#HSCTforMS

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

Revisit Ellie’s journey with HSCT and get comfortable to “let go of expectations”

November 18, 2020 — Leave a comment

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 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 some of the strategies she uses to tune in and focus on breathing, healing, and well-being. 

Tune in to hear more about Ellie’s journey to embrace uncertainty, learn strategies to support the nervous and autonomic systems, and better get to know your body, nutrition, balance and well-being. Continue following Ellie and her abundance of gratitude on her blog, shared in the list of resources below.

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 immediately.

Resources noted: 
Ellie’s blog: http://HSCTforMS.com
HeartMath: https://www.heartmath.com
Jiyo: https://jiyo.com/home
YogaGlo: http:www.YogaGlo.com

Revisit important insights shared by Dustin in this replay of our second interview

November 11, 2020 — Leave a comment

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 future uncertainties. He was able to allow Dr. Burt to “take the reigns,” and completely trusted the nurses and staff throughout the HSCT process. Hopefully Dustin finds continued healing and someday soon he will be able to accomplish all that he feels ready for. 

Tune in to hear Dustin’s journey with HSCT, his secrets to staying positive and strategies to cope during the two-week-plus long hospital stay where “you’re never alone, but you’re always lonely.”

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.

Revisit our very first interview and be inspired by Ali’s “Law of Attraction”

November 4, 2020 — Leave a comment

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 extensive research, Ali fought her fears of chemotherapy, connected with some beautiful souls, and found tremendous strength to power through an extraordinarily challenging HSCT experience. Her journey helped her shift from a life “which was just surviving” to embrace positivity, “what inspires and lights me on fire” without fear, and her unique law of attraction.

Tune in to hear Ali’s transformation as her story offers “hope to people struggling with autoimmune disease… to know that there’s an option out there… that [is] getting safer and safer all the time.” Ali offers brave inspiration in sharing a piece of the “bunnies and tiaras” warriors’ story, honoring her soul-sisters and the legacy of HSCT advocacy.

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.

Revisit the hope in possibility with John along his journey to HSCT (replay from S4)

October 28, 2020 — Leave a comment

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 John began to fear a future with little hope about his new normal, his wife stumbled upon HSCT in time for him to be treated in Dr. Burt’s last cohort before sabbatical.

Tune in and learn more about John’s experience with loss of balance, shooting pains, burning sensations, optic neuritis, and other symptoms that he experienced with multiple sclerosis. 

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 immediately.

Resources: 
Patient care manuals for post-HSCT
Research articles

Learn how Sagirah ran her way to HSCT by defining her own course committed to success (Ep. 56)

October 7, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Sagirah Ahmed Norris
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: Clinica Ruiz, January 2020
Superpower: flexibility

Are you someone who prefers to schedule a plan for every detail in life? When your plans are suddenly interrupted by disease, are you flexible enough to define a new path? Are you confident sticking with a decision, despite others’ opinions that might be contrary?

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 option for her, particularly the kind of HSCT that involved leaving the country.

Tune in to learn more about how Sagirah defined her path to HSCT, the flexibility she gained throughout her experience, and whether she qualified for the Boston Marathon even before her one-year HSCT birthday.

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
HSCT Warriors, Inc.

Managing setbacks post-HSCT; a chat with Brooke Slick (Ep. 55)

September 30, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Brooke Slick
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: May, 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 and celebrate the gifts of community and service to 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:
BrookeSlick.com
The MS Gym Podcast
The MS Gym
HSCT Moscow
HSCT Warriors, Inc.

Meet Felicia and learn how she fought against the odds and COVID to pursue HSCT (Ep. 54)

September 23, 2020 — 1 Comment

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 COVID and details about the level of detail, treatment and care Felicia received at Clinica Ruiz, and all that she has gained in just the first couple of weeks post-HSCT. 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:
Facebook blog page

Catch-up with Marlo, an HSCT hopeful who persevered despite a super twisted path to HSCT

September 16, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Marlo Kalb
AI: Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 9.30.19
Superpower: confidence to fight back

When you encounter setbacks, how do you find your way forward? What are the skills required to persist and persevere? 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 in anticipation to become the first person transplanted at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. After facing administrative issues, delays, and opinions not favoring her candidacy for HSCT, 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 Marlo’s one-year stem-cell birthday and how HSCT has impacted her after spending 13 years living with MS.

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
HSCT Warriors, Inc.