yet another DMT, Anna chose to jump at the chance to revisit her application at Northwestern Memorial.
Tune in to hear more about Anna’s journey with Multiple Sclerosis and the effort she made to prevent her disease from progressing; the “rollercoaster” peaks and valleys of...2019-06-051h 11
HSCT WarriorsRevisit Karin's journey to halt lupus with HSCTWarrior: Karin
Snowflake: Systemic Lupus
HSCT: December 10, 2015, Northwestern Memorial
Superpower: Empathy
Do you tend to put yourself last on your to-do list? Have you ever been at the point in your life when you realize, “This is for the birds!” or feel ready to get on with it [life] already?
Karin’s experience with Systemic Lupus left her bandaged and barely recognizable. Failed medication after another, she realized that her autoimmune disease was “for the birds.” Despite the fear of being away from her busy life for too long, Karin found herself ready for HSCT and encourages listeners to “take care of numb...2019-05-2953 min
HSCT WarriorsRevisit the courageous journey of JulieAs a young warrior with brilliant energy, Julie shines her light on the importance of managing stress in order to negotiate the realities of unpredictability. She very quickly realized the reality that as a progressive disease, MS created daily fear that “the next day could have been the day when I woke up and couldn’t walk again.” Within two short years of diagnosis in 2016, Julie felt completely defeated by MS until she embraced hope as a mantra to navigate life and hasn’t let it go throughout her HSCT journey. Tune in to learn more about Julie’s shifting perspectiv...2019-05-221h 16
CausepodsJen Stansbury Koenig - HSCT Warriors Podcast
Welcome to another episode of Causepods! Today on the show we’re joined by Dr. Jen Stansbury Koenig, creator of HSCT Warriors Podcast, who is going to be defining for us what exactly autoimmune disease is and the role that hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) can play in the healing process. She discusses her own experience of being diagnosed with two serious illnesses, how she approached treatment and what it was that made her decide to start a podcast to advocate the cause for HSCT.
Jen talks about the strong case for this treatment, giving us statistics fr...2019-03-2836 min
HSCT WarriorsMeet Alison, a caregiver for her warrior husband (Ep. 15)Snowflake: AIMS Charity
HSCT: Caregiver
Superpower: Dedication
Have you considered the possibilities of traveling abroad to pursue HSCT to halt your autoimmune disease? Are you striving to overcome obstacles like funding or researching HSCT?
Meet Alison, a caregiver for her warrior husband who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2010 and experienced significant declines in a short time. Once they determined HSCT would be the best avenue for treatment, they struggled to be accepted to their local clinic in the United Kingdom. After fundraising to pursue HSCT at Clinica Ruiz in Puebla Mexico, they were finally accepted for treatment in the...2019-02-2045 min
HSCT WarriorsJoin us along Katie’s Hope Journey and learn with our first HSCT Hopeful (Ep. 14)Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: Chicago, scheduled in March 2019
Superpower: walk with God
Where do you find confidence to move forward? How do you take the reins and find the right mindset? Who do you consider to be family?
Join us along Katie’s Hope Journey and learn from this interview with our first HSCT Hopeful. After spending 9 years battling multiple sclerosis, Katie found the mindset and the communal support to tackle HSCT head on. Despite her roller coaster of seeking insurance approval, the denial that led to fundraising and efforts of advocacy, Katie is now scheduled for pretesting and if all go...2019-02-1356 min
HSCT WarriorsVenture with Kevin to Singapore for HSCT and find resolve to tackle complications (Ep. 12)Warrior: Kevin
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: February 23, 2017, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Superpower: Novena to St. Jude
When facing the unknown, are you curious about possibilities or do you fear uncertainties? What is the part of your journey that has become too familiar? How can we support each other to mobilize for different outcomes?
If you’ve ever been curious to know more about potential complications or side effects associated with HSCT, meet Kevin, who faced nearly any possible challenge you could possibly face (e.g. failed mobilization, infection in the blood) with HSCT, including travel across the globe to Singapore. Despite facing su...2018-10-301h 01
HSCT WarriorsLearn more about the journey of HSCT with "Zen" Jen and Sara Leah (Ep. 11)Warriors 11: “Zen” Jen & Sara Leah
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: October 18, 2017, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Superpower: Zen
Do you embrace life’s challenges with open arms? One step at a time? As you find your way along your journey, do you pause to reflect in the moment and express gratitude for those who are along with you?
Learn more about the journey of our very own “Zen” Jen, as she shares the mic for a chat with her dear friend Sara Leah and they find commonalities in their unique experiences with MS. With a fun break from the usual interview protocol, enjoy this conversati...2018-10-241h 32
HSCT WarriorsMeet Cecilia to view her renewed "lens of love" on life (Ep. 10)Warrior 10: Cecilia
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: February 2018, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Superpower: Connections
How positive is your outlook? How empowered do you feel by your faith and innate resilience? When life seems scattered like a puzzle, how do your pieces fit together?
Tune in to learn more about how Cecilia embraces a positive mindset, regular mantras, and her lens of love to face any challenge that presents itself. Within the first six months post-HSCT, Cecilia has found strength in physical therapy, resilience in connections and sharing her experiences, and even found the balance to get back to work part-time.
Be sure to...2018-10-1046 min
HSCT WarriorsMeet Anna and be inspired to achieve your "next best life" (Ep. 09)Warrior 9: Anna
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: February 23, 2017, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Superpower: Running
How bright is the light you shine on your present situation? What are you committed to, without any doubts or hesitation, to achieve your “next best life”?
After hearing a “no” from her first attempt at HSCT, Anna remained open to try anything (including experimenting with mesenchymal stem cell therapy) to cure her MS. She found herself on Medicare and full-time disability for two years at the end of her late-thirties and after failing four disease-modifying therapies (DMT) and facing the side-effects of yet another DMT, Anna chose to jump at...2018-10-031h 11
HSCT WarriorsMeet Karin and how to “take care of number one first”(Ep. 08)Warrior 8: Karin
Snowflake: Systemic Lupus
HSCT: December 10, 2015, Northwestern Memorial
Superpower: Empathy
Do you tend to put yourself last on your to-do list? Have you ever been at the point in your life when you realize, “This is for the birds!” or feel ready to get on with it [life] already?
Karin’s experience with Systemic Lupus left her bandaged and barely recognizable. One failed medication after another, she realized that her Lupus was “for the birds.” Despite the fear of being away from her busy life for too long, Karin found herself tired of her disease and ready to move on. Be ins...2018-09-1953 min
HSCT WarriorsMeet Julie and learn to “not sweat the small stuff”(Ep. 07)Warrior: Julie
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: February 19, 2018, Northwestern Memorial
Superpowers: Empathy and ability to “not sweat the small stuff”
Are you a goal-oriented person who likes to create plans and back-up plans to the plans for every aspect of life? Have your plans been significantly detoured by your experience with autoimmune disease?
As a young warrior with brilliant energy, Julie shines her light on the importance of managing stress in order to negotiate the realities of unpredictability. She very quickly realized the reality that as a progressive disease, MS created daily fear that “the next day could have been the day when I...2018-09-121h 16
HSCT WarriorsMeet Ron and learn to invest “short term pain for long term gain”(Ep. 06)Have you ever learned something that left you at a loss for words? Found yourself tied to the railroad tracks looking for a way to stop the oncoming train?
Meet Ron, a warrior who invested in the “short term pain for long term gain” of HSCT and found courage to face his fears, doubts, and misconceptions in order to commit to Clinica Ruiz in Puebla Mexico. As an American citizen residing in Canada, he unexpectedly found an extended family and friends in Mexico.
Ron leaped into his journey without looking back, continues to grow his family by embracing a positive outl...2018-09-0558 min
HSCT WarriorsMeet Denise and "take charge of your health" (Ep. 05)Warrior 5: Denise
Snowflake: Stiff Person Syndrome
HSCT: 9/12/17, Chicago
Superpower: Increased empathy
Have you ever found yourself distracted by concern for the people in your life that are stressed about your condition? Do you question whether the resources you find when researching your condition are of comparable quality to the resources your doctors can access? Have you learned how to embrace the courage to make your own decisions in healthcare?
Be inspired to take charge of your health when you meet Denise, a warrior who tapped into her 35 years of service as a trauma-care nurse when diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome...2018-08-291h 09