#hsctfamily

Meet Stacy and learn from reflections as she celebrates her third stem cell birthday (Ep. 83)

May 18, 2022 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Stacy McNall
AI: Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: May 14, 2019
Superpower: being still

Are you someone who trusts the process? How do you handle the need to slow down? Are you able to find calm among the storm?

As a very active person who “lived in overdrive” as a nurse practitioner and marathoner, Stacy tended to set aside the symptoms she experienced for nearly 18 years before she was diagnosed. During her 14th marathon, Stacy tried her best to get moving but her legs would not cooperate and she finally went to see a doctor. After trying several disease-modifying therapies that did not seem to help, Stacy looked further into HSCT while she was hospitalized with a relapse and was successful enrolling in the clinical trial at Northwestern just before it ended.

From relapses to support from reiki masters, to issues with insurance, to reactions during the stem cell transplant including a blood clot, psychosis, and extreme nausea, Stacy seems to have experienced everything along the HSCT rollercoaster. 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 a 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.

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:
Reiki
Myofascial release
Vibration plate

Learn more from Jan-Marie along her recovery rollercoaster and find hope (Ep. 78)

March 30, 2022 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Jan-Marie
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: June 16, 2020
Superpower: Hope

What do you think is happening? How do you advocate for yourself when seeking answers?

Nearly immediately after HSCT, Jan-Marie experienced significant improvements with her balance and walking and knew in her heart that HSCT worked to halt progression. So, when Jan-Marie began experiencing new challenges, pain, and neurological issues at just 5 months post-HSCT, she became very determined to find answers. Although her doctors insisted that the multiple sclerosis had returned, Jan-Marie had a feeling that what she was experiencing was in fact very different from multiple sclerosis. Tune in to learn more about the variety of options that Jan-Marie pursued, from a top-off of chemo to spending a month in the hospital for nearly every test imaginable, including two MRIs that showed no MS-related activity.

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.

_________________________________

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:

Hydrafil Feasibility Study by RegelTec

Talk to a Warrior at HSCTWarriors.org

Revisit Tammy’s journey with HSCT and be inspired by the power of intention (S3 replay)

July 21, 2021 — Leave a comment

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 your 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 to HSCT that Tammy chose to run.

Finding a new sense of community among fellow HSCT Warriors has been an incomparable support for Tammy as she realized that even after a successful transplant, she relapsed after three years post-HSCT and was considered a non-responder. Tune in and be inspired by the brave vulnerability that Tammy shares in her perspective ‘on the flip side of the coin.’

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. 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 reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would definitely love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease… if you could take a moment to share your story, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We appreciate all your support, and if you’re looking to contribute in other ways – including volunteering or monetarily – we’d love to hear from you. 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.

Join Leta in her practice to dwell on the positive in life (S2 replay)

June 9, 2021 — Leave a comment

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 absolve any concerns in hearing more details of the “well-oiled machine” that is HSCT at Clinica Ruiz. Be inspired to treat your diagnosis as an interloper and “dwell on the positive”.

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: 
LetaKrieger.blog
Clinica Ruiz, Puebla
MS Gym
Any List app

Meet Erin and be inspired to find empathy and connection despite feelings of isolation (Ep. 65)

April 7, 2021 — Leave a comment

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 chaotic stress of COVID by surrounding herself in a bubble of staying focused on positivity and gratitude expressed by others around her. During this conversation with Erin, hear more about how her experiences in Mexico and her quarantine upon returning home helped motivate her to find inclusive ways to empower others.

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:
Sail MS
Paavitforward.org
HSCTWarriors.org

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.

_________________________________

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

Be inspired by Vic’s resolve, despite the naysayers and positive COVID tests (Ep. 63)

March 17, 2021 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Vic Bonilla
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: Oct 2020
Superpower: unbreakable resolve

Have you ever felt like an observer of your own 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 Mexico before returning to Clinica Ruiz for HSCT. By this time, Vic’s brother needed to return to the US, and thankfully Vic was able to hire a caregiver.

Tune in to learn more about Vic’s experience with his caregiver in Puebla, his journey with the MS symptoms that caught him by surprise, his extensive research into HSCT, how things are faring nearly six-months post-HSCT, and the unexpected outcomes he continues to enjoy.

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.

Be inspired by Chloe to increase awareness, and stay active and sane despite COVID (Ep. 61)

February 24, 2021 — Leave a comment

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? Where do you find courage to be confident in your decisions?

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 disease-modifying therapy and after researching the side effects, Chloe opted instead to adopt special diets and a natural path to managing her symptoms. 

Tune in and learn more about how Chloe found complete relief from her symptoms while away in New Zealand, find motivation to be your own advocate, and how she found her way to HSCT despite doctors’ and friends’ concerns that she would die. Hear more about her experience in Monterrey and how she was able to stay active and sane despite the global pandemic.

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:
Clinica Ruiz: https://hsctmexico.com
HSCT Warriors, Inc.: https://HSCTWarriors.org

Revisit Julie’s journey to HSCT and find super helpful lessons along the way (replay from S1)

December 23, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Julie Eberhardt
Snowflake: Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
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 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 perspectives and find wisdom that might take others a lifetime to learn.

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, and access the latest HSCT research and resources. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to create the soundtrack, edit, and produce the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find 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 a brand new 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 immediately.

Resources:
Blindsided, Richard Cohen
Chasing Hope, Richard Cohen
Julie’s blog: MakingSenseofMS.com

Revisit our first chat with Ron and find motivation to research care you deserve (replay from S1)

December 9, 2020 — Leave a comment

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 journey without looking back, continues to grow his family by embracing a positive outlook, and focusing on the small things to appreciate in life. Tune in to hear Ron’s tips and tricks, encouragement to pursue objective research, and strategies to support a healthy outlook in recovery.

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, and access the latest HSCT research and resources. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to create the soundtrack, edit, and produce 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 a brand new 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: 
Ron’s blog: ronniesmstrek.mozello.com
Heavy Metal testing: https://www.doctorsdata.com/urine-toxic-metals/
Cannabidiol oil: https://cbdistillery.com
1:1 CBD:THC oils