#multiplesclerosis

Meet Ovi on her way to Puebla and learn what it means to be strong-strong (Ep. 59)

February 10, 2021 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Ovi James
AI: Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: February 2021
Superpower: Strength, Bravery, Grit, Courage

When faced with adversity, are you able to advocate for yourself? Are you someone who can find gratitude often? What gifts can you share with the world?

After years of terrible headaches and issues with standing and walking, Ovi ended up losing her job and her home which caused significant relapses that rendered her disabled. As a single mother, Ovi’s goal was to focus on the positive and help her son “see the light at the end of the tunnel” even though she struggled to understand everything that was going on as her family chose not to support her. With the support of various shelters and physical, occupational, and mental health therapies, Ovi was able to focus on healing and learning how to better advocate for herself. She eventually found a rheumatologist who was able to see she was struggling with more than fibromyalgia and scheduled the MRI that led to her multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

Although this interview occurred the weekend that Ovi was preparing to head to Clinica Ruiz in Mexico, it is airing while she is currently undergoing treatment and could use continued support from our HSCT community. Tune in and learn more about Ovi’s journey and how she found strength in being properly diagnosed, and keep such a positive outlook on life and how she turned inward to focus on her gifts in order to actualize the possibilities of pursuing 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:
Social media YouTube: @ovijames and Instagram: @itsovijames
Clinica Ruiz: https://hsctmexico.com
HSCT Warriors: https://HSCTWarriors.org

Revisit Kevin’s inspiring journey to overcome nearly every HSCT complication (replay from S1)

January 20, 2021 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Kevin
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: February 23, 2017, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Superpower: Novena to St. Jude

When facing the unknown, are you curious about possibilities or do you fear uncertainties? What part of your journey has become too familiar? How can we support each other to mobilize for different outcomes?

If you’ve ever been curious to know more about potential complications or side effects associated with HSCT, meet Kevin, who faced nearly any possible challenge you could possibly face (e.g. failed mobilization, infection in the blood) with HSCT, including travel across the globe to Singapore. Despite facing such significant challenges, tune in to learn more about Kevin’s journey to halt his MS and his continued dedication to recover his physical abilities, and promote HSCT.

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 perfect the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

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

Resources:
Ohio Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/OhioHSCTgroup/
Zen Jen’s blog: Haltmyms.com
WCPO Cincinnati ABC affiliate: wcpo.com

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.

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

January 13, 2021 — Leave a comment

Warriors: ‘Zen’ Jen & Sara Leah
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: October 18, 2017, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Superpower: Zen

Do you embrace life’s challenges with open arms? One step at a time? As you find your way along your journey, do you pause to reflect in the moment and express gratitude for those who are along with you?

Learn more about the journey of our very own ‘Zen’ Jen, as she shares the mic for a chat with her dear friend Sara Leah and they find commonalities in their unique experiences with MS. With a fun break from the usual interview protocol, enjoy this conversation from the lens of someone curious to know more about HSCT, in celebration of Jen’s one-year HSCT birthday.

Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to host this interview live in the Belfry; especially for his efforts to create the soundtrack, record, edit, and perfect the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

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

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

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

Learn from Anna’s various trials and efforts to halt her MS (replay from S1)

December 30, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Anna Wise
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: 2/23/17 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Superpower: Running

How bright is the light you shine on your present situation? What are you committed to, without any doubts or hesitation, to achieve your “next best life”?

After hearing a “no” from her first attempt at HSCT, Anna remained open to try anything (including experimenting with mesenchymal stem cell therapy) to cure her MS. She found herself on Medicare and full-time disability for two years at the end of her late-thirties and after failing four disease-modifying therapies (DMT) and facing the side-effects of yet another DMT, Anna chose to jump at the chance to revisit her application at Northwestern Memorial.

Tune in to hear more about Anna’s journey with Multiple Sclerosis and the effort she made to prevent her disease from progressing; the “rollercoaster” peaks and valleys of post-HSCT recovery; strategies to battle the chemotherapy-related fatigue, regain confidence, and embrace energy from physical exercise in simple environments; and pursue the best life possible, starting with HSCT.

Be sure to explore our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, listen to more episodes, 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:
Jesus Calling: Everyday Devotions by Sarah Young
Anna’s blog: https://endmyMS.com

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

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 Dave’s reflective journey through HSCT and gain valuable strategies

November 25, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Dave Carey
AI: Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 9/11/17, Chicago
Superpower: Perspective

When you pause to reflect about what has changed during a year, what do you see or feel? If you take time to recognize your own personal successes, have you ever hesitated to share what you find with others? 

Meet Dave, a warrior who tried nearly every treatment available to treat his multiple sclerosis before finally receiving HSCT November 11, 2017 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Dave used a cane and experienced regular active relapses before transplant so he was ready for a life-changing event. As he worked to get things in order and prepare for the worst, he ended up surprised when Dr. Burt said to him, “I can help you” without caveat. 

Dave approached HSCT with a commitment to “not fight anything” except his eagerness to get back to normal once he returned home. Listen to Dave’s strategies for keeping a positive mindset, accept all aspects of the process, “take a beat” and embrace the emotions including the difficult, stressful, or uncomfortable ones. Dave’s story will inspire you to “like yourself more,” embrace family and friends, develop an affinity for unexpected relationships, and experience life with a newfound perspective.

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.

Resource: 
Bradberry, T., & Greaves, J. (2009). Emotional Intelligence 2.0. TalentSmart. ISBN-10: 0974320625

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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.

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.

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.

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