Welcome back to the Passion For Patients podcast, where we dive into the complex world of managing chronic illnesses and the treatments that come with them. I'm your host, Tonya Winders, President and CEO of the Global Allergy and Airways Patient Platform (GAAPP). In today's episode, we're joined by Stacey Lewis, a remarkable advocate for patient empowerment, who bravely shares her journey living with Addison's disease, asthma, and severe allergies while dealing with the long-term effects of systemic steroid use.

Stacey takes us through her eye-opening experiences—from being told she might not live past 35 to defying expectations and understanding the tough trade-offs she faced while managing her condition. If you've ever wondered about the intricate balance between treatment and quality of life, Stacey's story is a powerful reminder of why education and advocacy are paramount.

Here are four key takeaways:

*Personal Journey: Stacey shares her incredible story of living with Addison's disease and the reality of being on systemic steroids for nearly 30 years

*Impact of Steroids: Discover the dual nature of steroids as both a life-saving treatment and a catalyst for difficult side effects.

*Advocacy and Awareness: Learn how Stacey became a passionate patient advocate and the importance of self-advocacy in managing chronic conditions.

*Health System Navigation: We'll delve into Stacey's experiences with navigating a complex health system in an upcoming episode.

Stacey's story sheds light on the critical balance of using steroids as a necessary treatment while being mindful of their long-term effects. This episode will educate, inspire, and empower anyone dealing with chronic illness.

Catch the full episode for more valuable insights and practical tips! Don't forget to subscribe and check out the downloadable resources at gaapp.org.