Ronna lives with diffuse systemic scleroderma, a rare and complex autoimmune condition that affects the skin and vital organs like the lungs, heart, and digestive system. What began as years of unexplained symptoms evolved into a life-altering diagnosis, bringing shock, fear, and uncertainty, especially as a young mother.

Ronna speaks candidly about the emotional weight of diagnosis, the reality of living with fatigue and invisible illness, and the difficult balance between protecting her health and continuing to participate in life. Her story highlights the importance of self-advocacy, mental health support, and the power of community, particularly through social media and patient groups.

Despite the challenges, there is resilience at the heart of Ronna’s journey. From signing up for a race she once feared, to redefining what participation in life looks like, she demonstrates a powerful determination to keep moving forward – not just for herself, but for her family. Her story is a reminder that chronic illness is often unseen, but never unfelt, and that empathy and understanding can make a profound difference.

The song Ronna chose is I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston.

Jamie shares her experience living with Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid. She talks about how her symptoms, such as fatigue and joint pain, were often dismissed as normal, leading to a delayed diagnosis. We talk about how difficult it was for her to find a treatment for her narcolepsy, due to the lack of diversity in clinical trials. Jamie also shares how medication shortages are affecting her and others, and how dire the situation is in the US. Jamie is an advocate for more education about chronic illnesses, particularly in recognizing symptoms in children, and she highlights her work in increasing the understanding of autoimmune diseases.

The song that Jamie chose is Fight Song by Rachel Platten.