We’re celebrating Dr. David Fajgenbaum and revisiting one of our most impactful stories. David was just named to the TIME100 Health list and has a powerful new TED Talk—milestones that reflect the empathy, curiosity, and determination at the heart of his work.

Once a college quarterback and competitive weightlifter, David became critically ill at 25. When standard treatments failed to keep him out of the ICU, he and his friend Grant raced to save his life by repurposing existing drugs and laying the foundation for Every Cure. His journey shows what’s possible when we ask tough questions, share our experiences, and refuse to give up.

We hope this re-release reminds each of us that we can make a difference—in our own lives and in the lives of others.

We’ll see you very soon for a brand-new season of Symptomatic. Until then, take care and be well.

*
*
*
*
*
*

****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ******
If you’re looking for information on Castleman disease or want to learn more about the work of Grant, David, and the Every Cure team, visit EveryCure.org

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just when Trent starts to believe the worst is behind him, an unexpected twist turns his world upside down. He’s forced to confront new challenges that test his resilience and make decisions that could change the course of life for him and his family forever.

We want to hear from you! Share your own medical mystery or tell us about the episode you connected with the most at [email protected] or drop us a voice note at https://www.speakpipe.com/symptomatic.

DISCLAIMER: By submitting your voice note using the link provided, you acknowledge that we have permission to potentially include that audio in future content.

* 

* 

* 

* 

* 

*

****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ******

To find out more about CIDP and Trent’s amazing story and advocacy at TrentFielder.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trent was a vibrant and successful insurance assessor when his life took an unexpected turn. While working under a car, he sensed something was off. It wasn’t until later that day -- when his legs stopped responding while driving -- that the severity of the situation hit him. What followed was a baffling health crisis that turned his world upside down. With two newborn twins at home, Trent's sudden immobility brought his worst fears to life.

* 

* 

* 

* 

* 

*

****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ******

To find out more about CIDP and Trent’s amazing story and advocacy at TrentFielder.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this next installment of Symptomatic: House Calls, we check in on Lauren from Case #16.

Lauren began noticing severe pain that could not be explained away by her professional dancing career. The movements she once took for granted were becoming nearly impossible.

 

Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t listened to this episode yet, you might want to do so first HERE.

 

Feeling confused & betrayed by her body, Lauren pushed through the pain for 15 years before eventually receiving the correct diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. Along the way, she had to give up her dancing dreams, reshaping her lifestyle into one that prioritized her young family and recognized her new limitations. 

Join host Lauren Bright Pacheco as she catches up with Lauren to see how she is continuing to manage with her condition and making the most of the energy she has.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Sumaira was 24, what seemed like a routine wisdom teeth extraction quickly set off a series of unexpected health issues. Soon after, her vision in her right eye began to fade—a small nuisance she tried to ignore. But as her eyesight continued deteriorating, it became clear this wasn’t a passing problem. Eventually, doctors uncovered a deeper issue, revealing a diagnosis that would change everything she thought she knew about her health.

* 

* 

* 

* 

* 

*

****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ******

To find out more about NMOSD and Sumaira’s amazing advocacy and foundation at SumairaFoundation.org.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mik’s health challenges began at an early age, with unusual symptoms like recurring staph infections from small cuts—signs that both doctors and her family brushed aside. Later, she experienced rapid early-onset puberty, facing changes far earlier than most kids. But as these symptoms intensified, her parents soon realized this was something far more serious.

* 

* 

* 

* 

* 

*

****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ******

You can also follow Mik’s story @MikZazon, and to learn more about endometriosis, you can check out Dr. Karen Tang’s work @KarenTangMD.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this next installment of Symptomatic: House Calls, we catch up with Alisha from Case #13.

Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t listened to this episode yet, you might want to do so first HERE.

Alisha was diagnosed with psoriasis at just 7 years old. Feeling deeply self-conscious and isolated by others’ reactions to seeing her body covered by plaques, she adapted by hiding under long sleeves in the summer and convincing herself she’d never feel the rain on her skin again. Then she discovered the power of biologics, which changed her life.

Join host Lauren Bright Pacheco as she checks in with Alisha on her progress and the response she’s received since bravely sharing her story.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In her mid-20s and thriving in a fast-paced communications job, Mila began experiencing symptoms reminiscent of those her mom had managed with diabetes for years. However, as time went on, it became clear that this was different. Little did she know, her life was about to take a significant turn, leading her on an unexpected journey with a chronic illness she never saw coming.

* 

* 

* 

* 

* 

*

****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ******

To find out more about Mila’s work and her yummy recipes at HangryWoman.com and Dr. Thangudu at HeyHealthy.com. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In peak health, Scott's life took a drastic turn when a rare disease nearly claimed it all. Initially misdiagnosed and dismissed, his symptoms escalated into a near-fatal episode, revealing the true extent of his condition. Forced to confront challenges affecting his heart, lungs, and more, Scott’s journey became one of resilience and survival against all odds.

* 

* 

* 

* 

* 

*

****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ******

To find out more about Scott and Rebecca’s work with The Creative Cartel at TheCreativeCartel.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode, we introduce Symptomatic: House Calls. Throughout Season 3, we will reconnect with past guests to get updates on how they’ve been managing their conditions and how their lives have changed since appearing on the show.

For our first House Call, we revisit Athena from Case #2. As a young teenager, Athena began experiencing painful, pimple-like abscesses that were misdiagnosed for years.

 

Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t listened to this episode yet, you might want to do so first HERE.

 

Athena was eventually diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, a chronic inflammatory condition. Join host Lauren Bright Pacheco as she catches up with Athena to hear exciting life updates and her latest experiences living with HS. Discover the challenges she’s faced, the progress she’s made, and the significant moments that have shaped her life.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.