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Living with a Chronic Illness (Part 5) - Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Welcome to Hot Topics! In this episode, our host, Gabrielle Crichlow, sits down with Katherine Klimitas, who shares her personal journey living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), commonly known as "brittle bone disease." OI is a genetic disorder that causes fragile bones, often leading to breaks with little or no apparent cause. Katherine opens up about her daily experiences and the profound impact OI has had on her life, highlighting the importance of educating others about this often-misunderstood condition.
Katherine discusses the adaptations she has made to her lifestyle, such as lying on her side for comfort and relying on aides for assistance with bathing and moving around. She explains how she has to "train her friends" when going out, teaching them how to assist her safely and effectively. This collaborative approach fosters independence while ensuring her safety and comfort.
Throughout the conversation, Katherine emphasizes the resilience she has cultivated in her journey. She reflects on the emotional strength required to face the daily challenges posed by OI, from navigating social situations to advocating for her needs. Notably, she has even started her own graphic design and art business, showcasing her creativity and determination to thrive despite the limitations imposed by her condition. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of the human spirit and the possibilities that can emerge from adversity.
Join us for this heartfelt conversation, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to live with Osteogenesis Imperfecta and discover the strength and resilience that individuals like Katherine embody as they navigate their unique challenges.
Who is Katherine Klimitas?
Katherine Klimitas is a New Orleans-based artist and designer who sold her first watercolor at age 10. The daughter of veterinarians, she captures her family’s love of animals through meticulous, lifelike paintings. A 2011 Loyola University graduate, Katherine now runs her business, KAK ART & Designs, from home. Living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle bone disease), she stopped counting fractures at 500 by age 10. At 2’7”, she uses an electric wheelchair and creates all her art, jewelry, and graphic design while lying on her side. Her story and work inspire audiences to see possibility beyond limitation. Learn more in her book Looking Up, by joining her mailing list, or by connecting with her on social media.
You can find Katherine:
On the web: https://kakartnola.com/
On Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KAKART
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kakartnola
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kakartnola/
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8n7emY8eh6EX4Oa2vpGTOw
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherineklimitas/
A gift for our listeners: You can use the following discount code on Katherine's Etsy site: COMEBACKKAK
Katherine also has a book called "Looking Up." You can purchase it on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/104092784/katherines-inspiring-story-looking-up?click_key=649b296a50cab53c7a446e8ecb76e610970f6d5f%3A104092784&click_sum=fd100d2d&ref=shop_home_feat_2&frs=1
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/n0wQuSXRMfM
Rate this episode on IMDB: TBA
********************************************
Follow Gabrielle Crichlow:
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielle.crichlow
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielle.crichlow
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-crichlow-92587a360
Follow A Step Ahead Tutoring Services:
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astepaheadtutoringservices
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astepaheadtutoringservices
On X: https://www.x.com/ASATS2013
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-step-ahead-tutoring-services/
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@astepaheadtutoringservices
On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asats2013
On Eventbrite: https://astepaheadtutoringservices.eventbrite.com
Visit us on the web: https://www.astepaheadtutoringservices.com
Sign up for our email list: https://squareup.com/outreach/a41DaE/subscribe
Sign up for our text list: https://tapit.us/cipPJO
Check out our entire "Hot Topics!" podcast: https://www.astepaheadtutoringservices.com/hottopicspodcast
Support us:
Cash App: https://cash.app/$ASATS2013
PayPal: https://paypal.me/ASATS2013
Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/ASATS2013
Zelle: [email protected]
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hot-topics--5600971/support
Original date of episode: September 11, 2025
Katherine discusses the adaptations she has made to her lifestyle, such as lying on her side for comfort and relying on aides for assistance with bathing and moving around. She explains how she has to "train her friends" when going out, teaching them how to assist her safely and effectively. This collaborative approach fosters independence while ensuring her safety and comfort.
Throughout the conversation, Katherine emphasizes the resilience she has cultivated in her journey. She reflects on the emotional strength required to face the daily challenges posed by OI, from navigating social situations to advocating for her needs. Notably, she has even started her own graphic design and art business, showcasing her creativity and determination to thrive despite the limitations imposed by her condition. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of the human spirit and the possibilities that can emerge from adversity.
Join us for this heartfelt conversation, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to live with Osteogenesis Imperfecta and discover the strength and resilience that individuals like Katherine embody as they navigate their unique challenges.
Who is Katherine Klimitas?
Katherine Klimitas is a New Orleans-based artist and designer who sold her first watercolor at age 10. The daughter of veterinarians, she captures her family’s love of animals through meticulous, lifelike paintings. A 2011 Loyola University graduate, Katherine now runs her business, KAK ART & Designs, from home. Living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle bone disease), she stopped counting fractures at 500 by age 10. At 2’7”, she uses an electric wheelchair and creates all her art, jewelry, and graphic design while lying on her side. Her story and work inspire audiences to see possibility beyond limitation. Learn more in her book Looking Up, by joining her mailing list, or by connecting with her on social media.
You can find Katherine:
On the web: https://kakartnola.com/
On Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KAKART
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kakartnola
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kakartnola/
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8n7emY8eh6EX4Oa2vpGTOw
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherineklimitas/
A gift for our listeners: You can use the following discount code on Katherine's Etsy site: COMEBACKKAK
Katherine also has a book called "Looking Up." You can purchase it on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/104092784/katherines-inspiring-story-looking-up?click_key=649b296a50cab53c7a446e8ecb76e610970f6d5f%3A104092784&click_sum=fd100d2d&ref=shop_home_feat_2&frs=1
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/n0wQuSXRMfM
Rate this episode on IMDB: TBA
********************************************
Follow Gabrielle Crichlow:
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielle.crichlow
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielle.crichlow
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-crichlow-92587a360
Follow A Step Ahead Tutoring Services:
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astepaheadtutoringservices
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astepaheadtutoringservices
On X: https://www.x.com/ASATS2013
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-step-ahead-tutoring-services/
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@astepaheadtutoringservices
On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asats2013
On Eventbrite: https://astepaheadtutoringservices.eventbrite.com
Visit us on the web: https://www.astepaheadtutoringservices.com
Sign up for our email list: https://squareup.com/outreach/a41DaE/subscribe
Sign up for our text list: https://tapit.us/cipPJO
Check out our entire "Hot Topics!" podcast: https://www.astepaheadtutoringservices.com/hottopicspodcast
Support us:
Cash App: https://cash.app/$ASATS2013
PayPal: https://paypal.me/ASATS2013
Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/ASATS2013
Zelle: [email protected]
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hot-topics--5600971/support
Original date of episode: September 11, 2025
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By A Step Ahead Tutoring ServicesWelcome to Hot Topics! In this episode, our host, Gabrielle Crichlow, sits down with Katherine Klimitas, who shares her personal journey living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), commonly known as "brittle bone disease." OI is a genetic disorder that causes fragile bones, often leading to breaks with little or no apparent cause. Katherine opens up about her daily experiences and the profound impact OI has had on her life, highlighting the importance of educating others about this often-misunderstood condition.
Katherine discusses the adaptations she has made to her lifestyle, such as lying on her side for comfort and relying on aides for assistance with bathing and moving around. She explains how she has to "train her friends" when going out, teaching them how to assist her safely and effectively. This collaborative approach fosters independence while ensuring her safety and comfort.
Throughout the conversation, Katherine emphasizes the resilience she has cultivated in her journey. She reflects on the emotional strength required to face the daily challenges posed by OI, from navigating social situations to advocating for her needs. Notably, she has even started her own graphic design and art business, showcasing her creativity and determination to thrive despite the limitations imposed by her condition. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of the human spirit and the possibilities that can emerge from adversity.
Join us for this heartfelt conversation, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to live with Osteogenesis Imperfecta and discover the strength and resilience that individuals like Katherine embody as they navigate their unique challenges.
Who is Katherine Klimitas?
Katherine Klimitas is a New Orleans-based artist and designer who sold her first watercolor at age 10. The daughter of veterinarians, she captures her family’s love of animals through meticulous, lifelike paintings. A 2011 Loyola University graduate, Katherine now runs her business, KAK ART & Designs, from home. Living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle bone disease), she stopped counting fractures at 500 by age 10. At 2’7”, she uses an electric wheelchair and creates all her art, jewelry, and graphic design while lying on her side. Her story and work inspire audiences to see possibility beyond limitation. Learn more in her book Looking Up, by joining her mailing list, or by connecting with her on social media.
You can find Katherine:
On the web: https://kakartnola.com/
On Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KAKART
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kakartnola
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kakartnola/
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8n7emY8eh6EX4Oa2vpGTOw
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherineklimitas/
A gift for our listeners: You can use the following discount code on Katherine's Etsy site: COMEBACKKAK
Katherine also has a book called "Looking Up." You can purchase it on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/104092784/katherines-inspiring-story-looking-up?click_key=649b296a50cab53c7a446e8ecb76e610970f6d5f%3A104092784&click_sum=fd100d2d&ref=shop_home_feat_2&frs=1
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/n0wQuSXRMfM
Rate this episode on IMDB: TBA
********************************************
Follow Gabrielle Crichlow:
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielle.crichlow
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielle.crichlow
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-crichlow-92587a360
Follow A Step Ahead Tutoring Services:
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astepaheadtutoringservices
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astepaheadtutoringservices
On X: https://www.x.com/ASATS2013
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-step-ahead-tutoring-services/
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@astepaheadtutoringservices
On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asats2013
On Eventbrite: https://astepaheadtutoringservices.eventbrite.com
Visit us on the web: https://www.astepaheadtutoringservices.com
Sign up for our email list: https://squareup.com/outreach/a41DaE/subscribe
Sign up for our text list: https://tapit.us/cipPJO
Check out our entire "Hot Topics!" podcast: https://www.astepaheadtutoringservices.com/hottopicspodcast
Support us:
Cash App: https://cash.app/$ASATS2013
PayPal: https://paypal.me/ASATS2013
Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/ASATS2013
Zelle: [email protected]
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hot-topics--5600971/support
Original date of episode: September 11, 2025
Katherine discusses the adaptations she has made to her lifestyle, such as lying on her side for comfort and relying on aides for assistance with bathing and moving around. She explains how she has to "train her friends" when going out, teaching them how to assist her safely and effectively. This collaborative approach fosters independence while ensuring her safety and comfort.
Throughout the conversation, Katherine emphasizes the resilience she has cultivated in her journey. She reflects on the emotional strength required to face the daily challenges posed by OI, from navigating social situations to advocating for her needs. Notably, she has even started her own graphic design and art business, showcasing her creativity and determination to thrive despite the limitations imposed by her condition. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of the human spirit and the possibilities that can emerge from adversity.
Join us for this heartfelt conversation, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to live with Osteogenesis Imperfecta and discover the strength and resilience that individuals like Katherine embody as they navigate their unique challenges.
Who is Katherine Klimitas?
Katherine Klimitas is a New Orleans-based artist and designer who sold her first watercolor at age 10. The daughter of veterinarians, she captures her family’s love of animals through meticulous, lifelike paintings. A 2011 Loyola University graduate, Katherine now runs her business, KAK ART & Designs, from home. Living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle bone disease), she stopped counting fractures at 500 by age 10. At 2’7”, she uses an electric wheelchair and creates all her art, jewelry, and graphic design while lying on her side. Her story and work inspire audiences to see possibility beyond limitation. Learn more in her book Looking Up, by joining her mailing list, or by connecting with her on social media.
You can find Katherine:
On the web: https://kakartnola.com/
On Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KAKART
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kakartnola
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kakartnola/
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8n7emY8eh6EX4Oa2vpGTOw
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherineklimitas/
A gift for our listeners: You can use the following discount code on Katherine's Etsy site: COMEBACKKAK
Katherine also has a book called "Looking Up." You can purchase it on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/104092784/katherines-inspiring-story-looking-up?click_key=649b296a50cab53c7a446e8ecb76e610970f6d5f%3A104092784&click_sum=fd100d2d&ref=shop_home_feat_2&frs=1
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/n0wQuSXRMfM
Rate this episode on IMDB: TBA
********************************************
Follow Gabrielle Crichlow:
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielle.crichlow
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielle.crichlow
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-crichlow-92587a360
Follow A Step Ahead Tutoring Services:
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astepaheadtutoringservices
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astepaheadtutoringservices
On X: https://www.x.com/ASATS2013
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-step-ahead-tutoring-services/
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@astepaheadtutoringservices
On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asats2013
On Eventbrite: https://astepaheadtutoringservices.eventbrite.com
Visit us on the web: https://www.astepaheadtutoringservices.com
Sign up for our email list: https://squareup.com/outreach/a41DaE/subscribe
Sign up for our text list: https://tapit.us/cipPJO
Check out our entire "Hot Topics!" podcast: https://www.astepaheadtutoringservices.com/hottopicspodcast
Support us:
Cash App: https://cash.app/$ASATS2013
PayPal: https://paypal.me/ASATS2013
Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/ASATS2013
Zelle: [email protected]
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hot-topics--5600971/support
Original date of episode: September 11, 2025