As we journey together through the challenges of chronic illness, there's a recurring phrase that rings oh-so-very true — it's okay not to be okay. You've probably heard me chant this mantra on Instagram; in this empowering podcast, I bring the same spirit to uplift my beautiful Spoonie Sisters, who battle daily with various ailments. I speak candidly about the pain, the fatigue, and the emotional toll that comes with chronic illness. However, I also emphasize that your experiences are valid,...
When Michelle first learned of her daughter Hailey's rare diagnosis, an ultra-rare genetic disorder called Jordan's Syndrome (ppp2r5d), the ground beneath her seemed to shift. Facing the labyrinth of healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, she became a beacon of resilience, her story a mosaic of love, adversity, and unwavering determination. Join us as we unravel Michelle's compelling narrative, revealing the raw and intricate journey of parenting a child with special needs. From adapting to...
Walking into my first rheumatology appointment back in 2011 was overwhelming, but looking back, the right preparation made all the difference. This episode is your guide to navigating the often confusing world of autoinflammatory arthritis. We discuss the crucial elements of your first rheumatology visit, from bringing a detailed medical history to understanding the importance of a thorough physical examination. Discover how patience is key in the complex journey of finding the right treatmen...
Hi there! I’m Jenni, the proud founder of My Spoonie Sisters and the voice behind @gracefully_jen & https://www.instagram.com/my_spoonie_sisters/. I’m so excited to bring together our amazing community of all shapes, sizes, and journeys, where we can uplift, educate, and have some fun along the way! Having lived with anxiety for 30 years and navigating my own health challenges like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, I truly understand the importance of support. My mission is to em...
🎉 This week, we’re beyond excited to celebrate not just an incredible milestone, but also the remarkable journey of our very first guest turned co-host: Linnea! 💗 Linnea is truly a champion. Despite her diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, she continues to tackle challenges with unwavering strength and grace. 🌟 Recently, Linnea took the empowering step of reclaiming control of her health, refusing to let chronic illness define her journey. The radiant smile of her gr...
Amy, the face behind https://www.instagram.com/alignedamy/ "For the past 30 yrs #anxiety has ran my life. My husband's diagnosis of #ulcerativecolitis, which lead to a #permanentileostomy, and most recently #crohnsdisease sent my anxiety into overdrive. My passion in life is helping other women know that they are never alone and they are enough, right now, exactly as they are." "My toolbox is filled to the brim with tools I use daily to help manage my anxiety. I have learned over the past s...
Dear Spoonie Sisters, Someone is always out there, but you must talk openly about what’s happening. I didn’t. That is where my story begins. Anxiety attacks, depression, endometriosis, RA, and Pustular psoriasis. Who did I turn to? No one, or the wrong one. I didn’t feel safe. I felt like no one had my back, no one was my ‘rock’; that’s my WHY. WHY I am here doing what’s driven by my heart, to serve others and encourage the path of community among us all. “M...
Antoinette Chrisana is a 26-year-old RA warrior, advocate, and Host of https://www.instagram.com/illest.chronicals/ Throughout her RA journey thus far, she has become very passionate about the hashtag she coined, #ralookslikemetoo, which enlightens, educates, uplifts, empowers, and encourages fellow warriors, advocates, and allies! This big-hearted warrior reminds us all that “Rheumatoid Arthritis is not pretty, BUT life can STILL, be beautiful!” Send us a text Delivering Happy Mail a...
WarriorConnect is a nonprofit organization inspired by Ameshah and joined by Diana and several other volunteers. They support those overcoming health obstacles and send care packages worldwide. Below is a link to sponsor a package, check out the Warrior Connect website, and shop their Etsy shop. All Etsy profits help to fund packages. https://linktr.ee/warriorconnect Send us a text Delivering Happy Mail around the world! We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facili...
Meet Another fellow Spoonie Sister, Nicole, as she, and sit down and talk about Life With Ra, otherwise known as Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nicole is such an amazing light, an amazing wife & mom, and a fierce warrior. She was diagnosed with RA in 2010 and has had both of her hips replaced since. Nicole shares her story on her YouTube channel LifeWithRa. Be sure to go check it out! IG: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithra__/ To support this podcast, please leave a review, share it with your ...
I would love you all to meet Alison; she is a fellow warrior friend with Rheumatoid Arthritis! Alison is a Dukes fan, a travel fanatic that loves coffee, is a dog mom, and she sure knows how to enjoy life!! Stay tuned to learn more about this phenomenal friend, supporter, and fighter! IG: https://www.instagram.com/alisons1616/ To support this podcast, please leave a review, share it with your fellow Spoonie Sisters, or buy me a coffee. Send us a text Delivering Happy Mail around the ...
Meet Solmayra or Sol for short. Sol is 28 years old. She is a two-year-old girl's mom, which keeps her very busy. She was recently diagnosed in September 2021 with RA and with Psoriasis in February 2022. She appreciates this community of spoonie sisters and the support we give one another. Solmayra looks forward to many more great conversations and connections with fellow Spoonie Sisters. "RA is just part of my life, but I won’t let it control it. I have found relief in food chan...
Meet Jamie, a local photographer to Tri-Cities Washington, and face behind Empower You Women. Jamie has dealt with years of depression and anxiety but does not let that stop her from fiercely showing up in the community and for others. Socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/jkphotoswa/ www.jkphotoswa.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/empoweryouwomen/ https://portal.dubsado.com/public/form/view/63d96562442f5428f9b01053? Book recommendation: https://www.amazon.com/Furiously-Happy-Funny-Horri...
Since being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2020, Chelsey has become a chronic illness advocate and podcaster. Her podcast, My Immune System Hates Me!, features chronic illness sufferers who break down their illness, diagnostic process, treatment, and wellness journey. She is passionate about supporting her community and started the Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior Group, a weekly peer-led support group for RA warriors. She loves getting to know other spoonies, so feel free to slide in h...
Andi a 42-year-old Holistic Wellness Practitioner. She is passionate about helping women find their happiness! Let's start here: between the ages of 14 and now, she was diagnosed with what she refers to as autoimmune mayhem (MS, SLE, RA, POTS, Fibro ). "Every day, there is something going haywire in my body & it's always an adventure to figure out which system is causing it." "My life changed on March 10, 2020, when I suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at work. (I was out for 34 mins) Re...
Natasha Trehan is a university student studying Biomedical Science at the University of Ottawa. She was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at the age of 13. As a teenager, she felt alone and could not find instant resources to connect with people with similar experiences. Natasha founded the Take a Pain Check Podcast in March 2021 to ensure that young patients feel supported every step of the way. In October 2021, she founded Take a Pain Check Foundation – a non-profit organizatio...
Ray is 41 and a father of 2 crazy kids, ages 4 & 8 years old. When not working, he spends his days drinking coffee, hanging out with his wife & kids, and trying to stay active. Enjoy the special episode as Ray takes us through his Spoonie story, and follow him on Instagram. IG: https://www.instagram.com/switchdad/ To support this podcast, please leave a review, share it with your fellow Spoonie Sisters, or buy me a coffee. https://www.hoka.com/en/us/race-shoes/#fly-at-night Sen...
Megan was diagnosed at 18 yrs old with RA. Her story starts with an injury and pain that never went away. Looking back, she realizes she may have ignored other symptoms because age was laser focused that she had an injury. She has used all she has been through to help teach and encourage others! Megan describes fitness as a means to cope with & manage her RA in a big way. IG:https://www.instagram.com/itsmegzz_fitness/ https://linktr.ee/megzzfitness To support this podcast, please...
Lj Johnson PsyD. IHP. FP, IIN, is a women’s hormone coach specializing in endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroids. Lj has worked in the women's health and fitness industry for over 20 years while overcoming her own diagnosis of endometriosis. Lj’s passion is to empower, motivate and educate all women so that they, too, can have a quality of life despite their symptoms or diagnosis. Lj Shopify …..https://ljspowerhouse.store/ Free discovery call ….. https://ljspowerhouz.systeme.io/f248b1a4 Fr...
Welcome to Pulmonary Fibrosis awareness month. Taleena, a strong powerhouse in the PF community with vast knowledge, joins us. Listen as we dive in and talk about lung disease and what you need to know for your health and those close to you! Website: https://breathesupport.org/ Link to PF Fact Sheet – https://breathesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/PF-Facts_Single-Page.pdf Link to JOIN the MAIN support group – www.facebook.com/groups/PFSupportGroupbyBreatheSupport Link to all Support ...