It Happened To Me: A Rare Disease and Medical Challenges Podcast

What happens when life as a young mother is suddenly interrupted by a cancer diagnosis most people associate with older adults? In this episode of It Happened To Me, Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman are joined by Corinne Torney, a mother of two, elementary school teacher, cancer advocate, and multiple myeloma survivor. Corinne was diagnosed at just 34 years old with an aggressive form of multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer that changed nearly every part of her life. Her diagnosis came with a serious prognosis and treatment that required her to receive care away from home, separating her from her young daughters during an already overwhelming time. Now in remission, Corinne shares what it was like to navigate cancer as a young parent, how she stayed connected to her family during treatment, and how survivorship has changed her relationship with uncertainty. She also reflects on why she chose to share her story publicly and how advocacy has become an important part of her life. Corinne is an ambassador for Bristol Myers Squibb’s Survivorship Today initiative, where she helps raise awareness and support others navigating life during and after cancer. Episode Discussion Topics What Corinne’s life looked like before her multiple myeloma diagnosis The symptoms and warning signs that led to answers Being diagnosed with a cancer at the age of 34 years old What her medical team told her about the aggressiveness of her disease and prognosis Processing a serious cancer diagnosis while raising young children Why treatment required Corinne to receive care away from home The emotional toll of being separated from her daughters during treatment Talking to children about cancer in an age-appropriate way How Corinne and her family stayed connected while she was away The guilt, pressure, and purpose that can come with parenting through cancer How motherhood influenced Corinne’s experience during treatment What remission felt like after such an intense period of uncertainty The emotional complexity of survivorship and the possibility of recurrence Why Corinne began sharing her cancer story publicly What she wants people to understand about multiple myeloma in younger patients Her work as a Bristol Myers Squibb Survivorship Today ambassador The message she hopes newly diagnosed patients take from her experience Connect With It Happened To Me Podcast   Stay tuned for the next episode of It Happened To Me. In the meantime, explore our previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, ItHappenedToMe.com, or your favorite podcast platform by searching for It Happened To Me. It Happened To Me is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. Kira Dineen of Gene Pool Media serves as Executive Producer. For questions, guest suggestions, or other inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

At 47 years old, Jack Clifford was hospitalized with severe coronary artery disease and told that he needed emergency triple bypass surgery. As he reviewed the consent forms and confronted the possibility of not waking up from the procedure, memories of his mother’s difficult experience following bypass surgery weighed heavily on him. Facing intense pressure to act quickly, Jack made the unexpected decision to leave the hospital against medical advice and investigate whether another option existed. In this episode of It Happened To Me, Jack joins hosts Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman to share how he discovered enhanced external counterpulsation, commonly known as EECP. He describes the extraordinary lengths he went to access the therapy, what treatment was like, and how the experience changed his understanding of circulation, informed consent, and patient autonomy. Jack also reflects on why patients may not hear about every potential treatment option, what he learned while researching the healthcare system, and how his personal journey eventually became a book and a mission to help others become more informed and empowered participants in their medical care. In This Episode, We Discuss The moment Jack was told he needed emergency triple bypass surgery How his mother’s experience after bypass influenced his decision What it was like to leave the hospital against medical advice How Jack discovered EECP What EECP treatment was like for him physically and emotionally The sacrifices he made to access treatment When he began noticing changes in his symptoms and quality of life The importance of asking questions before making major medical decisions What patients should understand about informed consent Why some therapies remain unfamiliar or underused Jack’s belief that circulation can be supported and trained How he turned his experience into a patient-advocacy mission What he hopes other people facing serious diagnoses take away from his story Resources EECP Locator — Search for EECP treatment providers and learn more about the therapy. Why Your Heart Is Not a Pump — Ben Greenfield Life — A conversation exploring alternative perspectives on the heart, circulation, and cardiovascular function. Medical Disclaimer This episode shares one person’s experience and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice or recommend that anyone delay, decline, or discontinue cardiac care. Treatment decisions, including decisions involving surgery or EECP, should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals who understand your individual medical history and circumstances. If you are experiencing symptoms of a possible heart attack or another medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately. Connect With It Happened To Me Podcast Stay tuned for the next episode of It Happened To Me. In the meantime, explore our previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, ItHappenedToMe.com, or your favorite podcast platform by searching for It Happened To Me. It Happened To Me is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. Kira Dineen of Gene Pool Media serves as Executive Producer. For questions, guest suggestions, or other inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

What began as one handmade bed in a garage has grown into a global movement that has changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of children. In this episode of It Happened To Me, hosts Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman speak with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit guided by the mission: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.” Luke shares the personal journey behind the organization, from his upbringing in small-town Idaho to building what has become the largest bed-building charity in the world. He explains what inspired him to build that first bed, what families have taught him about need and resilience, and why a safe place to sleep can profoundly affect a child’s dignity, emotional well-being, physical health, and ability to thrive. The conversation also explores the ripple effects of service, the challenges of leading a rapidly growing nonprofit, and how ordinary people can create extraordinary change by responding to the needs directly in front of them. Trigger Warning This episode briefly mentions a story involving a shooting and murder. Please listen with care. In This Episode, We Discuss The experience that inspired Luke to build his first bed The often-unseen reality of children sleeping without beds How Sleep in Heavenly Peace grew from a garage project into a global nonprofit The emotional and practical impact receiving a bed can have on a child and family What families have taught Luke about pride, dignity, resilience, and hidden need The relationship between sleep, mental health, physical energy, and childhood development How having a bed can support routine, stability, school attendance, and readiness to learn Why serving others can be transformative for both the recipient and the volunteer Navigating burnout, fear, doubt, and the responsibility of leading a growing movement What Luke has learned about generosity and the power of communities working together How listeners can begin making a difference through small, meaningful acts of service About Luke Mickelson Luke Mickelson is the powerhouse founder behind Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a global nonprofit dedicated to the mission that “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.” What started as a single handmade bunk bed in a garage has grown into a movement with more than 400 chapters across 47 states and four countries, and at the end of the summer, they will reach the milestone of 500,000 beds built and delivered to children in need. A former “farm kid” from Kimberly, Idaho, Luke combines his background in competitive athletics and business leadership with his “Humans Helping Humans” philosophy. His journey from corporate professional to CNN Hero and American Ninja Warrior competitor has been featured on NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America, and Today. Luke now travels the country inspiring audiences to recognize the extraordinary potential within “tiny moments” and rediscover the profound joy of serving others. Resources Sleep in Heavenly Peace Learn more about the organization, request a bed, find a local chapter, volunteer, or support its mission: https://shpbeds.org The Leadership Evolution Podcast Hosted by Luke Mickelson, the podcast explores leadership, personal growth, service, and the experiences that shape how people lead: https://lukemickelson.com/podcast Luke Mickelson Learn more about Luke’s speaking, podcast, and work: https://lukemickelson.com Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World By Admiral William H. McRaven Beth references Admiral McRaven’s book, which grew out of the commencement address he delivered to the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on May 17, 2014. The book explores how small, disciplined actions—beginning with making your bed—can help people face challenges, support others, and create meaningful change. Connect With It Happened To Me Podcast   Stay tuned for the next episode of It Happened To Me. In the meantime, explore our previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, ItHappenedToMe.com, or your favorite podcast platform by searching for It Happened To Me. It Happened To Me is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. Kira Dineen of Gene Pool Media serves as Executive Producer. For questions, guest suggestions, or other inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

For most people, stepping into the sunshine is an ordinary part of life. For Craig Leppert, even a few minutes of sun exposure can cause severe pain and swelling. Craig lives with erythropoietic protoporphyria, or EPP, a rare genetic condition that causes extreme sensitivity to light. Born in Hawaii, raised on the Jersey Shore, and now working in the television industry in Los Angeles, Craig has spent much of his life planning around the sun. In this episode, Craig joins hosts Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman to share what growing up with EPP was really like, how the condition affected his relationships and everyday choices, and why its often-invisible pain can be so difficult for others to understand. Craig also discusses founding Shadow Jumpers in 2017. The nonprofit supports individuals and families with photosensitive conditions through sun-safe vacations, home renovations, protective clothing, medical assistance, transportation, and community programs. In 2024, Shadow Jumpers launched Sun Escape, a free annual weekend camp where photosensitive families can enjoy activities including horseback riding, archery, zip lining, and water park access in a carefully sun-safe environment. Craig also reflects on participating in a clinical trial of bitopertin, an investigational treatment for EPP, and what it felt like to spend hours outside without the severe pain that had shaped his life. In This Episode, We Discuss Craig’s earliest experiences with painful sun exposure What an EPP reaction feels like The childhood experiences and social events he missed How EPP affected relationships, travel, work, and daily planning Why Craig founded Shadow Jumpers The practical support the organization provides to families How Sun Escape creates a safe and joyful camp experience Craig’s experience participating in a bitopertin clinical trial His reaction to the FDA’s decision not to grant accelerated approval Finding resilience, purpose, and community through advocacy Craig’s message to children with EPP and their parents About the Guest Craig Leppert is the founder of Shadow Jumpers, a nonprofit supporting individuals and families affected by EPP and other photosensitive conditions through programs including Sun Escape, family assistance, protective clothing, and sun-safe experiences. Craig’s diagnostic journey was featured on Discovery Channel’s Mystery Diagnosis in the episode “The Boy Who Kept Swelling,” and he later appeared with his family on The Dr. Oz Show. His life with EPP and advocacy through Shadow Jumpers were also recently featured in People. Resources Shadow Jumpers: shadowjumpers.org Instagram: @shadowjumpers_ Facebook: Shadow Jumpers People feature: Read Craig’s story Video: Watch “The Boy Who Kept Swelling” United Porphyrias Association: Education and support for people affected by EPP and other porphyrias Bitopertin was previously studied as a potential treatment for schizophrenia but was never approved for that condition. It remains investigational and is not currently approved for EPP. Connect With It Happened To Me Podcast   Stay tuned for the next episode of It Happened To Me. In the meantime, explore our previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, ItHappenedToMe.com, or your favorite podcast platform by searching for It Happened To Me. It Happened To Me is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. Kira Dineen of Gene Pool Media serves as Executive Producer. For questions, guest suggestions, or other inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

Infertility can affect nearly every part of a person’s life, from their emotional well-being and relationships to their finances, identity, and sense of control over the future. After spending six years trying to conceive, navigating complex fertility treatments, and paying more than $100,000 out of pocket, Jessica Chalk understood firsthand how exhausting and isolating the fertility journey can become. Along with the physical demands of treatment, patients are often expected to coordinate appointments, track medical information, make complicated decisions, and advocate for themselves while coping with grief and uncertainty. In this episode of It Happened To Me, Jessica joins hosts Beth Glassman and Cathy Gildenhorn for an honest conversation about the realities of infertility that are often hidden from view. She shares the emotional and financial weight of her experience, the impact it had on her identity and relationships, and what helped her continue through six difficult years. Jessica also explains how feeling unsupported within the healthcare system ultimately inspired her to found myStoria and advocate for a more coordinated, compassionate approach to patient care. In This Episode, We Discuss The beginning of Jessica’s six-year journey to conceive Realizing that becoming pregnant would be more complicated than expected The isolation, grief, and uncertainty associated with infertility What fertility treatments demand from patients physically and emotionally Spending more than $100,000 out of pocket on treatment How financial pressure intensified an already stressful experience Feeling unseen and overwhelmed while navigating the healthcare system The effects of infertility on identity, body image, and self-worth How fertility struggles can affect partners, family members, and friendships Hurtful comments and common misconceptions about infertility Protecting your mental health during prolonged treatment What helped Jessica continue during the most difficult moments The support she wishes she had received earlier What people who have not experienced infertility often misunderstand The emotional turning point that inspired Jessica to create myStoria How her experience changed her understanding of patient-centered care Jessica’s message for anyone currently struggling to build a family About Jessica Chalk Jessica Chalk is the founder and CEO of myStoria, a patient-support platform created to help people organize medical information, prepare for appointments, coordinate care, and navigate complex reproductive health journeys. Jessica’s work was inspired by her own six-year fertility journey, during which she experienced the emotional, financial, and logistical burden frequently placed on patients. She founded myStoria with the goal of ensuring that people facing complicated medical situations do not have to manage every aspect of their care alone. Infertility Support and Educational Resources myStoria: Patient navigation and organizational support for reproductive health and other complex medical journeys RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association: Education, peer-led support groups, advocacy resources, and information for people experiencing infertility ReproductiveFacts.org: Patient-friendly information from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine about infertility, reproductive health, testing, and treatment options A Note for Our Listeners Terminology update: During this episode, we use the term polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Since the episode was recorded, the condition has been renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). The updated name is intended to better represent the condition’s wide-ranging hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive effects rather than suggesting that it is defined primarily by ovarian cysts. Infertility can involve grief, pregnancy loss, financial hardship, medical trauma, and difficult decisions about family building. Please take care of yourself while engaging with this episode and seek support from a qualified healthcare or mental health professional when needed. The experiences discussed in this episode reflect Jessica’s personal journey and are not intended as individualized medical advice. Treatment options, outcomes, costs, and insurance coverage vary considerably. Speak with your healthcare team about questions related to your own fertility or reproductive health. Connect With It Happened To Me Podcast   Stay tuned for the next episode of It Happened To Me. In the meantime, explore our previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, ItHappenedToMe.com, or your favorite podcast platform by searching for It Happened To Me. It Happened To Me is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. Kira Dineen of Gene Pool Media serves as Executive Producer. For questions, guest suggestions, or other inquiries, contact us at [email protected].