Ryan Shazier's 50 Phenoms

Ann Marie Tarasovitch began experiencing health problems in her mid-40s and ended up with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, an incurable condition. A few years later came another major challenge: breast cancer. Ann Marie used both conditions as motivation, challenging herself to live for the moment. Although she exercised before her illnesses, she greatly increased her activity afterward. She competes in half marathons, sprint triathlons, open-water swims, obstacle courses, and other races. Today, she is a breast cancer survivor and is effectively managing her multiple sclerosis. And she’s still moving. Hear her story in the latest episode of the “Ryan Shazier’s 50 Phenoms” podcast.

Justin Dawson was on the job, helping a stranded motorist on the highway when a car hit him at around 60 miles per hour. The crash severely injured both of his legs, making amputation necessary. Because of the injuries, Justin had to give up a dream firefighting job. But the crash didn’t damage his drive. Justin decided the crash wouldn’t wreck his life and threw himself fully into a grueling rehabilitation. Leaning on his own motivation and the support of his family, friends, fiancée, therapists – and two new prosthetic legs – Justin came out strong on the other side. Find out more of his story on the latest episode of the “Ryan Shazier’s 50 Phenoms” podcast.

Joe Aigner couldn’t swallow his steak one Fourth of July. A diagnosis of stage IV esophageal cancer, an especially lethal form of the disease, came the next day. The next year brought multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery for cancer, nasty side effects, and open-heart surgery. Through it all, Joe leaned on his team – family, friends, and doctors – and his own strength to survive. Nine years later, Joe is cancer-free and a happy husband and father. Learn more about his story on the latest episode of the “Ryan Shazier 50 Phenoms” podcast. Watch his full story.

Sickle cell disease kept Julian Cann in and out of the hospital as a child and young adult. Then, he realized he could make a change. He improved his diet and exercise and found another outlet for his pain in music. Now an advocate for sickle cell awareness, Julian hasn’t had a hospital stay in 10 years. Learn his story in the fifth episode of “Ryan Shazier’s 50 Phenoms.” Read the full story here https://share.upmc.com/2020/01/julian-story-50ph/.

Brandy was thrilled to be pregnant with her third child, and first girl. But late in her third trimester, the pregnancy took a scary twist: She was diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening heart failure. A transplant saved her life, and the love of her family motivated her through her recovery. Find out more about Brandy’s story in the fourth episode of “Ryan Shazier’s 50 Phenoms.”

Omar Foster needed a kidney desperately. His best friend and workout partner Clay Moorefield stepped up and donated his kidney to help save Omar’s life. After that, Clay and Omar worked together in the gym to get back to full strength. Today they’re closer than ever and hope to be an inspiration to others. Learn more about Clay and Omar’s story on Episode 3 of Ryan Shazier’s 50 Phenoms.

Lindsey Buczkowski suffered a severe Lisfranc injury to her left foot during a high school soccer game. The injury required two surgeries and months of rehabilitation, and some wondered if she would play soccer again. But instead of giving in, Lindsey buckled down in her recovery and made it back to the soccer field. Now she plans to become a physical therapist and use her own experiences to help others. Learn more about Lindsey’s story in episode 2 of “Ryan Shazier’s 50 Phenoms.”

Paula Franetti was driving to work on a typical Tuesday morning when a speeding driver ran a red light, blindsiding her. The crash left her with severe injuries, both physical and emotional. But Franetti became the driver in her own recovery. Learn more about Paula's story on Episode 1 of Ryan Shazier's 50 Phenoms. 

Ryan Shazier has always inspired us. Find out who inspires him in this new podcast series. Every day patients at UPMC are living their own comebacks. Follow along with Ryan as he shares these stories.