#gratitude

Celebrate life in 3D with Kristen, nearly eight years post-transplant (Ep. 86)

August 10, 2022 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Kristen
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: January 2015
Superpower: confidence

To what extent does stress impact you? How full do you feel life is? How well are you able to put fear aside?

As an avid runner, Kristen managed several years of mystery symptoms before receiving the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 2009. Despite her aggressive approach with attempting to slow the progression, including solumedrol, rituximab, copaxone, and several other disease modifying therapies, it seemed the drugs had no effect. Kristen found herself slowing each year from running marathons to speed-walking to limping with a cane to a scooter and eventually a wheelchair, unable to hold a fork by 2013. Once she was connected with someone who had received HSCT in Germany, she was convinced. She applied in Italy and Russia and was accepted while she pursued the clinical trial at Northwestern, yet was rejected. 

Tune in to hear more about how a gracious pilot on a canceled flight helped her arrive at a second appointment with Dr. Burt to be treated on a compassionate care basis, her experience with divine interventions, trust in Dr. Burt through transplant, and how she is faring seven-and-a-half years later with her new lease on life.

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind.  Be well.

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Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Resources: 
Glen Howard meditation and prayer books

Be inspired by Carolyn’s insider perspectives as she pursues HSCT at the Cleveland Clinic (Ep. 82 part 1)

May 4, 2022 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Carolyn Deming
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: scheduled May 4
Superpower: blatant honesty

Do you ponder problems or possibilities? What is your approach to finding the right mindset? How do you advocate for what you know you need?

After experiencing significant eye pain but no other symptoms, Carolyn was “utterly stunned” to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on her 32nd birthday. Her first significant relapse occurred just five months after. Having started a disease-modifying therapy that gave her flu-like symptoms, it wasn’t long before she carved her own path forward through several DMTs and emotions tied to the entire experience of chronic illness that led her to pursue HSCT.

Tune in to learn more about how “the power of options” has been incredibly supportive for Carolyn, some of the latest MRI technologies at Cleveland Clinic, their reverence for stem cells, and Carolyn’s insider’s perspective. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind.  Be well.

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Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Resources:

Carolyn’s blog: Mychroniclibrary.com
Cuddle clone
Matt Haig books

Celebrate the start of spring and check-in with Ali at 4+ years post-HSCT (Ep. 77)

March 23, 2022 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Ali Roberts
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: November 6, 2017
Superpower: Gratitude

How happy are you with what is happening today? Where are you along the journey with acceptance? How do you live your best life?

The beginning of a new season offers the opportunity to check in with Ali at the four-year mark of HSCT recovery. Tune in to learn more about how Ali has navigated psychological and emotional wellbeing and learn how she found a way to accept all the changes that come along with the long process of healing damages incurred by multiple sclerosis including the invisible aspects of orthorexia, finding alternative exercises to promote bone and muscle strength, and exploring supplements that can support our well-being. 

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind.  Be well.

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Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Resources:

The MS Gym

Celebrate our seventh season by checking in with Ali Roberts (Ep. 68)

September 22, 2021 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Ali Roberts
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: November 2017
Superpower: Gratitude

Are you familiar with your fears? Are you open to freeing your authentic self? Are you living your best life?

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We’re so grateful to check in with Ali to begin each new season of the podcast to help portray the continual journey of recovery from HSCT, as it can have several layers and play out in very different ways for different people.  As someone who was not too keen on exploring new things prior to transplant, tune in to hear more about the various transformations Ali has experienced and how recovery is going nearly four years post-transplant.

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you find podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind.  Be well.

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Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Continue learning from DeWayne’s experience with myeloablative HSCT despite COVID (Ep. 64 part 2)

March 31, 2021 — Leave a comment

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? Do you wait to share your gratitude?

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 feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind.  Be well.

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Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Resources:
www.rooftopprayerwarrior.com

www.hsctwarriors.org

Welcoming Season 6 and personal growth with Ali Strong (Ep. 58)

February 3, 2021 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Ali Roberts
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 11/6/17
Superpower: Gratitude

How often do you set intentions? Are you comfortable stepping into the unknown? How easy is it to consider yourself first?

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.

Please share your ideas for upcoming episodes or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”; find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map with contact information for HSCT clinics. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well.

Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Resources:
AliStrong: facebook.com/pages/AliStrong
HSCT Warriors, Inc.: https://hsctwarriors.org
Genomic sequencing: https://yourgenomicresource.com/

Replay this loving kindness meditation to honor healthcare workers and find a sense of calm (replay from S4)

January 27, 2021 — Leave a comment

Warriors: everyone
Superpower: Loving kindness meditation

As we near the launch of our sixth season, revisit this special episode with our hostess zen Jen and her lifelong friend Jessica of Radically Rooted Yoga and Lifestyle Center 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.

Founder of Radically Rooted, Jessica Lichaa started exploring the integration of body practices through yoga in 1999 and over time has developed an emphasis on cultivating autonomic regulation through the fascia of the body. The practices led by Jessica have helped many individuals to improve the stress and trauma induced holding patterns within the tissues of the body to cultivate healthier ways of dealing with the emotional responses of life and improve overall well being.

In September of 2016 Jessica Lichaa developed a unique yoga teacher curriculum focused on neuroscience, early childhood psychology, body awareness, mindfulness, and self-compassion practices.  She integrated timeless ancient techniques with current research in neuroscience and developed a highly acclaimed yoga teacher training, that not only emphasizes asanas, philosophy and pranayam, but also manual tissue movement to assist the body in accessing the relaxation response, to foster deeper states of homeostasis, and awaken one’s immune system to detox the cellular matrix of free radicals.

The guided meditation featured in this episode can be practiced by anyone at any time to find a sense of calm and connection to self and others, and cultivate gratitude for all the healthcare professionals who are caring for so many who are battling covid-19. May we feel safe and protected… may we be happy… may we be healthy… may we be free from pain and suffering.

Feel free to reach out to Jessica anytime for more information or to learn more about the self care fascial work that is discussed in the episode.

Resources:
Radically Rooted Yoga and Lifestyle Center
JessicaLichaa@liveradicallyrooted.com

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Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician immediately.

Pause to reflect and find gratitude with our own ‘zen’ Jen and friend, Sara Leah (replay from S1)

January 13, 2021 — Leave a comment

Warriors: ‘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 conversation from the lens of someone curious to know more about HSCT, 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 this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

Take a moment to leave a review because your feedback will help to develop even better episodes, and your ratings will help other people find the show. Tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well.

Resources:
haltmyms.com
hsctwarriorspodcast.com
HSCT at Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati
HSCT at Clinica Ruiz, Mexico

Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Learn more about HSCT amid the global COVID pandemic from Jan-Marie and the power of patience (Ep. 48)

August 12, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Jan-Marie
AI: RRMS
HSCT: 6/20
Superpower: Patience 

Do you take doctors’ opinions as gospel? How comfortable are you asking questions and conducting research? Who helps you through tough times?

Jan-Marie

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 herself frustrated and hopeless with the progression of her multiple sclerosis, Jan-Marie was introduced to HSCT by a girlfriend and within hours completed the application, and in days secured a schedule.

Tune in to hear more about Jan-Marie’s journey to HSCT, changes to the typical experience in Monterrey at Clinica Ruiz for COVID, and how Jan-Marie is faring the first few weeks post-transplant.Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind.  Be well.

_________________________________

Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Resources:
Calm app

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Learn more about HSCT amid the global COVID pandemic from Jan-Marie and the power of patience

 

Revisit Lydia’s journey to HSCT for Crohn’s Disease and find joy in surviving (replay from S4)

July 22, 2020 — Leave a comment

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?

Replay Lydia

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 out and realizing she was on palliative care, Lydia found herself advocating for consistency and questioning the ethics of doctors and insurers.

Having prepared to face death from her aggressive form of Crohn’s, Lydia was surprised to find herself feeling so isolated after HSCT when she realized she could prepare to live. Join us and learn more from Lydia about her battle and the path that led her through the Phase II Clinical Trial as one of the very first patients treated with HSCT for Crohn’s Disease by Dr. Burt at Northwestern.

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind. Be well.

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Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician immediately.

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Revisit Lydia’s journey to HSCT for Crohn’s Disease and find joy in surviving (replay from S4)