Do you know Asians are at higher risk for kidney disease? At the age of 17, Sabrina Lu Qiao was diagnosed with a rare, autoimmune kidney disorder called Minimal Change Disease (MCD), which affects the filtering capacity of the kidneys and can increase one’s risk of developing Nephrotic Syndrome.*

In this episode, Sabrina recounts how common teenage angst was exacerbated by the side effects of steroid treatment, including water weight gain, body dysmorphia, and emotional distress. She tapped into the healing power of personal narrative and testimony that led her to advocate and share her story with fellow patients and communities. As a passionate writer and journalist, Sabrina draws on her lived experience to inform and empower others along their health journeys. She also reflects on the ways her cultural identity continues to inform her personal growth and resilience.

* Source: https://nephcure.org/livingwithkidneydisease/ns-and-other-glomerular-diseases/understanding-minimal-change-disease/ (Dec 2022)

MORE ABOUT SABRINA:

Sabrina Lu Qiao is an alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied English with a concentration in creative writing and a minor in journalism.

She is currently pursuing an MFA in nonfiction writing at Columbia University, where she also teaches creative nonfiction writing. Her reporting often focuses on subcultures, while her personal writing explores patient identity within Chinese culture and feminism within East Asian culture. She is at work on a manuscript about the Chinese Cultural Revolution and is an avid proponent of the Manhattan ferry system.

RESOURCES:

Nephcure - https://nephcure.org/connect/ (a supportive community of patients, their loved ones, doctors, researchers and other medical professionals bound by a common goal: discovering better treatments and a cure for rare, kidney diseases caused by Nephrotic Syndrome)

Inspire – https://www.inspire.com (a resource hub with information on specific diseases as well as access to experts and patient stories for anyone seeking to learn more)

National Kidney Foundation - https://www.kidney.org/treatment-support

SABRINA’S SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Website - https://sabrinaluqiao.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sabqiao/

*DISCLAIMER*

The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized health care, professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.

A cancer survivor’s journey extends well beyond the period of medical treatment. In this episode, we talk to our special guest, Nayonika Chatterjee, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 14. She received treatment while living with her family in India and has been in remission for over a decade. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is among the most common types of cancers that affect teens and their lymphatic systems.

Nayonika reflects on her own healing as a lifelong process of adaptation, struggle, and transition, but a journey that continues to lead her to greater self-awareness, resilience, and hope. She recognizes healing as a non-linear path, where survivors can choose how they share their personal stories.

Some people may speak openly about their cancer journeys as health advocates, while others may prefer to stand in solidarity with fellow survivors or seek counseling and mental health resources for support.

As a graduate student at Brandeis University, Nayonika plans to research how individuals of South Asian descent uniquely experience their cancer journeys and engage in survivor discourse. Her goal is to elevate people’s voices to show the humanity behind their lived experiences and to explore how culture and language intersect and influence their well-being. If you are interested in learning more about Nayonika’s research, you can email her at [email protected].

Resource Links:

Nayonika’s Social Media

- Instagram: chatterjeenayonika (https://www.instagram.com/chatterjeenayonika/)

- Facebook: Nayonika Chatterjee (https://www.facebook.com/nayonika.chatterjee)

For Reference: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/hodgkin-lymphoma.html

More About Nayonika Chatterjee

Nayonika Chatterjee is an international student from India pursuing a MA in Anthropology at Brandeis University. Her experience with Hodgkin’s lymphoma inspires her research that lies at the intersection of medicine and anthropology, specifically narratives of individuals struck by cancer. Additionally, she is interested in exploring how South Asian socio-cultural and linguistic practices affect the health and well-being of individuals within this community. Outside of academia, she operates as a caffeine enthusiast and finds joy in evocative Japanese animations and graphic novels.

*Disclaimer

The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized health care, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.

** If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, resources are available through the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (mass.gov) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (namimass.org).

May recognizes both Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and National Mental Health Awareness Month. As we navigate our way through COVID, each of us faces challenges that impact our mental health. Many have experienced personal loss and changes at work and in our caregiving responsibilities. The need for community support and healing grows every day.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Pata Suyemoto returns as our special guest (https://soundcloud.com/asianwomenforhealth/pathways-forward-awareness-and-activism-mental-health). Pata has long been a champion of health and racial equity as a feminist scholar, writer, educator, and mental health activist.

As the Training/Program Director for the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA) and the Director of the National Asian American Pacific Islander Empowerment Network (NAAPIEN), Pata is reshaping the conversation around mental wellness by engaging more people with lived experiences to share their stories.

Pata has spoken about being a suicide attempt survivor and her struggles with chronic depression and PTSD. She believes there is tremendous value in claiming and sharing one’s lived experiences, knowledge, and perspectives to benefit one another and to help inform health practice and policy.

Learn more about these efforts and upcoming events. Connect and get involved!

Upcoming Events:

*May 18-19, 2022*

21st Annual MA Suicide Prevention Conference

https://web.cvent.com/event/765b74af-2164-4644-a87a-247b7dcf9e89/summary

July 30, 2022

13th Annual Asian American Mental Health Forum

Building Resilience: Healing Trauma Across Generations

https://www.asianwomenforhealth.org/asian-american-mental-health-forum.html

Resource Links:

- NAAPIMHA

https://www.naapimha.org

- NAAPIEN Network / Email: [email protected]

- Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention Toolkit Resource

https://masspreventssuicide.org/widening-the-lens-exploring-the-role-of-social-justice-and-racial-equity-in-suicide-prevention

- Greater Boston Regional Suicide Prevention

https://www.greaterbostonpreventssuicide.org/

- Suicide Lifeline

1-800-273-8255

More About Dr. Pata Suyemoto

Pata Suyemoto is the Co-Chair for the Greater Boston Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Founder and Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) Alliance for Equity.

She is also a master trainer for NAAPIMHA’s Achieving Whole Health Program, a curriculum developer, and a diversity trainer. She earned her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and did her research on anti-racist education and issues of race and racism.

Pata is one of the authors of Widening the Lens: Exploring the Role of Social Justice in Suicide Prevention – A Racial Equity Toolkit. She is a Co-Founder of The Breaking Silences Project, which is an artistic endeavor that educates about the high rates of depression and suicide among Asian American young women. Pata is also a member of several boards and committees including the MCSP’s Executive Committee, the planning committee for the annual Asian American Mental Health Forum, and the board of directors for the American Association of Suicidology. Her claim to fame is that she rode her bicycle across the country in the summer of 2012.

*Disclaimer

The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized health care, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.

** If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health or suicide ideation, resources are available through the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (mass.gov), the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (namimass.org), or the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention (masspreventsuicide.org).

ATTENTION! This episode delves into some difficult subjects including self-harm, trauma, and racism. If these are sensitive subjects for you, please keep that in mind before you listen.

Sandra Myounga Kim, LMHC, is a mental health clinician and founder of a telehealth-based, wellness & life coaching service called Talk Therapy Tuebingen, which supports the mental health and well-being of international students and professionals. Sandra’s firsthand experience as an ex-pat and her background in education, ministry, the arts, and fitness, have informed her understanding and compassion for people’s vulnerabilities and health struggles. In practice and in spirit, Sandra is the consummate advocate of healthy living and a whole health approach to wellness.

In this episode, we discuss the weight of imposter syndrome, suicide loss, and the non-linear path to healing. Be sure to check out Sandra’s list of links and resources!

SANDRA’S LIST OF LINKS & RESOURCES

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talktherapytubingen/

- Website: https://www.talktherapytuebingen.de/

Mental and Physical Health Strategies (Coping with COVID)

Videos by Sandra M. Kim:

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vvW2lNSgk0&t=8s

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcw37x1hDDw

Internet Resources:

- Breathing Techniques to Calm Self

https://www.verywellmind.com/abdominal-breathing-2584115

- Imposter Syndrome

https://time.com/5312483/how-to-deal-with-impostor-syndrome/

https://www.nicabm.com/program/impostor-syndrome/?itl=store

- On Confidence

https://www.theschooloflife.com/article/on-confidence/

3 YouTube Recommendations for Mental Health:

- Kati Morton

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzBYOHyEEzlkRdDOSobbpvw

- Dr. Tracey Marks

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL2QpphEeZFYwk6-WXD6hpA

- School of Life

https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/theschooloflife

Resources to Find A Mental Health Provider:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

BetterHelp, TalkSpace

Apps to Help Manage Mental Health Symptoms:

Calm, Headspace, Talkspace, Happify

More About Sandra Kim:

Sandra M. Kim is a mental health clinician, fitness instructor, education consultant, former youth pastor, art teacher and higher ed administrator. She hails from sunny, southern California but has lived in 6 different countries and 4 different states (MA, NY, VA, CA), which has influenced her perspectives of the world and people. Having worked/lived in 9 countries around the world, including towns in Germany, Kenya, China, Korea, and the US, she is also well-versed in the triumphs and challenges of feeling like a foreigner, even in her own country. Her hope is to bring an overall health and wellness mindset to all, merging the mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, relational, and professional/academic.

*Disclaimer

The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized health care, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.

** If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health or suicide ideation, resources are available through the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (mass.gov), the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (namimass.org), or the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention (masspreventsuicide.org).

ATTENTION: This episode delves into some difficult subjects including self-harm, trauma, and racism. If these are sensitive subjects for you, please keep that in mind before you listen.

Amy Manion is a Boston-born, Chinese American, singer/songwriter and spoken word artist. Her journey is one that truly embodies resilience. As a suicide attempt survivor, Amy uses performance art to share her authentic voice and raw struggles with mental health, racism, and trauma. In this episode, we feature two powerful pieces of her spoken word: “Found” and “Ode to Creation”. Amy channels her creative expression to be an advocate for change toward greater justice and healing. Words have their own energy, so enjoy this opportunity to listen and embrace the power of the spoken word and its ability to heal and inspire humanity.

Resource Links:

Amy Manion’s Pages

- https://amyelizabethmanion.wordpress.com/

Check out “You Call Me Corona” (a spoken word piece for the MA Coalition

For Suicide Prevention - https://masspreventssuicide.org/)

- www.amymanion.com

- Project Harmonious - https://www.facebook.com/harmoniousproject/

- Tunefoolery Music - https://www.tunefoolery.org/

More About Amy Manion:

As an Asian American woman and suicide attempt survivor, Amy has struggled with feelings of worthlessness stemming from disempowerment. Interconnected with that is trauma related to sexuality, religion, and racism. Community and creativity provide her strength in knowing that there is nothing wrong with her. Sensitivity to the injustices all around her that her people and others generationally have experienced until this day, the desire for justice, and knowing that God will make all things new is what keeps her in the fight. She believes that by sharing our stories, we all heal.

*Disclaimer

The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized health care, professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.

Photo Credit: Zhiyan Xu of OwlsomePhoto.com

Compassion is at the heart of Perrie Mo’s call to service. She is currently a Nursing Care Coordinator at Good Shepherd Community Hospice and the Program Coordinator of their Asian Hospice Program. On weekends, Perrie works as a multilingual therapist at Elephant In The Room Counseling, a group practice of Asian American clinical social workers, who provide behavioral health services to individuals from underserved communities.

Perrie has long dedicated her work to empowering clients along their health journeys and improving their access to culturally informed care. She uses her language and clinical expertise to address the cultural and linguistic barriers that impact the experiences of Asian/Asian American patients.

In this episode, Perrie shares insights on her passionate pursuits, from her epiphanies on hospice and palliative care to her views on the benefits of telemental health. You will appreciate how her work in trauma, grief, and mental health has prepared her to respond to urgent health needs during the pandemic.

Resources:

- https://www.elephantroomcounseling.com/about-us

- https://www.elephantroomcounseling.com/resources/asian-specific-resources

- https://gscommunitycare.org/Asian-Hospice-Program

More info about Perrie Mo

https://www.elephantroomcounseling.com/about-us/meet-our-team/perrie-mo-licsw

Perrie Mo, RN, LICSW, APHSW-C, is the Program Coordinator for the Asian Hospice Program at Good Shepherd Community Hospice, specializing in providing culturally sensitive care to Asian patients. She is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Thai. In her current role, Perrie works as a Nursing Care Coordinator and manages Asian language speaking patients who are under hospice care. She utilizes specialized nursing skills and agency resources related to end-of-life care and manages discomfort and symptom relief. At Elephant In The Room Counseling, Perrie takes a holistic approach to behavioral health for Asians/Asian Americans who experience cultural and generational trauma.

Perrie grew up in Hong Kong with both East and Southeast Asian parents. She is a new mother, so time with her family and 16-month-old daughter bring her a world of joy.

*Disclaimer

The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized health care, professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.

Life is a journey and our path to self-discovery is rarely straight. We learn from our lived experiences, setbacks, and unexpected detours. In this episode, we speak to Alessandra (Dréa) Pañares, a passionate community organizer, performing artist, and storyteller. Her innate curiosity and education in Psychology, History, and Women’s & Gender Studies have led her on a personal quest to explore the myriad of influences that have shaped her identity and understanding of her Filipina heritage. Her discoveries have informed her own health journey and impacted her community advocacy and creative pursuits in meaningful ways. Dréa’s story will inspire you to take a deeper dive into your own family history, where you can uncover and share those hidden gems that make each of us beautifully unique and interconnected.

Resource Links:

- https://linktr.ee/dreapanares

- “Portrait of the World As It Could Be” at American Repertory Theatre (ART)

https://youtu.be/8IYhne1Nhyo

More About Alessandra Panares:

Alessandra “Drea” Panares (she/her) is a queer Filipina community organizer and storyteller based on Pawtucket and Massachusetts land (Boston.) She attended Creighton University, earning degrees in Psychology and History with a minor in Women's & Gender Studies. Currently, she serves as a member of the City of Boston's SPARK Council. She volunteers with local public health and mutual aid organizations and spends her spare time on freelance creative projects. Dedicated to equity and inclusion work, Alessandra is particularly passionate about racial justice, LGBTQIA+ activism, and disability (esp mental health) advocacy.

Producer’s Note: This episode was previously recorded on 12/9/21.

*Disclaimer

The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized mental health care, professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.

** If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, check out the resources available through the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (mass.gov) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (namimass.org).

Mary Hsiao-Ling Wu was diagnosed with renal agenesis at the tender age of three and her parents, who were immigrants from China, were told that kidney transplantation was the only option to save her life. Fortunately for Mary, she received the ultimate gift of two separate kidney transplants.

How does one become a donor? Is it only for the young and healthy? Aren’t there enough organs for those who need them? In this episode, Mary helps to dispel common myths around organ donation. Her lived experience has led her to become a champion for the organ donation and transplantation community. She is also widely recognized for her role as a patient and community health advocate, speaker, and contributor to various publications and social media blogs. As author of the book, “Confessions of a Kidney Transplant Recipient,” she chronicles her personal experiences and the people along the way who supported and guided her throughout her health journey.

In her spare time, Mary is a passionate foodie and loves tea, cats, travel, writing, arts and crafts, and swimming. You can learn more about her work and writings at her website: “The Wu Way” www.thewuway.com.

RESOURCES:

- Mary Wu’s Website: http://www.thewuway.com

- Mary’s book, “Confessions of a Kidney Transplant Recipient”

- To become a life-saving organ, eye, and tissue donor: https://registerme.org/ or www.donatelife.net

- Live on NY, a local organ procurement organization: https://www.liveonny.org/

- Transplant Support Organization, a NY-based support group: https://www.transplantsupport.org/our-story

- Renal Support Network, a California and kidney-based support group: http://www.rsnhope.org

- UNOS (United Network Organ Sharing), a transplant system that is federally run: https://unos.org/

- Disaggregated Data on Organ Donation & Asian Americans: https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=57

*Disclaimer

The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.

Why is it important to use proper gender pronouns? And how can we further foster an environment of inclusion and respect? In this episode, we speak to Chan Som, (they/them), a queer, nonbinary Cambodian American, whose path to embracing their gender-identity has been far from linear. As a public health advocate, youth mentor, and content creator, Chan has used multi-media to share personal stories for and about the LGBTQ+ community.

Chan is also an award-winning storyteller and filmmaker, and has directed their own short film, “Coming Out Wasn’t Funny,” which won the 2018 Short Waves Film Competition hosted by the Asian American Film Festival.

In this podcast episode, Chan reflects on their intersectional life and experience of gender and bicultural identity, generational and cultural challenges and, ultimately, the power behind love and self-acceptance.

Resource Links:

- Chan's Award-Winning Short Film, "Coming Out Wasn't Funny."

Boston Asian American Short Waves 2018

http://www.baaff.org/shortwaves2018.html

- Southeast Asia Resource Action Center

https://www.searac.org/

Chan's Everyday Ritual & Favorite Spots for Coffee!

- Nibbana Cafe

https://nibbanacafe.com/

- Revival Cafe + Kitchen

https://www.revivalcafeandkitchen.com/

- Odd Meter Coffee Co.

https://www.oddmetercoffee.com/

More About Chan Som:

Chan Som is currently Communications and Operations Specialist for Asian Women For Health and a Master’s candidate at Boston University School of Public Health, studying Health Communication and Promotion and Sex, Sexuality, and Gender.

Chan has a background in multimedia projects, including digital storytelling from UMass Boston. Their hobby for photography evolved to narrate meaningful stories of community members, whether through still photographs or videos.

Outside of work and school, Chan enjoys discovering new coffee shops and restaurants and watching Korean variety shows to relax. In the near future, Chan hopes to pursue a career outside the States and build a clinic for the LGBTQIA+ population in Cambodia, and to promote visibility and safe spaces.

*Disclaimer

The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.

What does it mean to be neurodivergent and how does one learn to navigate the complexities around self-identity with cultural stigmas and neuro-myths at play? In this episode, Emily Chen shares her experiences living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a common, but underdiagnosed neurodevelopment challenge, and rarely discussed within Asian American households.

Emily's health journey has been one of self-discovery and learning. Her passions include teaching voice and piano. Today, she is a mental health advocate, an Asian Women For Health volunteer, and creator of DisOrient, an educational YouTube series on Asian American mental health, neurodiversity, and representation. She is currently pursuing her graduate studies in speech language and pathology so she can advance the work on ADHD and executive functions. Emily embodies both strength and vulnerability in being "open and willing to seek and accept help.” Check out her resource links below.

More About Emily Chen:

Emily Chen (she/her), BMA, is a Taiwanese American mental health advocate, educator, and classical singer. She grew up in Greater Boston and is a graduate of DePauw University. In addition to being the creator of DisOrient, she also writes articles for Project Harmonious at University of Massachusetts Medical and ADDitude Magazine. In between these many endeavors, Emily enjoys writing poetry and songs, looking at trees on walks, and laughing loudly.

Resource Links:

- Emily's website (with links to DisOrient): https://www.emilychenstudio.com/

- Emily's ADDitude Magazine guest blogs: https://www.additudemag.com/author/emily-chen/

- Project Harmonious at UMass Medical School (Chinese American mental health stories): https://projectharmonious.org/

- "Maybe" (Emily's original song) for the 2021 Asian American Mental Health Forum: https://youtu.be/vdwybrFGUjY

- Emily’s Playlist favorite, "Racist, Sexist Boy" (The Linda Lindas): https://youtu.be/J5AhU5Q7vH0 and "Never Say Never" (The Linda Lindas): https://youtu.be/kTYvl0XgHOc

*Disclaimer

The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.