Episode 28: Sara Brebbia-Dirksen - NF1
Sara had never heard of Neurofibromatosis (NF) before her son, August, was diagnosed with NF1. She has now become very knowledgeable about this condition, and she raises her voice to increase awareness of this rare disease. Sara shares how NF1 has rocked their world, between hospital appointments, hormonal treatments and trying to turn a rare disease into something to be proud of for August. With such a progressive disease, their journey is not over, but I am hopeful that patient advocates like Sara are paving the path to a treatment.
The song that Sara chose is Never give up by Sia.
Episode 25: Joanna Berthelot - Perimenopause
My wife, Joanna, has been perimenopausal for several years. In this interview, we talk about the effect it had on her mental health and her body, and how she knew it was perimenopause. She shares her decision process when she was offered to take HRT (hormone replacement therapy), despite the stigma and risks that are related to it. We also talk about lifestyle changes that can help with perimenopause. Joanna emphasizes the need to raise awareness about perimenopause and the importance of talking about it, at home or more broadly.
The song Joanna chose is I wanna dance with somebody by Whitney Houston.