#intention

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.

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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.

Welcoming Season 5 with our dear friend, Ali Strong (Ep. 47)

August 5, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Ali Strong
AI: MS
HSCT: 11/6/17
Superpower: Gratitude

Have you experienced pain so severe it has robbed you of living? How do you find courage?  What choices can you make each day?

S5 Welcome Ali

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 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:
Genomic sequencing: https://yourgenomicresource.com/

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Welcoming Season 5 with our dear friend, Ali Strong (Ep. 47)

Revisit the power of patience and persistence with Craig (replay from S4)

July 8, 2020 — Leave a comment

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? 

Replay Craig

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 paralyzed. Without much explanation other than progression of his MS, he started on another disease-modifying-treatment that didn’t touch the continued progression and caused additional unwelcome side-effects.

Craig researched more about stem cell treatments because his doctors could only offer vague uncertainties and although he found Dr. Burt’s clinical trial at Northwestern, after spending a year fighting insurance to pursue HSCT, Craig learned his disease had progressed enough to leave him ineligible for the study criteria. Not willing to give up hope, Craig traveled from Chicago to Texas for a presentation about Clinica Ruiz and was sold on the possibilities that HSCT at Clinica Ruiz offered.

Tune in  and learn more about Craig’s unique challenges, fundraising efforts, power of patience, tremendous support of family and friends, and will to find his way to HSCT at Clinica Ruiz in Puebla, Mexico.

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.

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Revisit the power of patience and persistence with Craig

 

Revisit our catch-up with Ali and her recovery strategies that apply every day (replay from S4)

June 17, 2020 — Leave a comment

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 fulfilled?  Where do you find yourself bringing attention?

Replay AliS4 (2)

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 her coaching perspective.

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.

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Revisit our catch-up with Ali and her recovery strategies that apply every day (replay from S4)

Check-in with Denise and celebrate persistence through the recovery rollercoaster (replay from S3)

June 3, 2020 — Leave a comment

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?

Replay Denise (1)

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 attitude and resilient mindset that is inspiring for any warrior. Tune in, find connection, and share in the sense of community.

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 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.

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Check-in with Denise and celebrate persistence through the recovery rollercoaster (replay from S3)

Be inspired by Ahna’s journey to learn, grow, and adapt in life (replay from S3)

May 20, 2020 — Leave a comment

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?

Replay Ahna

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 challenge. Tune in to find out more about the post-transplant complications that Ahna faced, how she was able to find her own solutions to heal her body, and how she found her passion to become a partner for HSCT warriors along their journeys.

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 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.

Resources:
Restorative Nutrition by Ahna Crum
What the Heck Should I eat? by Mark Hyman
Psychobiotic Revolution: Mood, Food, and the New Science of the Gut-Brain Connection by Scott C. Anderson
MS Gym Podcast

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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.

Revisit inspiration from Tamra and find resiliency among the uncertainty (replay from S3)

May 13, 2020 — Leave a comment

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?

Replay Tamra (1)

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 Clinica Ruiz, the turnabout to pursue treatment in Chicago, and how Tamra provides support to others in the HSCT family.

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 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.

Revisit this check-in with Katie and be inspired to find hope and understanding

May 6, 2020 — Leave a comment

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?

Replay Katie

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, 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 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.

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Revisit this check-in with Katie and be inspired to find hope and understanding

Revisit some great reasons to smile along Tracey’s journey with HSCT (replay from S3)

April 29, 2020 — Leave a comment

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? 

Replay Tracey

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.

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 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.

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Revisit some great reasons to smile along Tracey’s journey with HSCT (replay from S3)

Enjoy Paul’s mindful positivity and joy along his marathon to HSCT (replay from S3)

April 22, 2020 — Leave a comment

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?

Replay Paul (1)

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 about how Paul rallied the support of his family and community to help raise money in order to get from the UK to Mexico, including a “really weird” journey made of “a marathon a day” spanning 250 miles in his wheelchair. Enjoy this inspiring story of energetic joy.

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.