Listen to the episode Rethinking Immunodeficiency hosted by patient advocate Abbie Cornett. In this episode, we'll be exploring how what we traditionally call immunodeficiency is actually part of a larger spectrum of immune dysregulation. Our guest today, Dr. Kobayashi, is a clinical professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, and is an expert in diagnosing and managing complex immune disorders.

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In today's episode, Living Well with Chronic Illness, we'll be exploring how lifestyle medicine can help soothe symptoms and support healing. Our guest today, Sharleen Lucas, is the RN next door health coach. She's passionate about helping people soothe ongoing symptoms associated with chronic illness so they can live fully. After eight years at the hospital bedside, she became a health writer and coach to help people use food, lifestyle and rest to nourish their bodies and combat chronic illness. As an RN with expertise in medical, spiritual, preventive and emergency care, she's enjoyed volunteering as a medical first responder and working for nearly a decade in spiritual care with youth and families after studying theology and business management at Whitworth University.

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This podcast is sponsored by CSL Behring, manufacturer of Hizentra, subcutaneous immune globulin.
In this episode, we will discuss Melaine's journey with PI, from her experience with IVIG, to her switch to subcutaneous IG, and what that meant in terms of self-administering her treatment at home. Melaine enjoys cycling, gardening, travel and she's also living with primary immunodeficiency or PI. Melaine will be sharing her story and also providing some information about Hizentra, for which she is a patient advocate. Patient advocates are not healthcare professionals or medical experts. For medical questions or advice, please contact your physician. Patient advocates are compensated by CSL Behring, LLC, for their time and/or expenses. 

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IG Living's patient advocate, Abbie Cornett, hosts Nick Burrus, a Kawasaki disease patient, to discuss his journey with the disease that due to a delayed diagnosis led to complications and the need for a heart transplant.

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Today, I have the great pleasure of inviting one of my dear friends from when I was in the legislature. Shannon Anderson is an attorney who specializes in public advocacy and risk management. Her dog Neely, though, could care less about all of that. Shannon keeps a steady supply of wholesome treats on hand, and is committed not only to regular walks but adventure walks and, most importantly, has arranged for important therapy work opportunities. Neely with her handler Shannon has been recognized as an angel dog at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Nebraska, and Shannon has volunteered with him since 2014 and is retiring this summer. Neely will also share with you that, as a standard poodle, she has found her human to be at times a bit yippy and hyper but she will keep her nonetheless. 

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In this episode, we will discuss how to stay positive and refuse to let your illness define you. Today, we have as our guest speaker Debbie Konrad. Debbie is a cancer survivor and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patient who refuses to allow chronic conditions to limit or define her.  Debbie is a dynamic individual with a diverse background. Since 1990, she has owned and operated her own drapery business. She also taught ballet for a decade and later became a stay-at-home mom to two sons. Now living in the Chicago area, Debbie enjoys spending time with her five grandchildren, with another on the way in May. In her free time, she loves reading, traveling, gardening, sewing and exploring her passion for genealogy. 

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In this episode, we will discuss the intersection between politics, healthcare and chronic illness.

Today, we have guest speaker Peggy Tighe. Peggy is a prominent figure in healthcare policy and lobbying. With a juris doctorate degree from Delaware Law and a bachelor of arts from Wittenberg University, Peggy has dedicated her career to understanding the challenges faced by health systems, patient groups and provider organizations. Her extensive experience includes roles at major national healthcare associations such as the American Medical Association and the Health Insurance Association of America. Recognized as a Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics and The Hill, Peggy's influence extends to her board membership with the Mental Health Liaison Group since 2018 and her founding of the Judy Schneider “Direct Connect to Congress” program in 2004. As the president of Women in Government Relations from 2004 to 2006, Peggy’s contributions have left a lasting impact, further evidenced by her role as the founder and chief judge of the Judy Schneider Fellowship since 2015. Through her work with national coalitions, individual clients and teaching engagements at American University, Peggy stands as a respected mentor, advocate and leader in the dynamic field of healthcare policy. 

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In this episode, we will discuss the intricate process of producing immune globulin products, hereafter referred to as IG products.

Today, we have guest speaker Keith Berman. Keith has worked in the plasma therapeutics and blood therapies industry in a career spanning over three decades. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biological science from UC Berkeley, an MBA in marketing and an MPH in health services management from UCLA.

Beginning his career in the late 1980s, Keith started at what is now Takeda, where he supported IG product development and was involved in the successful U.S. launch of Gammagard. His knowledge and experience in IG development, usage and reimbursement have made him a trusted advisor in the industry.

In addition to his consultancy work, since 1989, Keith has served as editor and writer of International Blood/Plasma News, a monthly newsletter that covers the blood and plasma products industry. 

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In this episode, we will discuss the differences between the role of patient advocacy and self-advocacy. Today, we have guest speaker Megan Ryan. Megan is a 1998 graduate of Texas A&M University where she earned a Bachelor's of Business Administration in business analysis and business honors after graduating from Texas A&M

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Today, we have guest speaker Dr. Brett Kettelhut. Dr. Kettelhut is board certified in pediatrics, allergy and immunology. He is currently practicing allergy and immunology at Boys Town, Neb., and is an adjunct clinical professor in the College of Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Kellelhut also serves as the president of the Nebraska Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. 

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