On today's episode, we speak with Steven Lopez, Sr. , who details his life living with Chiari Malformation and a CSF leak that cannot be found. He's turned his illness into advocating for his illness. He is organizing a walk for Chiari in Tampa, Florida. His positivity and strength is an inspiration!

Here's how you can donate or join the walk: (Pick the Tampa location for Steven's walk)

http://www.conquerchiari.org/index.asp

Connect with Steven here:

https://www.instagram.com/steven_chiari_warrior/

On today's podcast, we talk about adjusting to your "new normal" after being diagnosed with a chronic illness. And, even adjusting to changes years into your illness once progression sneaks in.

We speak about changing jobs, a social life that changes, and emotional challenges when your body is not able to do the things it used to.

Follow us on Instagram at SpoonFull of Strength

Shop at our Etsy shop here: https://spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com

Welcome to another episode of SpoonFull of Strength. Today, we are meeting Karissa Fox, who shares her ongoing battle with a CSF leak from a lumbar puncture. She was previously diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, the lumbar puncture was supposed to give her relief. It turned out to be devastating when the LP gave her a CSF leak that has dramatically changed her life. Listen to this episode to hear how this leak has caused her to be in bed, lying flat, for 20 hours a day.

Follow Karissa (kfofosho) on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/kfofosho/

If you want to reach out to her via email, you can send it here: [email protected]

Today, we talk about all the ways we can support someone with a chronic illness. And, we invited Dawn, from Cards2Warriors in to talk about her wonderful organization that sends cards to spoonies, caregivers, family members, or healthcare workers.

You can sign up to receive their happy mail here: (NO COST TO DO THIS)

https://www.cards2warriors.org/

Click here to nominate someone (or yourself) in crisis to receive an extra bit of encouragement: https://www.cards2warriors.org/nominate

Donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/cards-2-warriors-org-inc/5-sends-two-cards

Follow Cards2Warriors on Facebook and Instagram:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/cards2warriors/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/cards2warriors

Help them hit their goal of 100,000 cards this year!

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Gia Mora, a talented performer, producer, and climate-focused writer. Gia shares her extraordinary journey, starting with a childhood marked by frequent broken bones. For nearly 30 years, doctors dismissed her symptoms as "normal" before finally investigating further. Gia was diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and subsequent genetic testing revealed she also has Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Throughout her life, Gia has demonstrated remarkable resilience and positivity. Her passion for sustainability has guided her to where she is today. Join us as we explore Gia's inspiring story.

Find Gia here:

Website - https://GiaMora.com

Instagram - https://instagram.com/gia_mora

Threads - https://thread.net/@gia_mora

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@gia_mora

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gia-mora

Newsletter - https://giamora.substack.com

We have a guest this episode! Rachel's husband and Tina's brother, Ed, joins us today to talk about his role in Chronic Illness....being a spouse and caregiver. We talk about how Chronic Illness affects a marriage and how he uses his "PU method" helps him navigate the ups and downs of Chronic Illness.

This week, we sit down with Rocio, all the way from Madrid, Spain. She details her life, being diagnosed with Sjogren's at a young age and finding her way through pregnancy and miscarriage.

Follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/madreautoinmune/

Subscribe to her newsletter here and stay up to date on her life: https://madreautoinmune.substack.com/

@aesjogren Spanish Association of Sjogren's

Today, we discuss the Myths and Misconceptions of Chronic Illness. We tackle our top 5 (We may have added a 6th one in at the end) myths and explain the truth to these misconceptions.

We'd love to hear your feedback! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at SpoonFull of Strength. Take a look at our Etsy shop, where you'll find trendy shirts, hoodies, mugs, candles and so much more1

Etsy Shop:: https://spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com

Today, we have a wonderful guest on our show! Meet Mayra, a woman who, after almost 2 months of non-stop, excruciating electric zaps in her face, received a diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia. She walks us through her story of Drs not listening and not ordering the test she needs to get her assumed Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. Mayra will sure put a smile on her face because of her joy, her fight and her dedication to empower and support women!

Find her

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms_tink_a_bility/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ms.huicochea?mibextid=ZbWKwL

On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ms.tink.a.bility?_t=8n5YZW04b7v&_r=1

Watch her story on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ms.tink.a.bility

Here are some news articles about Mayra (On The New Face of MS):

https://www.thenewfaceofms.com/post/meet-mayra-huicochea

https://www.thenewfaceofms.com/post/couples-ms-meet-mayra-fredi-huicochea

In this week's episode, we do something we've NEVER done before. This episode is completely UNEDITED. We both experience cognitive issues with our illnesses and we bring you the real us...No edits here!. All of our UMMS, can't find the word, stumbling over our sentences...it's all there! MAKE SURE AND STAY TIL THE END WHERE WE COMPLETELY LOSE IT.

We discuss cognitive changes: Why they happen, the mental side of dealing with them and some tips and tricks to deal with it.