Your Story Our Fight by Lupus LA

Season FOUR Episode FIFTEEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Chantelle Chandler. Chantelle is a resilient lupus warrior who has been navigating life with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and Raynaud's syndrome for over three decades. In addition to managing these autoimmune conditions, she has also lived with jugular deep vein thrombosis (DVT) for the past 28 years. Through it all, Chantelle continues to embody strength, perseverance, and advocacy for others living with chronic illness.

Season FOUR Episode FOURTEEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Roxanne Lerner. Roxanne Lerner is a certified yoga teacher and holistic health coach who has been living with lupus for the past 14 years. She is happily married with two young children. Roxanne takes a mindfulness-based approach to health and is passionate about sharing with other chronic illness warriors the science-backed practices that have been instrumental in her healing journey. Roxanne is the founder of RL Wellness, a bespoke virtual yoga and wellness studio designed for the chronic illness community. Through RL Wellness she debunks yoga myths, teaches private and group classes in yoga, breath work,  meditation, offers personalized nutrition programs and fosters a supportive, upbeat and empowered community. 

Season FOUR Episode THIRTEEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Hayley Weinstein. Diagnosed in 1999 with Lupus, Hayley has struggled with a plethora of various autoimmune health-related challenges over the years. Native to Los Angeles, Hayley has been working for 25+ ( off and on) as a Casting Director, primarily casting Reality TV. Her casting expertise is in casting “real people” in everything from Medical Shows, Competition Shows, and, her favorite, Game Shows. She is currently wrapping up Season 53  as The Contestant Producer of The Price is Right.

Season FOUR Episode TWELVE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Dr. Shabnam Esmailzadeh. Shabnam is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Diagnosed with lupus at the age of 18, she took charge of her well-being by focusing on mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. This personal journey has deeply shaped her practice, inspiring her to guide her patients toward balance and wellness through the same comprehensive approach. With a passion for integrative healing, Dr. Esmailzadeh empowers individuals to take control of their health and find harmony in their lives.

Season FOUR Episode ELEVEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Dr. Katherine VanHise. Katherine is an OBGYN and fertility specialist based in Beverly Hills, California.  Immediately following her graduation from OBGYN residency she developed her first symptoms of lupus.  Her diagnosis of SLE came 15 months later after consulting with over 20 physicians across different specialties and institutions.  Her journey navigating the health care system and a lupus diagnosis significantly transformed her personal and professional life.  She aspires to empower her patients and those around her to maintain hope in times of uncertainty and continually advocate for themselves.

Season FOUR Episode TEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Connie Sparks. Connie Sparks is the Founder of Wadeco Business Center, LLC a MWBE, DBE, WOSB, and SB-designated entity.  Connie's consulting and financing career spans over 24 years and is widely recognized as an award-winning leading  expert on business development, strategic planning, and supplier contracting. She has worked with business owners at all levels, on building their businesses, tapping into new markets, and more  importantly, changing their mindsets to forward-thinking CEOs. Connie has been honored by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal Women's Council- Business Owner of the  Year Award (2018), U.S. Small Business Administration-Business Champion Award (2009), Toastmasters  International-President's Distinguished Award 2004, National Association of Female Executives (NAFE)-Business  Woman of the Year (2006), and nominated by the Los Angeles Business Journal-Women Who Make A Difference (2007-2009).

Season FOUR Episode NINE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Alicia Evans. Alicia lives with lupus and several other autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, which has made her passionate about raising awareness of chronic illness. As a parent of twins with autism, Alicia has gained unique insights into caregiving and advocacy. She enjoy decorating with and selling vintage items, as well as creating succulent, seashell décor & jewelry.  

Season FOUR Episode EIGHT of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Regan Birr. Regan is the owner of Regan MOVES, a wellness and fitness company for people with chronic challenges. Regan has lupus and arthritis. She spent many years in severe pain, until she started exercising in a special way:  she holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and used her background to design a low-torque, easy-on-the-joints exercise program. She earned her personal and group training certification, and teaches Regan MOVES 3 days a week, online. Regan believes that even though it can be extremely challenging, we CAN move past our limitations - and empower ourselves for health and happiness. She gives talks to businesses and health organizations around the U.S. including Medical University of South Carolina, Duke University, and Health Partners. Regan is also the founder and executive director of the Lupus Research Foundation in Minnesota. 

Season FOUR Episode SEVEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Risa A. Regalado, RDH. Risa A. Regalado, RDH  is the youngest of 3 siblings (2 older brothers) and grew up in Laguna Niguel, Ca. Risa attended undergrad at UCSB, then dental hygiene at USC. She practiced hygiene for a decade in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills before moving to Arizona for dental school. Risa is currently a third year dental student at Midwestern University.

Season FOUR Episode SIX of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Olivia Abousaid. Master Certified Grief and Transformation Coach, Olivia Abousaid understands the profound significance of resilience through her own journey. She was diagnosed with discoid lupus and SLE in July of 2021. Olivia has cultivated a deep appreciation for personal growth and transformation while navigating the limitations of chronic illness. Based in Los Angeles, she harnesses her life experiences and coaching expertise to empower individuals to transform grief into action and empowerment. Olivia's coaching transcends one-size-fits-all solutions. She creates a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their unique goals, navigate grief, overcome challenges, and embrace their authentic selves.

Season FOUR Episode FIVE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Sheba Family Zaman. As a computer scientist, Sheba has spent the last 20 years working in a technical software role with the quality department of pharmaceutical and life science companies. Her role spans from pre-sales technical information to professional services post-sale with the goal of digitizing critical data that can affect patient safety. She speaks regularly at industry conferences on data integrity and contamination control strategies for aseptic drug manufacturers. She was recently President of non-profit organization – the Parenteral Drug Association, SouthernCalifornia Chapter – for an elected term of 2 years. It is an educational organization dedicated to the connection of science, people, and regulation in a non-bias platform. In June of 2006, Dr. Dan Wallace diagnosed Sheba with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Nephritis following struggles with frequent fevers, joint/muscle pain, debilitating fatigue, visibly swollen lymph nodes, and hair loss. Born and raised in Montréal, she soon moved to Southern California to be closer to her family and support system. After grappling with the side effects of strong medications and some tough love counseling from her sister, she started to take her health into her own hands and has spent the last decade avidly reading and educating herself on Lupus and optimal health. Today, Sheba lives in Santa Monica and leads a very active lifestyle as a certified yoga instructor, scuba diver, tennis player, skier, beach volleyball player, runner, and global adventure traveler. She is now working to give back to the community and advocate for Lupus.

Season FOUR Episode FOUR of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Mercedes Yvette. Mercedes Yvette Shorte gained fame as a contestant on America's Next Top Model, leading to a successful 20-year career in modeling and acting. She later became a spokesperson for the Lupus Foundation of America, advocating for awareness and funding on a national level.Now, Mercedes channels her passion into the luxury design world through Luxe Design Living, providing tailored furnishings and décor solutions to the design community and beyond. Representing high-end manufacturers, she brings exquisite products to life in both residential and commercial spaces, blending artistry with functionality.

Season FOUR Episode TWO of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Charissa Barsos. Charissa is a nurse practitioner with over 15 years of medical experience. She graduated with her BSN from Millikin University in Decatur, IL, in 2010 and worked as a cardiothoracic surgery RN for 5 years. Charissa graduated with her FNP from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL, in 2015 and DNP from Indian Wesleyan University in Marion, IN, in 2023. She has been a nurse practitioner for almost 10 years and is currently practicing in a tribal health facility in Northern California. She is board-certified in diabetes management. She resides with her husband and son in Northern California. Charissa has been living with lupus symptoms since her early teens but has been diagnosed for about 5 years. She is currently continuing to pursue treatment for her lupus.

Season FOUR Episode TWO of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Tiffany Kaloustian. Functional Medicine Health Practitioner, and Certified Naturopathic Practitioner. Tiffany's personal journey battling severe lupus has fueled her passion for helping others find their path to wellness. She is well versed in a variety of holistic healing modalities, including nervous system regulation, Vagal tone, nutrition, detoxing, mindful practices, movement, and purposeful supplement protocols. Tiffany shares not only her profound personal story of battling and overcoming lupus, but also how she uses her expertise to change lives daily.  

Season FOUR Episode ONE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Elizabeth Lo Serro. As a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Elizabeth helps clients alleviate fatigue, pain, and rashes while promoting the growth of beautiful, healthy hair. Through her unique approach, Elizabeth empowers people to feel energized, resilient, and radiant. With her expertise in holistic health and her own lived experience with Lupus for 21 years, having been diagnosed at 5 years old, Elizabeth's mission is to build bridges between individuals and their health goals, fostering transformative journeys towards vibrant well-being.

Season THREE Episode EIGHTEEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Dion Langley. Dion was born and raised in Portsmouth, Va. He was diagnosed withSystemic Lupus Erythematosus ( SLE ) in 2010. Dion decided to use his career as a professional drummer as an avenue to promote Lupus advocacy. Dion also established the #BeatLupus organization as a place where people affected by Lupus can meet in person to provide individual with emotional support, practical advice for living with Lupus and information about treatment and management strategies. In 2020 Dion released "BEAT IT LIKE A DRUM," a song dedicated to the Lupus community with the understanding that we will BEAT LUPUS motivate patients to keep fighting.

Season THREE Episode SEVENTEEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Molly McCabe. Molly McCabe began her career at the young age of 16 when she joined the inaugural board for the Kids Making Miracles program at Doernbecher Children's Hospital. She also was part of the founding family that created Potluck in the Park in 1993 where she served the homeless every Sunday for three years.  Molly worked as a CASA and served on the Family Council of the Scripps family.Molly and her mother, Debbie McCabe, created the nonprofit, Molly's Fund Fighting Lupus, in 2007 and she served on the board for ten years there.  Molly has been a lupus advocate for over 17 years, wherein she was a patient advocate for GlaxoSmithKline, and reviewed grants for the Lupus Research Program at the Department of Defense CDMRP for three years.  She was given the Spirit Award from the Autoimmune Advocacy Alliance in 2014 for extraordinary spirit, dedication and community support while living with autoimmunity.  In 2019, Molly was honored at the Breaking Through Gala for the Lupus Research Alliance.  She also received the 2021 Community Spirit Award from the Randall Children's Hospital Kite Society.Currently, she is on the board of the Lupus Research Alliance, Randall Children's Hospital, and the Mirimar Impact Fund.  In 2019, she established the Karen Reiter Scholarship at the James Toland Vocal Arts Competition and is the Business Manager for Mata Advocacy and Support.  She has serves as a judge for the White House Fellowship program for the past two years. She is also the proprietor of an art gallery in Portland, Oregon, “The Lobby.” Molly McCabe is the founder of the Use Your Voice competition.

Season THREE Episode SIXTEEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Racquel Dozier. Racquel H. Dozier is a passionate lupus advocate, educator, and the founder of Lupus In Color. Her mission is to educate, inspire, encourage, and empower lupus warriors and their supporters worldwide. Through Lupus In Color, Racquel advocates for lupus warriors one butterfly at a time, striving to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by lupus. 

Season THREE Episode FIFTEEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Shanelle Gabriel. Shanelle Gabriel is a spoken word poet, singer, education consultant, and lupus warrior from Brooklyn, NY. She has shared her fusion of poetry and soulful singing in esteemed venues from The Vatican to Lincoln Center, and has penned and featured in national poetry campaigns with Pandora Music, NFL Draft, and more. With over 18 years as an educator, she uses the arts to facilitate workshops on creating culturally supportive work and learning spaces. She is the mother of three albums, which are available on all streaming platforms, and aims to show others they can live a full life while battling a chronic illness.

Season THREE Episode FOURTEEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Tiffany Peterson. Tiffany is a New York City-based patient advocate whose inspiration arose from her battles within the healthcare system following her diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus in 2010. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LupusChat, a patient/caregiver-driven online community established in 2012 designed to educate all entities in the healthcare sector sparking innovative discussions and breaking restrictive barriers between patients and various healthcare stakeholders.

Season THREE Episode THIRTEEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Donna Jordan. Born in the vibrant city of Newark, NJ in 1956, Donna emerged as an artist nurtured by the rich tapestry of culture and creativity surrounding her. From an early age, her parents encouraged her artistic freedom, leading her to immerse herself in every art program Newark had to offer.Donna's journey began with humble yet impactful beginnings, as she adorned church walls with thematic murals and painted holiday scenes on local storefronts, igniting a passion for visual storytelling. High school beckoned her to the prestigious Arts High, the first visual and performing arts institution in the nation, where she honed her craft in painting, photography, and design. Venturing further, she pursued formal training at the Philadelphia College of Art, delving deep into the realm of abstract expressionism, a genre that resonated with her soul. Philadelphia became her canvas, where she showcased her work in exhibitions and contributed to urban revitalization through mural commissions. California's allure drew Donna westward, where she immersed herself in the vibrant artist community while honing her skills as a designer and production manager. In 1984, serendipity intervened as she met her husband Michael, ushering in a new chapter of family and creativity. Several years later she was diagnosed with Lupus, which changed her life and her family's life forever. Amidst the joys of parenthood and the challenges of living with Lupus, Donna's art became not only her refuge but also a catalyst for collaboration. Establishing the Jordan Design Network allowed her to transcend physical limitations and unite with fellow artists in collective expression. Today, as Donna continues her artistic journey in the embrace of her beloved family and the ever-inspiring landscapes of New Jersey, she invites you to join her on a podcast where we explore the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of art.

Season THREE Episode TWELVE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Seda Bryant.  Seda Bryant is an overcomer, mother, graphic designer, storyteller & influencer. She's using her gifts to turn pain into purpose. She created the first digital stickers for all social media platforms for stories, video reels, Tik Toks & Snaps for Lupus Awareness Month, World Lupus Day and to spread lupus awareness every day. They have amassed 2 million uses and views in less than a year. On Instagram @OvercomeLupus, her insightful posts provoke conversation and community for Lupus Warriors, by sharing stories while elevating awareness and promoting self-advocacy & discovery to thrive and overcome lupus.

Season THREE Episode ELEVEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Kim Peacock. Realtor, Salon Owner, Philanthropist, wife, and mother of four amazingly beautiful children. Kim was diagnosed with Lupus in 2008, Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2019, just to name a few life altering chronic illnesses. Kim, age 53, was born and raised in Santa Monica CA and currently resides in the Phoenix AZ metro area.

Season THREE Episode TEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Genny Mack. Genny Mack's mission is to empower women to redefine what ‘eating good' means and to thrive by prioritizing the whole self. Genny transformed her overall well-being, after being diagnosed with lupus and kidney nephritis, by transitioning to eating whole nourishing foods from mother mature and by practicing mindfulness, and now has more mental clarity, energy and purpose than ever before. This led her to become a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Autoimmune Nutrition Specialist, Fitness Coach and Forager and has changed many lives through clean eating, movement, and mindfulness. Genny's hope is to empower 10K+ BIPOC women and communities by 2024 to live healthier lives, reverse generational traumas and to thrive.

Season THREE Episode NINE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Samantha Gehrls. Samantha Gehrls is a Lupus fighter and advocate who resides in Phoenix, Arizona. Sam is 27 years old and was diagnosed with Lupus when she was 25, but has been sick since she was 20. Sam is passionate about helping others get through difficult times and diagnosis, as she wants to spread the word to not give up! Through eastern and western medicine, Sam has regained so much of her life back and now is on a journey of healing and helping. She has had numerous surgeries and treatments for her 4 autoimmune diseases, but she doesn't let anything stop her. In her free time, you can find Sam cuddled up on the couch with her 4 dogs, kindle, and watching reality tv or traveling around the country!

Season THREE Episode EIGHT of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Amanda and Ahnna Chay. Amanda Chay is a lupus warrior and author of “The Girlfriend's Guide to Lupus”. Her book serves as a beacon of hope for women grappling with lupus, providing practical, health-focused steps that empower them to prioritize their well-being. Amanda's oldest daughter, Ahnna, also navigates life with lupus while working in professional sports management. Together, as this dynamic mother-daughter lupus duo, they prove that no battle is faced in isolation. Their shared medical journey not only offers strength but also has a remarkable way of bringing light to even the darkest of days.

Season THREE Episode SEVEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Eve and Margi McAusland. Eve is a 15 year old sophomore at Notre Dame Academy who has had lupus sense she was 13. Her mom, Margi, is a CPA and has had Sjogrens since 2019. Eve has been working through her diagnosis by finding ways to take care of herself through her web of support including her family, friends, doctors and lupus LA. While her journey has been hard she looks forward to being able to share it with others to raise awareness and let people know they're not alone in their fight.

Season THREE Episode SIX of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Sharan Singh. Sharan is a twenty-three year old UC Irvine graduate, a current healthcare worker at the Children's Hospital of Orange County, Content Creator on TikTok, Lupus Advocate/Warrior and a future Physician Assistant. Sharan is passionate about working in the field of Rheumatology in the future as a healthcare provider. She has implemented holistic healing into her own health journey and is an advocate for holistic healing for Lupus patients as it has helped her achieve optimal health despite her physical battles. She has perserveared through multiple joint replacements/surgeries and is passionate about giving back to the healthcare system that treated her. 

Season THREE Episode FIVE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Cara Dellaverson. Cara Dellaverson joined NBC in 2015 as Senior Vice President of Drama Development and was promoted to Executive Vice President for the network in 2018. In 2020 she was elevated to EVP of Drama Series across all platforms including NBC, Peacock, USA and SYFY. In this role she currently oversees development and current programming across all platforms and manages both teams of executives alongside co-department head Alex Sepiol. Together they are responsible for over 100 development projects and 20 current series in various stages of production and have been part of the leadership team crafting the strategy for both Peacock and NBC. Since joining the company she has helped develop hit series This Is Us, as well as The Irrational, Found, Quantum Leap, La Brea, Good Girls, New Amsterdam, Manifest, and Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist for NBC and Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol, Mrs. Davis and upcoming series Long Bright River for Peacock. Before her time at NBC, Dellaverson worked in currentseries and development at Lionsgate from 2008-2015 ultimately rising to Senior Vice President. During her time at the studio she was creatively involved in several series including Mad Men, Nurse Jackie, Nashville, Manhattan, and Orange is the New Black and was featured in The Hollywood Reporter's Next Generation 35 under 35 issue as one to watch in Television.

Season THREE Episode FOUR of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Kay Daniels. Kay is a 25 year old independent model & actress, Lupus patient and advocate. At the age of 14, Kay was diagnosed with Lupus SLE. It has always been an aspiration of Kay's to have the opportunity of sharing my story with the world, to better relate with other young girls like herself. Kay wants to show them that all things are possible, and that Lupus does not define them, no matter how much it may feel that way.  

Season THREE Episode THREE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Victoria Gibbs. Victoria began practicing yoga ten years ago and from the first time that she stepped onto her mat, her passion was evident; shaping her into the woman she is today. Victoria is a Dartmouth College graduate, a former financier turned health and wellness entrepreneur, she is also a full time yoga athlete, instructor, model, influencer, digital content creator, and lupus warrior. Victoria genuinely believes in the mind-body benefits of yoga and has found that it has helped her to overcome mental and emotional struggles and supports her in maintaining optimal physical health while managing lupus. Today, she lives to share her journey through teaching, education, and content.

Season THREE Episode TWO of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Ashley Greene. Ashley Greene is the Founder and CEO of Bare Bodhi.  Growing up in a salon with a hairdresser mother, Ashley developed a passion for beauty early on.  While assisting one of the biggest names in the industry, Ashley was diagnosed with lupus, which prompted her to embark on a mission to promote both internal and external wellness.  Her love for long nails and soft skin led her to create a patented flagship product, the fingerless exfoliating bath glove, designed specifically for women with long nails.  This product enables clients to achieve supple, smooth skin without compromising their manicures. Ashley believes that washing your body with your own hands has a spiritual approach, and her products enable users to connect with and awaken their light within.  With a focus on a holistic approach to beauty, Bare Bodhi is committed to promoting self-awareness and enabling individuals to serve their highest good.  Ashley continues to innovate and develop products that empower and uplift, all while inspiring individuals to embrace their inner beauty.

Season THREE Episode ONE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Shamekka Marty. In 2012, Shamekka was diagnosed with Lupus, Scleroderma, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease,Reynaud's, and Sjogren's Syndrome. Shamekka seeks to motivate others who are in the same boat as her. She speaks on various public platforms, has a blog, a vlog , provides career counseling, and more to help Lupus patients in their journey. She currently resides in the Bay Area in California with her husband and three children.

Season TWO Episode TWENTY-FOUR of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Emmitt Henderson III. Emmitt Henderson III was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus and Lupus Nephritis in 1995 but had symptoms going back to 1980. Through the years, he has endured major complications from heart, liver, kidney and lung failures, avascular necrosis that led to a shoulder and knee replacement. He had a clinical trial, bone marrow stem cell transplant; he was on oxygen due to his lung failure and had a kidney transplant due to kidney failure. He was also diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogrens Syndrome, MTCD as well as he suffered from having a stroke, shingles, gout, chronic fevers, diabetes and hypertension. In 2019, Emmitt was diagnosed with a brain disease, that medically retired him from his career. He decided to advocate for the same disease that debilitated him since 1995 and to talk about how his mental health got him through it all. He created his organization called Male Lupus Warriors Corp to spread Lupus and Mental Health awareness. He holds a safe space for men to meet and talk about their hardships in life, he encourages everyone to not be a victim to their illness. Emmitt did an advocacy campaign in Tanzania Africa in 2022 which included climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. During his climb, he suffered high altitude pulmonary edema and ended up going into kidney failure for the second time in his life. He is now currently doing dialysis and on the transplant list for another kidney. During this time, he still maintains his advocacy by being active on social media and facilitating support groups.

Season TWO Episode TWENTY-THREE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Samantha Boothe. Samantha was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 14, and she has been sharing her journey with lupus online since 2010. Her main goal is to create relatable and informative content to empower anyone navigating life with chronic illness. When Samantha was diagnosed with lupus, she searched the internet for someone to relate to but had trouble finding any resources. This realization pushed Samantha to start sharing her story on YouTube. As time passed, Samantha's YouTube channel grew, and she was surrounded by others who had similar experiences. Today, Samantha runs a blog and Instagram page called Heal With Samantha, where she shares the ups and downs of living with chronic illness. She hopes that through her content, she can help others feel less alone and provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive in their own life.

Season TWO Episode TWENTY-TWO of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Olga Lucia Torres. A few years after law school, Olga was diagnosed with lupus and eventually the doctors found she had 4 other autoimmune diseases. Olga's health has never stopped her from following her dreams and attending Cornell University and Georgetown University Law School on scholarships. In August of 2000, Olga went to the hospital for routine medical care. She was supposed to be discharged in 2 to 3 days. Instead Olga ended up in a coma and with an iatrogenic brain injury. It took six years of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, but Olga managed to volunteer again doing health care law. Olga was inspired to return to school in 2012 where she found the Narrative Medicine program at Columbia University and in 2014,  received a Master's in Science. She now teaches narrative medicine at the CUNY School of Medicine.

Season TWO Episode TWENTY-ONE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Melissa Walker. Melissa is a Medical Writer, with a biomedical research background focusing on traumatic spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. She earned her Ph.D. in Medical Neuroscience from Indiana University School of Medicine before returning to UCLA department of Neurosurgery, for postdoctoral research. She was diagnosed with Graves' thyroid disease in 2002, and has had Hashimoto's since 2003, after radioiodine ablation therapy. She was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2005, and Sjogren's in 2016.

Season TWO Episode TWENTY of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Stacey Uberstine. Stacey graduated from California State University Northridge in 1990 with a bachelor of science degree in Health Administration with a computer science minor.  One of her most notable jobs was helping to establish the Industrial Care Center which is operational at San Pedro Hospital.  In 1993 Stacey transitioned into the insurance industry where she owned and operated her own State farm Agency for over a decade. Stacey was diagnosed with lupus in 1994.  She stays abreast of the disease and all related medical breakthroughs and advances in research. Stacey has been an active donor and Board member of Lupus LA. She has a passion for patient advocacy within the lupus and breast cancer communities. Stacey is an avid sports fan, and actually met her husband through her work at State Farm.  Sports seems to be a family affair, as her husband is a prominent sports attorney who has represented some of the most iconic figures in professional sports.  Her passion for sports was passed on to her twin boys, Grant and Tyler.  Grant was an avid athlete in high school, participating in lacrosse, baseball and swimming.  Tyler's passion for baseball took him to Northwestern University, where he earned a spot in the team's starting rotation.  He was later drafted by the Boston Red Sox. Stacey resides in Manhattan Beach, where she can be seen taking strolls along the beach.  She is an avid reader and spends a considerable amount of time supporting philanthropic causes close to her heart related to lupus and breast cancer.

Season TWO Episode NINETEEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Kellie Martin. Kellie began acting at the age of seven. She is most fondly remembered for playing Becca Thacher on the groundbreaking ABC family drama Life Goes On, for which she received an Emmy nomination. And, her portrayal of Lucy Knight, a precocious med student who met an untimely demise after two seasons on NBC's ER, haunts viewers to this day. Kellie has been a been a regular on numerous series including, The Guest Book, Army Wives, Mystery Woman, and on Hallmark's Hailey Dean, where she served as Executive Producer. Her television and feature film highlights include Troop Beverly Hills, A Goofy Movie, Malibu's Most Wanted, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, and Mad Men. She also served as leading lady for Hallmark's beloved holiday movies, The Christmas Ornament and Christmas in Montana as well as rom-com favorites, Smooch, I Married Who?, and Hello It's Me.In 1999, Kellie lost her nineteen year old sister, Heather, to lupus. So, Kellie took on a new role, one that she continues passionately to this day: national spokesperson for the Autoimmune Association. She works to raise awareness, lobbies Congress, speaks, and meets personally with patients and their families. Kellie is a Yale graduate with a degree in Art History. She co-authored a novel, Madam, which was published by Penguin in 2014. She's currently writing on a new novel. Most recently, Kellie has been working with her Life Goes On co-star, Chad Lowe and All American show runner, Nkechi Okoro Carroll to reboot Life Goes On with Warner Brothers. She just directed Mistletoe in Montana for Lifetime and has been recording a new podcast with Chad Lowe entitled The Big Break. She lives on a suburban farm in California with her husband, Keith, daughters, Maggie (15), Olivia (5) and a bunch of goats, pigs, and horses. 

Season TWO Episode EIGHTEEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes J. Christopher Reed. Christopher Reed was diagnosed with lupus in 1990 at the age of 16. Despite several serious attacks to his organ system, he earned a bachelor's degree with honors from the Georgia State University and a law degree from Tulane University. He managed his first job out of law school juggling lupus nephritis and horrible chemotherapy treatments.  After an 18 year career in litigation, Christopher has devoted his life to public health and health policy. He is the Policy, Advocacy, and Mobilization Manager for SisterLove, Inc. an organization that is devoted to eradicating challenges to reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. He is a contractor for the American College of Rheumatology, the University of Alabama, and the Lupus Research Alliance on three separate projects devoted to increasing minority participation in clinical trials. He is also an advocate, moderator, and writer for Lupus.net. He now serves as a Support Group Facilitator, Advocacy Chair, and Project Manager for the Lupus Foundation of America-Georgia Chapter. His support group, designed specifically for men, is the first of its kind in the United States. He was appointment by the state and then chaired the Georgia Council on Lupus Education and Awareness (Council) an advisory council created and funded by the state of Georgia. As Chair he established the Georgia Lupus Collaborative, a 60 person multidisciplinary advisory group and think tank charged with improving the lives of people with lupus in Georgia. He was one of twelve panelists chosen to speak at the historical Lupus Patient Focused Drug Development meeting in 2017. 

Season TWO Episode SEVENTEEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Alma Torres. Alma is in her twelfth year working in education. Alma was diagnosed with lupus in the summer of 2009. In 2014, her younger sister was diagnosed with lupus. She went from lupus patient to lupus patient/care giver. In 2020, Alma's sister lost her battle with lupus. Since her passing, Alma has struggled with staying healthy, but no matter how she physically feels, she is thankful she gets to experience another day.

Season TWO Episode SIXTEEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Valerie Gilkey and Marcella Lewis. Valerie Gilkey is a 55 year old woman suffering with SLE. She was diagnosed at the early age of 19. Despite doctors advising her of the dangers to her life as well as her child's, with faith she gave birth to one daughter,  Marcella Lewis. Even though it was a challenge, Marcella was trained from the early age of 4 in all disciplines of dance, and is now  a world renowned dancer. Today, Valerie still gets her strength to fight so that she can continue to see her daughter grace the stages around the world. 

Season TWO Episode FIFTEEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Zuriel Gibson.  Zuriel received her Lupus diagnosis and was told that she wouldn't live past the age of twenty-four. After many bouts with depression, pain, addictions and hospital stays, she became discontent and decided to use her pain to propel her into purpose. As a lupus survivor and advocate, she has become a much sought after speaker. Her message, “There is purpose in your pain”, has been shared on numerous media outlets such as The Kingdom Broadcast Network, Destiny Channel TV, Something Good is About to Happen, The Ladies Room Radio Broadcast and more. 

Season TWO Episode FOURTEEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Cambria Francesca. Life plans were sidelined when she woke up one night to an excruciating pain. A constant pain that she has now grown so accustom to that she no longer remembers what it felt like to be painless. Having a sister with SLE and a father with Discoid, Cambria's mother knew that there's 11 criteria for a Lupus diagnosis and that a low white blood cell count falls under one of them. They ran tests and confirmed, she has Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.While recovering in the ICU, after other illness had threatened her life, she used her trauma and pain as inspiration to pursue a career as a plus size model. Fast forward a little over a year and Cambria has become Plus Model Magazine's Model of the Month for their March 2016 issue. That same year, she was chosen to walk for Full Figure Fashion Week. Now, 6 years later, Cambria gets to work with brands who are inspired by the diversity of the world we live in.

Season TWO Episode THIRTEEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Judith Mills. Judith Mills is a Biomedical scientist, a TEDx speaker, an adjunct professor, lupus & disability advocate. October 1999, Judith's Lupus diagnosis was a relief after 3 years of constant doctors visit with symptoms of fatigue, loss of appetite, body aches, and hair loss. It shattered her dreams of being a beauty pageant queen, a modern dancer, and the next Flo-Jo. Judith has been featured on online platforms such as Blackman Can, Rizzar, Scoop it, and others. She is the recipient of the 2012 Black Street "Black Celebration" Award winner for Non-Profit. K-hitz & affiliates for recognizing selfless dedication & contributions to the betterment of Ghanaians & immigrants in the USA award. She has also received Uptown Honors nomination and 2017 3rd Annual AEUSA winner of Best Community Award of the Year.

Season TWO Episode TWELVE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Lexi Hamburger. Lexi Hamburger is a high school student and lupus patient. Lexi was diagnosed with lupus two years ago. For the past year, she has been sharing her experiences navigating high school with a chronic illness. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, skiing, and golfing.

Fatema Siddiki is an Abstract Artist and a visual communicator. After being diagnosed with Lupus and Scleroderma in 2007, her life took a miraculous turn.  Art was there for Fatema when no one was, it helped her overcome her worst days when she was fighting against Lupus. Art soon became her therapy and purpose to fight. 

Season TWO Episode TEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Raven Lexime. Raven Lexime currently live and works in the Inland Empire.  Raven has worked retail most her life and transition into property management in late 2003. When Raven is not working, she enjoys traveling and spending time with close family and friends.  Raven is Lupus Patient. She hopes to continue helping support organizations that focus on treatment research and support groups within the Lupus Community.

Season TWO Episode NINE of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Teri Scott and Demetria Buie. Teri T. McIntyre-Scott is a 43 year a mother of two who lives in Clewiston, Florida. She is a certified correctional officer and has been on the job for almost 20 years. She also has her own photography business, T'Shots Photos. She has been battling lupus for 25 years but refuses to let it slow her down. Demetria Buie is a Businesswoman, Author, Mentor, & Magazine Owner who lives in the Louisiana area. She hosts Conferences & Retreats for female entrepreneurs in business and ministry all over the country. In 2019 Demetria Buie started her Lupus Support journey after being tested for Lupus 3 times & seeing over 25 Doctors. She now supports Lupus Ladies all over the Globe by interviewing Lupus Patients, leading prayer rallies and more.

Season TWO Episode EIGHT of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Lauren Shuler Donner. Lauren Shuler Donner has produced many films, including Pretty in Pink, Free Willy, St Elmo's Fire, Dave, You've Got Mail,  Secret Life of Bees, and nine X-men movies.  She was also an Executive Producer on another seven films and five tv shows including “Legion." Lauren has been honored with a star on Hollywood Blvd. and has received her honorary Doctorate from Boston University.

Season TWO Episode SEVEN of the Your Story Our Fight® podcast welcomes Nzingha Stewart. Nzingha Stewart attended NYU's Gallatin School and upon graduation went on to shoot over a hundred music videos for artists like Common, Eve, Jay-Z, and 50 Cent breaking down barriers for women of color in the music video world along the way.An equally in-demand commercial director, Nzingha has also filmed clips for ESPN, McDonald's, and Coors Light among others. Having recently directed episodes of Little Fires Everywhere, Black Monday, Greys Anatomy, A Million Little Things, Good Girls, Scandal, How To Get Away With Murder, the Netflix hit feature film Tall Girl, and Shonda Rhimes upcoming series Inventing Anna, she has also proven herself as a writer having written With This Ring and The Tenth Date (Lifetime/ A+E Networks) which she also directed. Both movies were ratings hits for the network and With This Ring went on to be nominated for three NAACP awards and won the Women In Film Award for Best Television Movie. Stewart is currently shooting and executive producing Netflix's From Scratch, based on Tembi Locke's best-selling memoir, produced by Hello Sunshine. In 2022 she is set to Executive Produce Daisy Jones and the Six for Amazon and Hello Sunshine. Recently she sold her co-written script, Bad Ass Biker Chicks of Marrakech to Wayfarer for which she is also set to direct. Next up on the directing front is the feature film Life in Motion, a biopic about powerhouse prima ballerina Misty Copeland.