In this episode of It Happened To Me, hosts Cathy and Beth sit down with Zachary Ship, a remarkable individual who has faced incredible health challenges. This is part one of the conversation where Zach shares the powerful story of how his mother, Shari, donated a kidney to save his life. Shari was a guest on our last episode of It Happened To Me (#43). At just 19 years old, Zach was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure due to an autoimmune disease. He takes us through the emotional rollercoaster of receiving a life-saving transplant from his mother while navigating the challenges of young adulthood.

From the first signs of illness as a teenager to his recovery after the transplant, Zach’s journey is one of resilience, family strength, and determination. Tune in to hear how Zach’s life was forever changed and how he adapted after receiving the gift of life from his mom.

Guest Bio:

Zach Ship is the Director within the Finance organization at Harry’s Inc. A graduate of NYU’s Stern School of Business, Zach was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure during his freshman year of college, resulting in a kidney transplant from his mother. Zach’s incredible journey to recovery is a testament to his strength and his family’s support.

• The First Signs of Trouble: Zach shares how a routine urine test for sports led to the discovery of a serious autoimmune disease that attacked his kidneys, forever altering the course of his life.
• A Family United: As Zach’s health declined, his mother Shari stepped forward as his kidney donor. Zach describes the process of preparing for the transplant and the emotions involved in receiving such a profound gift from his mom.
• Facing Kidney Failure at 19: At an age when most people are focused on college and social life, Zach was told he was in end-stage renal failure. He details the physical toll of renal failure, the symptoms, and the medical interventions required.
• The Transplant Experience: Zach explains the transplant surgery itself, what it felt like to receive his mother’s kidney, and how the medical team managed the process to ensure a successful outcome.
• Life After the Transplant: Zach returned to school just a month and a half after the surgery, a remarkable recovery. He reflects on the precautions he had to take post-transplant and how he adapted to life after the operation, learning to navigate new health challenges while trying to live a normal college life.

Please help support Zach by making a donation for his team’s travel funds so they can compete in 2024 World Baseball Softball Confederation’s (WBSC) Blind Baseball International Cup taking place just outside of London. The United States Blind Baseball Association (USBBA) is a charitable, non-profit corporation. USBBA is dedicated to the development, management, regulation and promotion of their mixed gender adaptive sport of Blind Baseball.

If you are able to assist us in our 2024 fundraising efforts, please make checks payable to U.S. Blind Baseball Association, and mail to the address below or use these QR codes to send money through Venmo or PayPal.

U.S. Blind Baseball Association P.O. Box 312 Lindenhurst, NY 11757

Another resource we want to highlight is organdonor.gov, where you can learn more about organ donation.

Check out the documentary that Zach will be featured in here. If you are still feeling generous you can also consider donating to the documentary’s funding here!

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me” where we continue our conversation with Zach to learn about his vision loss and adapting to this disability as an adult! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.

Shari Ship's story is a remarkable tale of a mother's unwavering love and sacrifice for her son. As a widow and caregiver to her 97-year-old mother, Shari selflessly donated a kidney to her son Zachary, who was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called membranous nephropathy that attacked his kidneys. Despite the challenges of caring for her ailing husband who passed away from lung cancer, Shari remained steadfast in her commitment to her family.

When Zachary's condition worsened, leading to end-stage renal failure, Shari made the courageous decision to become a living kidney donor for her son. With the support of her 85-year-old mother and the compassionate medical team, Shari underwent a rigorous testing process, including a psychiatric evaluation, to ensure her eligibility as a donor.

The transplant surgery was a success, despite a last-minute scare, and Zachary's life was saved. Shari endured the pain and recovery process with determination, fueled by the immense love for her son. Zachary's immediate improvement, from "drowning in his own fluid" to urinating normally, was a testament to the transformative power of this selfless act.

Shari’s inspiring story highlights the strength of a mother's love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the profound impact of organ donation in saving lives. Her unwavering support and her son's remarkable recovery serve as a beacon of hope for families facing similar challenges.

Key Lessons

• Shari Ship's selfless act of donating a kidney to her son Zachary, who later became visually impaired.

• Shari's courageous decision to donate her own kidney when Zachary's condition worsened, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her son's well-being.

• The family's resilience and the power of a parent's love, as evidenced by Zachary being described as "indomitable" despite the challenges they faced.

Please help support Shari’s son Zachary by making a donation for his team’s travel funds so they can compete in 2024 World Baseball Softball Confederation’s (WBSC) Blind Baseball International Cup taking place just outside of London. The United States Blind Baseball Association (USBBA) is a charitable, non-profit corporation. USBBA is dedicated to the development, management, regulation and promotion of our mixed gender adaptive sport of Blind Baseball.

If you are able to assist us in our 2024 fundraising efforts, please make checks payable to U.S. Blind Baseball Association, and mail to the address below or use these QR codes on our website (ithappenedtomepod.com) to send money through Venmo or PayPal.

U.S. Blind Baseball Association P.O. Box 312 Lindenhurst, NY 11757

Another resource we want to highlight is organdonor.gov, where you can learn more about organ donation.

In the next new episode of “It Happened To Me” we interview Shari’s son Zachary about his perspective on the experience about his health issues. In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.

In this episode of It Happened To Me, hosts Cathy and Beth are joined by Tanita Allen, a resilient advocate for Huntington’s Disease (HD) and the author of the touching memoir, We Exist. Tanita shares her personal journey with HD, from her initial symptoms and challenging diagnostic process to her current role as a self-advocate and member of The HD Community Advisory Board.

Tanita discusses the complexities of living with HD, a condition often described as a combination of Parkinson’s, ALS, and Alzheimer’s. She offers insight into the importance of genetic testing, the impact of environmental factors on her early onset, and the emotional journey of being the first in her family to be diagnosed with this rare genetic condition. Additionally, Tanita shares her five key strategies for maintaining a hopeful disposition in the face of medical challenges.

Tanita Allen is a dedicated advocate for Huntington’s Disease and the author of *We Exist*, a memoir documenting her journey with HD. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs and is a certified paralegal. Tanita's advocacy work is enriched by her extensive experience in customer service and sales. She is a member of The HD Community Advisory Board and has been featured in Forbes, where she discussed the significance of self-advocacy and collaboration.

Key Discussion Points:

• Understanding Huntington’s Disease (HD): Tanita describes HD as a trifecta of Parkinson’s, ALS, and Alzheimer’s. She shares her experiences with the hallmark symptoms and discusses the prevalence of HD in the population.
• Diagnostic Journey: Tanita opens up about the challenges she faced in receiving a diagnosis, particularly the added complexity of being a Black woman. She details her experience with genetic testing, including the significance of CAG repeats in the HTT gene and how her results correlated with her early onset of symptoms.
• Emotional Impact and Family Dynamics: Tanita reflects on how she processed her diagnosis and the emotional toll it took, especially as the first person in her family to be diagnosed with HD. She also shares the story of another family member who was later diagnosed.
• Five Strategies for Hope: Tanita outlines the five key strategies she discusses in her book for maintaining a hopeful outlook:
  • Embracing Change and Adapting
  • Learning from Difficult Moments
  • The Power of Community
  • Celebrating Milestones
  • Making Self-Care a Priority
• Advice for Others: Tanita offers parting advice for those facing medical challenges, emphasizing the importance of self-care, community support, and staying hopeful.

Please check out Tanita’s book, “We Exist”. You can order a copy directly from her website, tanitaallen.com. Also check out her Forbes article, “Why Self-Advocacy Can Help You Become An Invaluable Collaborator”.

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.

In this insightful episode of It Happened To Me, we are joined by Ryan Hodgkinson, a highly respected Pilates instructor whose journey into fitness was profoundly shaped by his personal battle with Crohn’s disease. With over two decades of experience in martial arts and personal training, Ryan has developed a unique approach to Pilates that caters to the individual needs of his clients.

Ryan Hodgkinson, PMA® CPT, ACE CPT, was first introduced to Pilates by his sister Heidi, a licensed Physical Therapist and certified Pilates Instructor, to help him with ruptured discs he suffered as a result of numerous abdominal surgeries.

Recognizing the benefits that Pilates provides towards overall health and physical fitness, he completed his 750 hour comprehensive Pilates Machine and Apparatus​​.

Certification in 2008 and has been teaching Pilates full-time ever since. In addition to teaching Pilates, Ryan is a Certified Personal Trainer, TRX Instructor and has 23+ years practicing and teaching martial arts. Ryan draws from all aspects of his training and years of experience to create tailored programs for individual client's needs. ​

Episode Highlights:

Understanding Crohn’s Disease:

• Definition: An inflammatory disease causing swelling in the digestive tract, often affecting the small intestine.
• Symptoms: Diarrhea, fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, blood in stool, mouth sores, reduced appetite, and more.
• Complications: Bowel obstructions, ulcers, fistulas, malnutrition, increased colon cancer risk, and other health problems.

Diagnosing and Treating Crohn’s:

• Diagnosis: Typically involves a combination of medical history, physical exams, and specialized tests.
• Causes and Risk Factors: Unknown exact cause; factors may include immune system triggers, heredity, age, ethnicity, and certain medications.
• Treatment: Anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immune system suppressors, and biologics.

Ryan’s Personal Journey:

• Diagnostic Journey: Insights into how Ryan’s journey with Crohn’s began.
• Impact of Martial Arts: The role of karate in Ryan’s physical and emotional recovery.
• Living with Ostomies: Experiences and challenges during high school and college.
• Family and Advocacy: The crucial role of family support and advocacy in coping with Crohn’s.

Transition to Pilates:

• Career Decision: How Ryan’s health journey influenced his career in Pilates.
• Pilates and Chronic Pain: The benefits of Pilates for chronic back pain and overall health.
• Misconceptions about Crohn’s: Debunking common myths based on Ryan’s experiences.

Incorporating Pilates Principles:

• Principles: Concentration, control, core strength, fluidity, precision, and breathing.
• Training Programs: Tailoring programs for individuals with chronic pain or post-surgery recovery.
• Mind-Body Awareness: Enhancing overall well-being through Pilates.

Advocacy and Pain Management:

• Alternative Strategies: Advocating for alternatives to opioids, like Pilates and physical therapy.
• Personal Insights: Managing pain from scar tissue and nerve issues with specific exercises.

Ryan recommends that people check out ostomy.org for further information.

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.

Genetic Counselor Amy Patterson shares about genetic screening and testing available for rare disease including her speciality of skeletal dysplasias.

Amy Patterson (she/her) is a licensed pediatric and adult genetic counselor in the Johns Hopkins Department of Genetic Medicine. She primarily works with patients in the Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasias as well as the General Genetics clinic. Especially in the skeletal dysplasia space, Amy works to promote a holistic patient experience, including psychosocial counseling, connection with patient advocacy groups, informed consent, genetic testing and interpretation of results, coordination of care, and discussion of research options. Amy was a LEND Fellow and graduated from the Boston University Genetic Counseling program in 2021. She has focused much of her research and clinical work on the intersection of rare conditions, disability, and patient advocacy.

Amy initially started advocating in the rare disease space due to her best friend’s sibling’s rare genetic disorder, Congenital Hyperinsulinism. We actually interview their mother on Episode 37 of It Happened To Me. As a high schooler, Amy started educating their peers and community about rare disease on Rare Disease Day every year. After moving to Boston, she started volunteering at a Community Engagement Liaison for the Rare Action Network (RAN), the advocacy branch of NORD, then became the RAN Massachusetts State Ambassador. Through this work, she started putting on Rare Disease Day events at Boston Children's Hospital, and now at Johns Hopkins Hospital as a genetic counselor. Rare Disease Day allows all rare disease stakeholders to come together to share their experiences and continue to learn. Amy is passionate about this global effort to raise awareness and advocate for improved quality of life, diagnosis, and access to care for Rare patients and families.

Want to listen to our other episodes with genetic counselors?

In Episode 4, our Executive Producer, Kira Dineen, who is also a genetic counselor, shares how genetic counselors can help people navigate having a rare disease.

In Episode 7, Genetic Counselor Karen Grinzaid explains prenatal and cancer genetic testing. Kira also joins as a guest host since this is her area of expertise.

Want to speak to a genetic counselor? Find one in your area via FindAGeneticCounselor.org.

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.

In this enlightening episode of It Happened To Me, we are joined by Dr. Tara Zier, founder of the Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation. Dr. Zier shares her personal journey with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare and debilitating autoimmune disorder, and discusses her mission to advance research, treatments, and awareness for this condition.

Introduction:

• Dr. Tara Zier, founder of the Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation
• Background on Stiff Person Syndrome: a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by muscle stiffness and painful spasms

Key Discussion Points:

1. Understanding Stiff Person Syndrome:

• Description and symptoms of SPS
• Impact on daily life for those affected

• Her personal experience with SPS and the path to diagnosis
• The challenges faced and the resilience shown

• Current medications and therapies including muscle relaxers, infusions, plasma exchange, physical therapy, and more
• Medications and treatments to avoid for SPS patients

• The establishment of the Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation
• Aims to fund research, develop treatments, and find a cure

• Partnerships with the Stiff Person Syndrome Center at Johns Hopkins and the Mayo Clinic
• Contributions to the global patient community

• Current state of SPS research and available treatments
• The importance of raising awareness and public understanding

• The significance of patient communities in advancing research and providing support
• How the foundation fosters connections with patients worldwide

• Additional ways the foundation aids individuals and families affected by SPS

• Encouragement and guidance for those looking to establish foundations or support medical research for rare diseases

• Stories and experiences from the SPS community that have touched Dr. Zier
• Dr. Zier’s personal strategies for maintaining mental health amidst her advocacy work

• Hopes and aspirations for the future of the Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation
• Vision for the field of SPS research and treatment

Closing Remarks:

• Dr. Zier’s final thoughts and gratitude for the opportunity to share her journey
• Encouragement for listeners to support SPS research and awareness initiatives

Episode Links:

• Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation
• Follow Dr. Tara Zier on Twitter

Stay tuned for the next new episode of It Happened To Me! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Julie Raskin, Chief Executive Officer of Congenital Hyperinsulinism International (CHI). Julie's journey began when her son Ben was born with congenital hyperinsulinism (HI), a condition that causes the overproduction of insulin leading to severe hypoglycemia. Determined to improve Ben’s life and the lives of others affected by HI, Julie co-founded CHI in 2005.

Discussion Topics:

• Julie shares her son Ben’s story, his diagnosis with HI, and the journey that led to the formation of CHI.
• Symptoms of congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) and the challenges in diagnosing this rare condition.
• Genetic factors and inheritance patterns associated with HI, including the probability of siblings being affected.
• The impact of HI on Ben's childhood and current life.
• Julie’s experiences and insights on managing HI and supporting a child with the condition.
• The story behind the founding of CHI and its mission to improve the lives of babies born with HI worldwide.
• Key challenges faced by families with HI diagnoses and how CHI provides support.
• CHI’s Key Initiatives including the The HI Global Registry which documents the natural history of HI with over 559 participants from 53 countries.
• The HI Centers of Excellence designation program: Encouraging the highest standards of care for babies and children with HI.
• CHI’s efforts in securing funding for research grants, supporting patients with emergency funds, and medication donations.
• Collaboration with expert clinicians, researchers, and biotech professionals to advance HI research and treatment.
• Insights from the virtual support group hosted by CHI, with over 2,300 family members participating.
• Importance of patient advocacy in rare disease research and healthcare policies, and CHI's role in this area.
• Julie’s advice for families dealing with HI or other rare diseases based on her personal experiences.
• Ways individuals and organizations can contribute to CHI’s mission and support HI-affected families.
• The future of HI research and treatment, and CHI’s role in shaping this future.

Learn more about Congenital Hyperinsulinism International (CHI) and how you can get involved: at congenitalHI.org

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.