In this episode of Getting Open, Andrea Miller sits down with Dr. David Fajgenbaum, physician-scientist and Castleman disease survivor, to share his extraordinary journey from critically ill patient to life-saving researcher. David opens up about nearly dying multiple times in his 20s, navigating a rare disease with no clear treatment, and the emotional toll of living with uncertainty. This conversation explores resilience, medical innovation, and how turning personal suffering into purpose can change and save lives.

Chapters:00:00 David Fajgenbaum’s life-threatening medical crisis02:18 From medical student to critically ill patient05:34 What Castleman disease is — and why it’s so dangerous09:12 Nearly dying multiple times in his 20s13:45 The emotional toll of chronic, life-threatening illness18:06 When doctors don’t have answers26:10 Researching his own rare disease30:44 Repurposing existing drugs to save lives35:18 The breakthrough that changed everything43:36 Finding meaning after medical trauma48:05 Advice for people facing rare or misunderstood illnesses51:12 Hope, resilience, and redefining survival

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