Get ready for this incredible BONUS episode of Waiting is the Hardest!🎙️We're sharing a true story that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Our house was struck by lightning during Sofia's Bone Marrow Transplant, and what followed was a journey of challenges, fear, and ultimately, triumph. Join us as we reflect on this life-changing experience and discover the power of resilience in the face of unexpected events. Tune in now and be captivated! #LifeChangingEvent #Resilience #WaitingIsThe...
We wrap up our conversation with Dr. Gregory Yanik, Director of the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Parts 1 and 2 of this double bonus episode is a must-listen for every patient, family, and doctor in the healthcare field. Dr. Yanik epitomizes a model of compassion and respect for families and patients that every healthcare center should replicate and implement ASAP. This episode covers graft ve...
You're in for a treat, WITH listeners! Have you ever interacted with a doctor and asked yourself, "how can I clone this provider so everyone can have this great experience?" Well, I have and this is the doctor I wish every single person receiving medical care could receive it from. Dr. Gregory Yanik is the Director of the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. From the moment you press play, you will hear w...
Dr. Andrew Campbell, Director of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease program at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C graces our presence on the show. Dr. Campbell enlightens us with the latest in cures for sickle cell disease, educates us on first-of-its-kind legislation, the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act of 2022, natural remedies, and many more insights about Sickle Cell Disease and Bone Marrow Transplant that you can't miss.This episode is a must-share for anyone wh...
Hooray, Sofia is cured! No more pain, right??? Think again! In episode 5, Sofia shares her post-transplant ordeal. It wasn't all 🍭 and 🌈.Sofia also shares how she conquered the dark days post-transplant (with the help of Kirk Franklin) and turned the corner.
Sofia has experienced immeasurable pain, tears, trials, and setbacks. You know what they say...a setback is just a setup for a comeback! In episode seven, Sofia shares the pivotal moments that helped her rally during recovery.
This episode is full of resources for anyone going through, considering, or curious about Bone Marrow Transplant. Topics include: coping and supporting transplant patients, and weighing the advantages, and tradeoffs of undergoing a transplant. We also discuss reproduction and fertility challenges associated with transplants.Sofia shares insightful thoughts that patients, community, and/or support members will find of value.
Sofia is the spotlight of season two! Born with Sickle Cell Anemia, an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells, Sofia underwent a Bone Marrow transplant that cured her of this disease that causes pain, fatigue, and additional complications. This season will feature Sofia's journey of healing. We will interview Sofia's donor, her brother Tevis and medical team. This season of Waiting is the Hardest will also highlight another sickle cell survivor, Kennedy and her donor, her ...
Johnita shares the backstory of Sofia's birth and how the choices that resulted from this birth story set the course for Sofia's life path. Other topics include: Tests to determine genetic and/or health issues with unborn fetus', communicating sickle cell trait within the black community, advice for pregnant women with babies with health issues, and more.
Making the decision to go through a transplant is a difficult, if not heart wrenching, decision. How does one make the decision to go through transplant? Where does the peace come from to move forward with a life changing decision? This episode reveals insights that helped Sofia's family make this difficult choice. Other topics include: Sofia's mental and emotional state leading up to the transplant, donor match types, finding your support system, and preparing financially to go through...
Big brother, and Sofia's perfect match donor, Tevis, joins this episode of WITH. He offers an extremely unique perspective on donating bone marrow, insights into complications he faced following the procedure, and the importance of donating organs. BMF donor process:https://bethematch.org/transplant-basics/donation-process/donating-bone-marrow/
Antoine shares when the marriage changed for him. He provides his thoughts as a caregiver, the dos and don't and lessons learned. Antoine and Johnita share the status of their marriage present day.
Antoine and Shannon discuss their friendship and how the black male brotherhood brought Antoine through a terrible situation. Antoine reflects on the Marriage episode (Episode 8).
Lisa and Johnita recap the last four months and bring in their spouses for their perspectives on the events from that tragic day.
Johnita shares details about the accident retold through her journals. How can life change so drastically and completely, in the blink of an eye?
So who was Johnita before this devastating accident? Superwoman phenom (yes), bad bitch (yes), can't tell her nothing (absolutely yes). Johnita and Lisa delve deep into who Johnita was before the accident and the role it played in her emotional, mental, and physical recovery.
Did we mention Johnita was a planner? Find out the plans she made for her future prior to June 28, 2017. Hear about the signs that foreshadowed something was wrong with the trip and why it's important to heed God's plans, not your plans.
Fast forwarding back to the day of the accident, June 28, 2017. What's going on with Johnita's leg? Her family? Are we amputating the leg or nah? Death comes knocking again...
Johnita takes her first private jet home to recover and is promptly charged a quarter of a million dollars 😡😳.
What is this Rockstar Status Johnita mentions in the podcast? Hear how she describes the challenges of returning to her profession. Other topics include: eroding confidence as a result of her injuries, difficult conversations, and a sister of circle friends who support her through this journey.