Communication and speaking up for ourselves is so important, yet can feel exhausting. Valen, Cristen, and their friend, Noelia, dig deep into three aspects of communication as it relates to patient advocacy. First, experiences of advocating for ourselves in our social relationships with partners, loved ones, friends, and the community at large. Second, the meaning, purpose, and value of a trusting relationship with our healthcare teams. And third, they share conversations about internal dialogue, being kind to ourselves, and emotional honesty. Tune in to learn ways to advocate for yourself, be empowered to have honest conversations, and live a meaningful life in the midst of chronic illness. 

Learn more about your hosts:

• Valen Keefer, Patient Advocate, Consultant, Educator, Motivational Speaker: www.valenkeefer.com
• Cristen Wathen, Licensed Counselor and Associate Professor at Palo Alto University: https://www.paloaltou.edu/faculty/cristen-wathen-phd-lcpc-ncc

Additional resources: 

• Letters of Hope - a docuseries on the trials and triumphs of transplantation: Letters of Hope | Valen Keefer
• Chronic Illness and Assertiveness - Setting firm boundaries for better health: Chronic Illness and Assertiveness- Psychology Today
• Minority Health Resources: US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health
• Treatment Challenges in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease - Continuing research, current treatment guidelines, and a look at why Black and Hispanic populations are chronically underserved: Polycystic Kidney Disease BIPOC Treatment Challenges 
• NKF Peers en Español: https://www.kidney.org/es/peers

Valen, Cristen, and their friend, Elizabeth, share their individual paths of whether to have children, what led to their choices, and how ADPKD and transplant shaped their decision-making. They acknowledge the emotions surrounding their difficult decisions, share personal stories on how they navigated and embraced having or not having a child, and how they moved forward in a positive way. Listen in to be inspired and empowered by their vulnerability and determination.

Learn more about your hosts:

• Valen Keefer, Patient Advocate, Consultant, Educator, Motivational Speaker: www.valenkeefer.com
• Cristen Wathen, Licensed Counselor and Associate Professor at Palo Alto University: https://www.paloaltou.edu/faculty/cristen-wathen-phd-lcpc-ncc

Additional resources:

• PKD Australia Pregnancy & Childbearing Question Prompt List: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fu8lHf93b7IxbUF6_JPzLcKxU3oGEbvS/view?usp=sharing
• Transplant Pregnancy Registry: https://www.transplantpregnancyregistry.org/
• Pregnancy after deceased donor vs living donor kidney transplant: associated obstetric and graft outcomes: https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(23)00543-4/pdf
• Pregnancy, Motherhood & Organ Transplant: https://www.facebook.com/groups/41330239911 

We never forget the day we receive a life-altering diagnosis. Valen and Cristen share their pivotal moments of being diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). With Valen being diagnosed as a child, they discuss the lessons learned from living with ADPKD from youth to adulthood. Through the challenges surrounding a lifelong health journey, they discovered a wellspring of resilience, strength, and above all, hope. Listen in to hear how they learned to live well alongside PKD and be inspired on how you can too. 

Learn more about your hosts:

• Valen Keefer, Patient Advocate, Consultant, Educator, Motivational Speaker: www.valenkeefer.com
• Cristen Wathen, Licensed Counselor and Associate Professor at Palo Alto University: https://www.paloaltou.edu/faculty/cristen-wathen-phd-lcpc-ncc

Additional resources: 

• Valen’s blogs: Written Articles | Valen Keefer
• Gary Ware book: Playful Rebellion
• PKD Foundation Center of Excellence: ADPKD Care | PKD Foundation (pkdcure.org)
• Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique (SMRT) back therapy: Full Circle School of Massage Therapy - Basic Massage Program and NCBTMB-Approved Continuing Education for Massage Therapists & Bodyworkers (efullcircle.com)
• American Counseling Association: Coping with the stress and uncertainty of chronic health conditions

Valen and Cristen delve into the profound world of emotions surrounding chronic illness. They discuss mental health stigma, the lack of support and resources, and why being proactive with our mental health is so important. You’ll learn insights into how to become an advocate for your emotional wellbeing and strategies for accessing and working with mental health professionals.

Hosted by:
Valen Keefer - Patient Advocate, Consultant, Educator, Motivational Speaker
Cristen Wathen - Licensed Counselor and Associate Professor at Palo Alto University

www.valenkeefer.com
www.paloaltou.edu/faculty/cristen-wathen-phd-lcpc-ncc

Additional resources:
About Kate Bowler: www.katebowler.com/about/
American Counseling Association’s “What is Counseling?” : www.counseling.org/mental-health-counseling/what-is-counseling
Psychology Today: www.psychologytoday.com/us
PKD Foundation’s Resources: www.connect.pkdcure.org/
PKD Foundation’s Peer Mentor Program: www.connect.pkdcure.org/p2p-mentoring/

This podcast is sponsored by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., and is not intended to provide medical advice.

Hosts Valen and Cristen share how their unique yet parallel experiences of living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) led to their serendipitous friendship and passion for patient advocacy. This episode introduces the two women and how they inspired the power of hope in each other before meeting. Valen and Cristen also explore how their PKD and transplant journeys motivate them to provide an honest perspective of the physical and emotional complexities of living with chronic illness. 

By offering the support and resources they wish they had, Valen and Cristen aspire to connect with others who are not alone in their health journey – and whose experiences resonate with their own. Told through a conversation between friends, Valen and Cristen navigate the real stories, thoughts, and feelings that come with unpacking the extraordinary gift of life.

Hosted by:
Valen Keefer – Patient Advocate, Consultant, Educator, Motivational Speaker
Cristen Wathen – Licensed Counselor and Associate Professor at Palo Alto University

www.valenkeefer.com
https://www.paloaltou.edu/faculty/cristen-wathen-phd-lcpc-ncc

This podcast is sponsored by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., and is not intended to provide medical advice.