Happy Histiocytosis Awareness Month!

In this powerful September episode of Rare & Real, we sit down with histio patient and advocate, Brinda Shukla (she/her), a medical student and rare disease champion living with Rosai-Dorfman Disease (RDD), to explore her journey of resilience, identity, and purpose.

Brinda shares her experience navigating treatment as a teenager, the mental health toll of living with a rare condition, and the challenges of transitioning from pediatric to adult care. She opens up about learning to own her diagnosis, finding healing through therapy and community, and how her rare disease experience shaped her path to medical school.

We also talk about the liberating moment of being ready to share her story, the power of music and connection, and what “being rare” really means to her. Brinda’s story is a reminder that rare disease journeys are about more than charts and scans—they’re about humanity, resilience, and building a future of better care.

Whether you’re part of the rare disease community, an aspiring healthcare professional, or just someone who loves hearing real stories of strength and authenticity, this conversation will inspire you.Favorite Artist: Ariana Grande

A quote/lyric that resonates: "Tine makes you bolder." - Landslide by Fleetwood Mack