Get ready for a fascinating deep dive into one of my favorite topics—sleep! In today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sabra Abbott, an expert in all things sleep-related. Together, we explore the three critical stages of sleep, the unique challenges scleroderma patients face when it comes to getting quality rest, and practical strategies to improve your sleep. By the end of our conversation, you’ll feel informed, inspired, and maybe even a little more well-rested!

Today, we have an incredible guest joining us—rheumatologist Dr. David Collier. With 28 years as a Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado Medical School and 25 years leading the scleroderma clinic, Dr. Collier is a true expert in the field. Currently, he’s consulting with Kyverna Therapeutics, working on groundbreaking (CAR) T-cell therapy.
We’ve all been hearing the buzz about this innovative treatment for scleroderma, and today, we’re diving in to learn what it’s all about. Get ready for a fascinating science lesson—you won’t want to miss this! Let’s get started!

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Dr. Cristina Padilla, a remarkable physician I had the pleasure of meeting at a recent conference. In this episode, we delve into the work being done at the Pittsburgh Scleroderma Center, where Dr. Padilla focuses on translational research into interstitial lung disease. Through our conversation, you’ll not only learn about her invaluable contributions to the field but also hear her deep passion for advancing scleroderma research and improving patient care. Let’s get started!

Today’s guest is Melissa Marquis, who shares her incredible journey of perseverance and advocacy. It took 10 years for Melissa to receive a diagnosis of undifferentiated connective tissue disease—a condition where the immune system attacks connective tissues, but the symptoms and lab results don’t fully align with any specific connective tissue disease. Three years later, she was diagnosed with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. After years of uncertainty and navigating frustrating symptoms, Melissa turned her experiences into a resource for others. She authored the book Invisible: A Nurse-Turned-Patient’s Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease to support those facing similar challenges in their quest for answers.

What an inspiring guest we have today! Allison Zhang’s story is a testament to resilience and determination. Living 24 years with scleroderma is no small feat, and founding the first national scleroderma NGO in China shows her incredible dedication to helping others in similar situations.
Through this conversation, we’ll not only get a glimpse into her personal journey of managing scleroderma since childhood but also learn about her efforts to advocate for and empower the scleroderma community in China. Let’s dive in and uncover how Allison has turned her challenges into a platform for change and hope!.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Danielle Rice, a clinical and health psychologist whose PhD research zeroed in on a unique perspective: how to support caregivers of scleroderma patients. Believe it or not, before Danielle’s work, there had only been one small study on this crucial topic! We often overlook how scleroderma affects not only the patients but also their loved ones. Danielle has done incredible work to bring much-needed support to caregivers, and today, she shares insights on the impact they face and the ways not to feel isolated.

Today, I’m thrilled to chat with Dr. Deanna Baker Frost—whom I had the privilege of meeting at the National Scleroderma Conference. When I asked her to join me on the podcast, she agreed enthusiastically, requesting a topic that would be impactful for patients. I suggested osteoporosis, given that 80% of scleroderma patients are women, and 80% of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis are women, too. In this episode, we dive into everything osteoporosis. Buckle up—there’s a lot to learn!”

Today, I talk with Dr. Sean Fortier, a specialist in pulmonary medicine. Since more than 40% of scleroderma patients show evidence of interstitial lung disease, I thought it was important to discuss pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. Dr. Fortier and I also discuss his research, which I found very encouraging—and I believe you will, too.

 In the last episode, you heard Dr. Shah discuss autologous stem cell transplants. In today’s episode, you’ll meet Kim Rodning, the first non-trial recipient of an autologous stem cell transplant at Duke University. Like many scleroderma warriors, Kim remains positive and upbeat, even in the face of adversity. Her story is truly heartwarming.

Today's guest is Dr. Ankoor Shah. He is the Director of the Duke Scleroderma Clinic. In our episode today, we discuss his clinic and what it has to offer to scleroderma patients. We then dive into the main topic of our talk, stem cell transplant. I learned so much about what stem cell transplant involves and how it has helped the scleroderma community.