The UpBeat, Powered by CoachArt

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our Executive Director and host Greg sits down with actress Madison McLaughlin to discuss her family’s journey with an extremely rare chronic illness.At age 11, Madison made her way to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting, which led to roles on Chicago PD, Supernatural, and Arrow. Now 24, two of Madison’s three younger sisters have been diagnosed with HBSL (full name: hypomyelination with brainstem and spinal cord involvement and leg spasticity), which affects a person’s brain and spinal cord and impairs motor function. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our Executive Director and host Greg is joined by Jenny Winter, a mother from San Diego who has a special perspective to share on a situation many people are experiencing all over the world.Social distancing and quarantining have been a part of almost everyone’s life since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jenny and her son Caleb had a lengthy head start. Due to Caleb’s leukemia diagnosis a little over a year ago, he has been isolating at the hospital or home for the past 14 months, at times even unable to visit with his siblings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our Executive Director and host Greg is joined by Joel Rothman and Laura Schultz, longtime friends of CoachArt in Los Angeles.One of the most amazing aspects of our CoachArt families is their tireless willingness to give back and help others. We’re constantly inspired by the parents and children who have made the commitment to support similar families in need, even while they themselves undertake the difficult challenge of fighting chronic illness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Theopia Jackson, chair of the clinical psychology degree program at Saybrook University in Pasadena, CA, has a long history of providing therapy services to families dealing with chronic illness and complex trauma.In our recent interview for The UpBeat Podcast, I was surprised when she told me that many of the coping mechanisms those families use for navigating the stresses of complicated health situations would also benefit all of us during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our Executive Directorand host Greg sits down for a chat with Alexa Chronister, the inspiring Founder and President ofFight Like A Warrior, a non-profit organization “working to unite, empower, and advocate forthose fighting life-altering health conditions around the world.”Alexa’s medical challenges started early in childhood, but went undiagnosed for years. Doctorsoriginally shrugged off her problems as “growing pains,” but by the time she got to high school,Alexa’s health challenges took her back for a diagnosis — and she was told by a physician thatthe pain was “in her head.”Her amazing parents taught her about self-advocacy and empowerment and finally after a longstruggle, Alexa was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder, andPostural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, a condition affecting the flow of blood through thebody. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our Executive Director and host Greg is joined by Erik Rees, a former pastor at the world-renowned Saddleback Church in Orange County, an author, and the father of Jessie, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011 at age 11.Immediately after her diagnosis, Jessie was inspired to help other kids at the hospital. She was concerned that kids hospitalized for long periods would be unhappy — and she wanted to change that.So Jessie began making “JoyJars” — plastic jars that she filled with toys and all sorts of things to cheer up a sick kid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our Executive Director and host Greg is joined by Kendell Hardy, a grandmother, HR resource professional, and last year’s CoachArt Bay Area volunteer of the year. Kendell has been a longtime friend of CoachArt, teaching many children sewing and cooking, two passions that she found at a very early age. She’s here to tell us how she got started, how much she enjoys volunteering with CoachArt students, and how giving your best to someone else helps bring out the best in you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our Executive Directorand host Greg has the chance to chat with Derek Hughes, a “stand-up magician” who performslive all across the country and has appeared on numerous TV shows, including America’s GotTalent (where he was a finalist on season 10). Derek was also a featured performer at our 2019CoachArt Gala of Champions.As a child, Derek was born prematurely with an atrial septal defect — a hole between twochambers of his heart. Derek shares the amazing story of how he overcame this challengingcondition and how his love of magic and performing helped him along the way. He alsodiscusses tips for how kids with chronic illnesses can find their passion and how his involvementwith the CoachArt Gala of Champions impacted his life and his work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our Executive Director and host Greg sits down with Lizzie Neff, a Senior Program Manager at CoachArt. Lizzie is also a meditation leader and yoga instructor and she’s here to lead us on a guided meditation! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our co-hosts Greg and Roxanne sit down with Stephen Schneider, an inspiring 19-year-old who was diagnosed with a rare heart disease eight years ago.Soon after, Stephen underwent a successful heart transplant and began to use his new computer to take his mind off the long process of treatment and recovery. He started to make videos for himself and for others — and today that hobby has grown into a career. Stephen’s here to tell us all about his road to recovery and how video production went from a fun diversion to a full-time job. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our co-hosts Greg and Roxanne chat with Callae Brownstein, a Beverly Hills-based jewelry designer who was diagnosed with brain cancer right around the time she launched her jewelry company CB Luxe. Transformed from the experience of surviving cancer and wanting to help others, Callae created C Beyond Cancer, a charitable foundation that partners with and funds various organizations (including CoachArt!) that help families impacted by cancer.Callae sat down to discuss her diagnosis, treatment, how she created a successful business as a cancer survivor, and how she balances her charity goals with her busy work schedule. To be inspired by other survivors who have succeeded in business, read the full blog post here. The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our co-hosts Greg and Roxanne are joined by Deja Young, a 23-year-old track and field athlete who was born with shoulder dystocia that caused substantial nerve damage. As a college athlete, Deja learned of the Paralympic Games, set a goal for herself, and in 2016, Deja won two gold medals at the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro. She’s here on the podcast to discuss how she overcame her physical challenges and to give tips and encouragement to others so they can do the same. For more about Deja and other amazing influential athletes, read the blog post here.The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our co-hosts Greg and Roxanne sit down with Deena, a psychotherapist whose daughter Nomi was diagnosed with leukemia at age 10 in 2014. Deena shares the story of how Nomi’s life was saved by her older sister Maya and how Deena’s experiences led her to move the main focus of her psychotherapy practice to treat families impacted by cancer and other illnesses. Deena also has tips and advice on how to get the most emotional and personal growth from a battle with cancer — something called “post-traumatic growth.” We’ve all heard of post-traumatic stress, which is the negative impact of trauma, but there can also be positives taken from any situation, and those are things that Deena focuses on. For tips on maximizing post-traumatic growth, read the blog post here.The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness month, so The UpBeat is spending this month interviewing guests who’ve experienced its impact.In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our co-hosts Greg and Roxanne are joined by Kumiko, a CoachArt parent whose son Kazuma was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2011. Kazuma and Kumiko both experienced a common side effect of childhood chronic illness that isn’t discussed enough — they both struggled with depression.Kumiko found support, advice and an empathetic community in Momcology , which proved to be her greatest resource. The national non-profit organization provides wide-ranging support for families impacted by cancer and helps families assist other families experiencing the same issues. They offer lots of good help online, including a Facebook message board that both Kumiko and Roxanne used extensively during, and even after, their children’s treatment.Another point of emphasis from Kumiko was the importance of understanding that you’re not alone and there is help out there. To learn of other resources for families that are dealing with the emotional impacts of a childhood cancer diagnosis, read the full blog post here.The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our co-hosts Greg and Roxanne are joined by Radwa and Tamer, whose son Zein was diagnosed with stage four Neuroblastoma at the age of 5. Over the next seven years, Zein overcame cancer four different times and his parents are here to share the inspiring story of their family’s long fight and explain their belief in the power of the mind — how staying positive has kept their family thriving in the face of difficult circumstances.For helpful resources on maintaining a positive attitude while facing adversity, read our full blog post here.The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our co-hosts Greg and Roxanne are joined by Nomi, a CoachArt student who was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in 2014. Now 16, Nomi beat cancer thanks to a bone marrow transplant from her sister. She’s here to discuss the emotional and physical journey of her illness and how art was an important part of that battle.Nomi shares some tips on how to find an artistic and creative outlet and how it can help anyone, especially those impacted by chronic illness. At CoachArt, we’re always very excited about spreading the benefits of artistic endeavors and we wanted to share some other information we’ve found. CLICK HERE to read the full article.The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our co-hosts Greg and Roxanne sit down with their very special guest Marc — Roxanne’s husband. Marc opens up about what it was like to be there for their daughter Aleyna’s cancer diagnosis when she was 6 years old. He also shares stories of their ensuing cancer fight and gives tips on navigating the emotional strain of it all. We previously spoke with Roxanne in The UpBeat Podcast Episode 4 and hearing two unique viewpoints from the same family was eye-opening. When a family is rocked with a life changing event like cancer, each individual is affected in such unique ways.Thinking about Marc and Roxanne, we found some other good resources for recognizing and understanding how different people cope in different and equally effective ways — and we wanted to share some of our favorites. Read the full blog post here.The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our co-hosts Greg and Roxanne are joined by Denise, an ice skating instructor who’s been giving lessons to children with special needs for 22 years at the Oakland Ice Center in Oakland, California. A competitive figure skater growing up, when Denise was 16 she saw Olympic champion Dorothy Hamill conduct a skating program for children with blindness and immediately knew her life had changed. Denise started the adaptive skating program in Oakland and has gone on to help children with special needs in many ways — she’s now even an official school inclusion assistant and a certified autism movement therapist. In Denise's interview, she shares her many experiences helping the lives of kids and adults on and off the ice, including the wonderful story of an autistic child’s 5-year journey to learn to skate. She has a unique perspective on the benefits of ice skating for special needs children, which we found instructive here at CoachArt, as we strive to provide a range of athletics programs for children in the same situations. For the full blog post and additional resources to find adaptive sporting programs near you, visit our website.The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our co-hosts Greg and Roxanne are joined by Brandon, whose son Aiden has been a long-time CoachArt student.Aiden was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), a rare autoimmune disorder that poses numerous challenges, both great and small, for him and his family. Brandon discusses his experience throughout the diagnosis process, including the initial emotional impact on his family, and also shares how he’s learned to help Aiden and their family thrive on a day-to-day basis.One of the issues that Brandon faces, and that affects every family impacted by childhood chronic illness, is finding appropriate activities for their child. CoachArt’s goal is to assist in that process and there are also other helpful resources to find fun, healthy activities for children impacted by chronic illness. Read the full blog post here to check out our suggestions.The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Upbeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our host Greg is joined by Felicia Ford, an amazing single mother whose 17-year-old daughter Faith was born with cerebral palsy. Felicia shares her inspiring story of how her frightening experience at Faith’s birth motivated her to dive in and do all she could for Faith and for parents in similar situations. Read the full blog post here for Felicia’s wonderful advice on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness - such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more. Programs are currently offered in the Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco Bay areas, with more cities coming soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.