#mindfulness

Meet Matt and be inspired to find peace of mind (Ep. 99)

March 15, 2023 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Matt LeFrance
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: June-July 2022
Superpower: peace of mind

How do you know what to expect? From whom do you seek feedback? How do you decide to take the next step?

Diagnosed just after college at the young age of 25 when he experienced double vision and a variety of doctors had a hard time understanding what was going on, Matt was diagnosed after a MRI revealed a lesion on his brain stem. As he pondered what was next, despite feeling as though life was ending when it should be only just beginning, Matt spent time researching his options for treatment before aging out of insurance coverage. 

Tune in to learn more about Matt’s research efforts, his natural approach to managing MS for thirteen years before HSCT, and how he fared during his time in Puebla at Clinica Ruiz. 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:
Best Bet Diet and MS Hope

Reconnect with Erin to find empathy and connection despite feelings of isolation (S6 replay)

November 9, 2022 — 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.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 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:

Sail MS
Paavitforward.org
HSCTWarriors.org

Catch-up with Amy and celebrate her learning journey at nearly one-year post HSCT (Ep. 94)

October 5, 2022 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Amy Capel
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: October 2021
Superpower: mentality

To what extent are you distracted? Have you ever been on the outside looking in?

We first met Amy in Season 7 when she described her struggle to understand the disease and the storm of negative side effects from the first medication she tried. Thanks to a friend who had success with HSCT, Amy was convinced and committed to making the best decisions for herself and her family which meant advocating for herself to pursue HSCT. We last spoke with Amy the day before she met with a new neurologist at Duke University, just days before she was scheduled to travel to Clinica Ruiz in Puebla.

Tune in to hear more details about Amy’s experience with the clinic, the culture, the physical and the mental components of her journey to HSCT. 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.

Be inspired by Cecilia’s resilience at four years post-transplant (Ep. 89)

August 31, 2022 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Cecilia Reyes
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: July, 2018
Superpower: Resilience

To what extent has your view softened? To what extent are you learning as you move through life? Do you find blessings and opportunities in the challenges you face?

Check-in with Cecilia at four years post-transplant and learn from the many insights shared and be inspired to find a compassionate journey with yourself. From mindset and positive self-talk to diet and exercise, this conversation shines a light on the importance of patience, trusting the process, finding connection with yourself and community, and practicing resilience. 

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.

Check-in with Ali at nearly five years post-HSCT as we launch our ninth season (Ep. 85)

August 3, 2022 — Leave a comment

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

Are you someone who feels your emotions? Do you focus on what can (v. can’t) be done? Can you find the present in each moment?

The beginning of a new season offers the opportunity to check in with Ali and how she is faring, nearly five post-HSCT. Tune in to learn how Ali is managing menopause, strategies for wellness, navigating shifts in diet, exercise, hormones, emotions, and anxiety. 

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:

Dr. Burt’s non-myeloablative HSCT protocol (not yet recruiting) will be posted at clinicaltrials.gov – contact him in the meantime by emailing burtrrmstrial@scrippshealth.org

Embodiment, fascial awakening, and emotional regulation support offered by Jess Rachel – contact her to learn more by emailing jess4embodiment@gmail.com

Revisit Christy’s journey to Monterrey and learn more about the power of connections (S6 replay)

July 13, 2022 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Christy Miller Kuziensky
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: February 2021 in Monterrey
Superpowers: patience and trust in Clinica Ruiz

Have you been fortunate enough to find confidence in your big decisions? How has patience served you along your journey? Are you comfortable showing up with no expectations?

With arm numbness that led to her diagnosis at the age of 24, Christy experienced some time without many MS symptoms and was doing her best to be adventurous and live a full life. Until she found herself in the outback of Australia for an outdoor teaching experience, hit with a terrible flare and optic neuritis that forced her on a return flight to the US within 24 hours. As an avid believer in the body’s capacity to heal itself, Christy spent two decades pursuing natural therapies to treat her MS symptoms, including acupuncture, Qi Gong, tapeworms, and bee sting therapy.

Tune in to learn more about how Christy found HSCT and faced her doubts to fundraise her way to Clinica Ruiz in Monterrey. With great tips for narrating her 26 year journey with MS avoiding disease modifying therapies and generating support for her treatment, Christy’s journey helps to reinforce the power of networking and sharing connection with others.

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 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: https://HSCTWarriors.org

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

Revisit meeting Ahna and be inspired to heal from the inside out (S3 replay)

December 1, 2021 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Ahna Crum
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: April, 2016 in Moscow Russia
Superpower: Shapeshifting

aired 10.16.19

What motivates you to find curiosity in life? Have you ever been let down by a one-size-fits-all approach? How equipped are you to adapt?

After suffering significant relapses from an early age, in her late twenties Ahna found HSCT through her 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.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with the HSCT Warriors, Inc. nonprofit and “Talk to 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 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: 
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.

Continue learning the power of mindset along Zarko’s journey with HSCT in Moscow (Ep. 74 part 2)

November 10, 2021 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Zarko Bilal
AI: Relapsing Remitting MS
HSCT: April, 2021
Superpower: positive thinking

When did you start to figure out the important things in life? How do you overcome fear of the unknown? How do you keep your mentality in tact?

The continuation of this two-part episode reveals even more detail about Zarko’s experience with HSCT at the AA Maximov Hospital in Moscow, including how he managed the stress of delays due to covid, how he kept himself busy during isolation, the mindset he embraced, and insights gained during his journey. We are grateful to spend two episodes with Zarko learning about how he trained his mindset in preparation for HSCT and gained new perspectives to carry forward in life post-transplant.  

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.

Be inspired along Zarko’s journey to HSCT and find joy with what is (Ep. 74 part 1)

November 3, 2021 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Zarko Bilal
AI: Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: April, 2021
Superpower: positive thinking

When did you start to figure out the important things in life? How do you overcome fear of the unknown? How do you keep your mentality in tact?

After a happenstance diagnosis of MS, Zarko initially held on to the hope that his symptoms would be a one-time hit of CIS. Easy to rationalize because of all the stress he experienced, he recovered fairly quickly and set out on his career path as a new attorney. After a year, the disease caught up with him, and unfortunately he noticed new symptoms that helped confirm his diagnosis. As he consulted with research about the disease and various treatment options, he found HSCT and asked two different neurologists for their opinions.

Tune in to the first of this two-part episode to learn more about Zarko’s plans to pursue HSCT and how they were delayed by covid. 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.