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Before the age of 16, JT Mestdagh had undergone over 16 serious surgeries -- with many believing he shouldn't have survived his first years of life. Despite the challenges, JT has been able to take every challenging, bad day, and turned it into one worth living. JT joins Ben to discuss how living with VACTERL syndrome, a rare combination of several birth defects, severe dyslexia, and short-term memory loss has influenced his life, but never stopped him from trying to be the best he can be. He shares how that determination led him to do things doctors never thought would be possible—from everyday tasks like walking and reading to climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and starting the JT Mestdagh Foundation. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jamie Holmes-Ward was born with a rare condition known as V.A.T.E.R Syndrome. The Cleveland Clinic says: VATER syndrome, also known as VACTERL association, is a complex condition that affects several parts of the body. VATER (VACTERL) is an acronym that stands for the affected parts of the body including the vertebrae, anus, heart, trachea, esophagus, kidney and limbs. Treatment is symptomatic and unique for each person diagnosed with the condition. Jamie is here to tell her story of overcoming obstacles with grace and creating a nonprofit to help children lift their spirits as they deal serious medical conditions. Jamie is a dynamo of energy and strength turning an otherwise bleak world into one with rainbows, fairy princesses and smiles. We hope you will help her reach even more children through donations to her 501(c)(3)
What if innovation isn't just for tech experts, but something we all do every day? In this episode of Remarkable Insights, we chat with Anja Christoffersen—an entrepreneur, author, model, and founder of the Women with Disabilities Entrepreneur Network—who believes just that.Anja shares her story of navigating life with VACTERL association and how her lived experience motivated her to build businesses that empower people with disability. Tune in to this new episode now!Episode Credits Guests: Anja Christoffersen, Entrepreneur and Disability Advocate. Host: Vivien Mullan, Head of Communications of Remarkable. Producer: Angus O'Loughlin & Amelia Stamos, SESSION in PROGRESS Episode Links Access a transcript of this episode at our Remarkable website. Watch a captioned video of the episode highlights on YouTube. Get In Touch Follow Remarkable on our social media channels, https://linktr.ee/remarkable_tech Follow Anja on Instagram, @anjachristoffersen Learn more about Women with Disabilities Entrepreneur Network (WDEN) at https://wden.com.au/ Share any feedback or suggestions by emailing us at hello@remarkable.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's episode, I sit down with the lovely March, who was born with a congenital condition (VACTERL syndrome) that affects several major organs including her heart, lungs, kidneys and digestive system. March opens up about what it's like to live with one lung and her experience surviving a two month coma. This episode is packed with inspiration, words of wisdom, and incredible perspective. You can catch more of March on Instagram @the_organic_mind_garden! We hope you enjoy!
Welcome Angelea Yoder In this episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia, host Alycia Anderson sits down with Angelea Yoder, a trailblazing Nashville-based photographer. Angelea shares her deeply personal journey with VACTERL and her commitment to using photography to highlight diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. Discover more about her impactful project, "Let Them Stare", and how it aims to empower individuals with disabilities and change perceptions through art. Key Takeaways: – Angelea's journey with VACTERL and how it shaped her life and career. – The inception and evolution of the "Let Them Stare" project. – The significance of representation and diversity in the fashion industry. – How Angelea uses her photography to empower individuals and create impactful narratives. – Alycia and Angelea's shared experiences and the importance of finding common ground. Moments 0:00 - Introduction and Today's Topic 0:30 - Meet Angelea Yoder: A Nashville-Based Photographer 1:40 - Discovering Common Ground: Alycia and Angelea's Connection 2:12 - The Start of Angelea's Journey with VACTERL 3:07 - From Scoliosis to Photography: Angelea's Story 4:17 - How Photography Became a Passion 5:43 - The Power of Representation in Photography 6:32 - Angelea's Superpower: Creating Comfort on Set 7:23 - Challenges and Triumphs in the Fashion Industry 8:18 - Introducing "Let Them Stare" Project 9:26 - Goals and Impact of "Let Them Stare" 10:43 - The Children's Book: "Look at Me, Look What I Can Do" 11:33 - Empowering the Next Generation: Representation for Kids 12:18 - The Vision for Fashion and Representation 13:43 - Alycia's Personal Story: Empowering Her Niece 14:36 - Future Goals and Call to Action 16:30 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts Quote "Photography is so much about creating relationships with one another. I try to have that relationship before you even pick up the camera." - Angelea Yoder Follow Angelea Yoder: Instagram | Support the "Let Them Stare" Project: Visit Angelea's website to learn more and contribute. Connect with Alycia: Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Alycia's DEI Micro Learning Video Series | Feedback
The Hearth and Hedge: A Podcast About Life, Books and Witchcraft
In this episode, Amberle interviews Santana Higginbotham, the director of the nonprofit Charley's Angels Vactral Foundation. Santana shares the story of her daughter, Charley, who passed away at 17 months old due to Vactral Syndrome, a rare condition with multiple medical complications. Santana explains how the foundation was created to provide support and resources for families dealing with Vactral Syndrome. She discusses the challenges her family faced and the lack of community support for this specific condition. Santana also shares upcoming events and fundraisers for the foundation. Time stamps: 00:00Introduction and Background 02:13Charley and Her Story 10:17Creation of Charley's Angels Vactral Foundation 16:50How to Find and Support the Foundation 18:49Upcoming Events and Fundraisers 21:43Final Thoughts and Gratitude You can find Amberle on Instagram and Facebook @thehearthandhedge, her website, www.thehearthandhedge.com, or you can email her at thehearthandhedge@gmail.com. If you like what you hear, consider leaving a review wherever you find you podcasts. Special thanks to ksbrmusic on fiverr.com for the wonderful intro music, and Michael of L12 Graffix (l12graffix@gmail.com) for the beautiful logo and graphic arts needs. Production team: Amberle Light
Welcome to That NICU Mum, a podcast where we share the stories of New Zealand parents who have had a baby in a neonatal unit across the country.This episode we speak with Leeah, who's first born was born at term but was diagnosed at birth with a super super rare swallowing condition after a pretty rough birth.Leeah tells us about how he was diagnosed, what they went through and what he is still going through as he grows up with his diagnosis of VACTERL syndrome.Enjoy!Shan x x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Skye and Kieran Burke always thought one child would be enough, yet very quickly the desire for another became stronger and they fell pregnant with their son, Jack. But this pregnancy was nothing like they expected. Jack was diagnosed with VACTERL - a group of birth defects that require multiple major surgeries. This week, Skye and Kieran share how they navigated the many days spent in hospital, why Kieran was urged to seek professional help before Jack was born and how they believe a positive mindset is essential when faced with any diagnosis. LINKS Check out Skye and Kieran's fundraiser Art Helps Heaps https://arthelpsheaps.com/ Art Helps Heaps Instagram https://www.instagram.com/arthelpsheaps/Check out Skye on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/apatchofskye/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we review the high-yield topic of TE Fistulas / VACTERL Syndrome from the Gastrointestinal section. Follow Medbullets on social media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/medbullets Instagram: www.instagram.com/medbulletsofficial Twitter: www.twitter.com/medbullets --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/medbulletsstep1/message
The Vital Veda Podcast: Ayurveda | Holistic Health | Cosmic and Natural Law
Being born with a congenital chronic disease can be one of life's biggest challenges. For many it may become a devastating & disempowering condition, but some very special humans have a way of turning obstacles into opportunities, blessings even.On this episode Dylan sits down with Ajna Christoffersen, who was born with VACTERL Association Syndrome, a disease that essentially rendered her unable to ingest any foods, have normal bowel & urinary function, breathe with ease, as well as renal and cardiac capacity & more. However, while managing on a daily basis her wavering physical health, undergoing 50+ surgeries and 150+ hospital admissions, Ajna still managed to turn the tables on life and use the cards she was dealt with to become an internationally renowned runway model, disability advocate and motivational speaker. If you are looking for inspiration on how to look at life through a different lens, and how to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth & service, as well as how to put your skills & passions to service humanity as a whole, this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
In 2021, Melissa and Matthew Theisen of Slinger learned something that no expecting parents should ever have to hear. Their son, Morgan Matthew, was developing with a syndrome called, VACTERL association. This syndrome, affects multiple body systems—including the heart, vertebrae, limbs, the esophagus, and more (VACTERL is an acronym for the various systems). While the caring and unbelievably talented nurses, doctors, and staff at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin did all they could to save Morgan, he eventually succumbed to his affliction, and passed away. Through their loss, Melissa and Matt created the Morgan Matthew Foundation. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) that raises critical funds to advance research, care, & treatment for infants with complex medical conditions.The Theisens join me on this week's episode to tell Morgan's story, talk about their experience at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, and tell us how the MMF is giving back to those who care for our most vulnerable kids.Important dates:Tuesday, April 11: "MMF Spirit Night" at Chick-Fil-A Menomonee Falls20% giveback to MMF from 4pm - 8pmMerch sales, music, silent auction, and a photoboothSaturday, June 10: 2nd Annual MMF Golf OutingIronwood Golf Course in Sussex, WISign-up will be available later in February at morganmatthewfoundation.orgAlso, February 7th through the 14th is CHD (congenital heart disease) Awareness Month. Facebook - Morgan Matthew FoundationInstagram - Morgan Matthew FoundationThe Possible Project Podcast - EP 003: Matt & Melissa Theisen - The Morgan Matthew FoundationMorgan Matthew FoundationIf you like the show, please consider subscribing at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. New episodes on Tuesday.Thanks for listening!Website • Facebook • Instagram
WHYLD - Podcast for Bold Authentic People (And Those Who Wish They Were)
Welcome to Body Talk with Becks , brought to you by Becks Carlyle ! In this week's episode Living with Vacterl, I speak with Lily about growing up Vacterl and the challenges she is currently facing. Thank you for listening! If you wish to come on the show as either an expert or to share your story, please use the contact page on https://body-talk-with-becks.captivate.fm (Body Talk with Becks website) .
Welcome to Body Talk with Becks , brought to you by Becks Carlyle ! This week's episode I Didn't View Myself As Disabled Part 2 is the second half of my conversation with Anja Christoffersen from Australia. Born with VACTERL, she hasn't let it stop her from doing incredible things! Thank you for listening! If you wish to come on the show as either an expert or to share your story, please use the contact page on https://body-talk-with-becks.captivate.fm (Body Talk with Becks website) .
Welcome to Body Talk with Becks , brought to you by Becks Carlyle ! In this week's episode I Didn't View Myself As Disabled Part 1 I interview Anja Christoffersen who Zoomed in all the way from Australia to discuss growing up with VACTERL and how it's transformed her career path. This is just part one so make sure to check back next week for part two! Thank you for listening! If you wish to come on the show as either an expert or to share your story, please use the contact page on https://body-talk-with-becks.captivate.fm (Body Talk with Becks website) .
Welcome to Body Talk with Becks , brought to you by Becks Carlyle ! This week's episode It Was My Normal I have the pleasure of interviewing Savannah Hottel. She was born with a rare condition called VACTERL although she never let it slow her down! Thank you for listening! If you wish to come on the show as either an expert or to share your story, please use the contact page on https://body-talk-with-becks.captivate.fm (Body Talk with Becks website) .
This is a very worthy repost episode, as April is Limb Difference Awareness Month. We first shared Ashlyn's story over a year ago, but I wanted to bring it back. The two things that I continue to take away from this story is the true partnership between Ashlyn and her husband, as well as the importance of having fun with the cards you're dealt. I encourage you to listen to her story, follow her on Instagram, and share her page and this episode so others can learn more about limb differences. In this episode, we talk about… [4:55] Ashlyn's family [6:07] Ashlyn's pregnancy with her son [14:47] Getting the results from the fetal MRI [23:45] How Ashlyn and her husband renewed their partnership [30:29] Myles's birth and NICU stay [41:17] Getting the diagnosis of VACTERL Association [42:34] Bringing Myles home from the hospital [49:37] How Ashlyn changed her mindset and coped with grief [51:40] Connecting with other parents of children with special needs [57:58] What Ashlyn has learned from her son [1:01:24] An update on Myles [1:03:25] Ashlyn's advice for other parents CONNECT WITH ASHLYN: Instagram Have you heard? The Child Life On Call mobile app for parents, kids and their care team will be available in 2022. Sign up to stay informed here. Child Life On Call is a community of parents and professionals that share ideas, stories and resources to help YOU navigate your child's unique experiences. We give you strategies to support yourself and your family through life's challenges. We are so glad you are here. Website: childlifepodcast.com Merch: bonfire.com/store/childlifeoncall Instagram: instagram.com/childlifeoncall Facebook: facebook.com/childlifeoncall Twitter: twitter.com/childlifeoncall YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnh95T1MOYtbpBxJaZqg7rg
Matt & Melissa Theisen are here to share the story of their sweet baby boy ‘Morgan Matthew'. Morgan was diagnosed with VACTERL Association - a rare but terrible syndrome that affects many systems of the body. We will learn more about VACTERL, as well as how the couple spent their 2.5 months with Morgan and filled it with love, light, and hope during the most difficult times in any parent's life.Referenced Links: The Morgan Matthew Foundation Children's Hospital WisconsinMorgan's Favorite Books:When I Pray For You by Matthew Paul TurnerYou Are Here For a Reason (Nancy Tillman Collection)Charlotte's Web Matt & Melissa Serving & Supporting Others:www.milwaukeediapermission.orgFor The Love of LittlesConnect With Matt & Melissa:Morgan's Matthew Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_morgan_matthew/Mel's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mel_theisen/Matt's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/matthew.theisen/Show Sponsor:Downtown Harrison - LIVE Entertainer 'Vegas Style' Entertainer - Based in the greater Milwaukee Area! Email: Harrisondowntown65@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thepossibleprojectpodcast)
HERE WE ARE AGAIN bringing some FLAVOUR to your FRIDAY! Today we are joined with Anja. Anja was born with VACTERL association, a non-random association of birth defects that affect multiple anatomical structures. Anja is certainly very overqualified for this condition as she identifies with 5 of the 6 of the abnormalities, which is very rare. However, Anja's abnormalities are mostly hidden, resulting in her having an “invisible” disability. Not only is Anja an advocate for other people with disabilities but she is a powerhouse, a model, an author, a speaker AND a director and founder of Champion Health Agency, an agency that represents individuals that have lived experience with disabilities and chronic illness. This story is a bloody good one. Where can you find Anja: www.instagram.com/anjachristoffersen www.instagram.com/championhealthagency Where you can find us: www.instagram.com/keepyourginuppodcast/ www.instagram.com/the.nourished.nurses/ Don't forget to buy an amazing sexy Baby Pink Gin cocktail pack to have a drink with us on the pod, use GINUPPODCAST at the checkout for 15% off! www.babypinkgin.com And if you guys haven't yet done it please give us a follow and click the little bell so you don't miss an ep! And while you're at it give us a like on Facebook www.facebook.com/keepyourginuppodcast --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/keepyourginup/message
In this episode, I am joined by the beautiful Ellie to discuss the business of virology. We discuss her career, $cience, and why she left. She was gracious enough to also share her personal story with radial dysplasia, VACTERL syndrome, and the medical community and their perceptions of her. This woman is absolutely astounding and such a beautiful soul.
On this week's episode, we have the honor of sharing part two of Taylor's motherhood journey with her son, Milo! Milo was born full-term and had a NICU stay of 188 days that included 2 ambulatory transfers and 3 hospitals. (To listen to part one, head here!)Upon birth, Milo was diagnosed with Vacterl association after being born with a VSD, TEF, and an ectopic kidney. He underwent his first of 3 TEF repairs at 3 days old, 2 of those repairs included opening up his chest, and he also underwent multiple dilation procedures on his esophagus, open heart surgery to repair his VSD, multiple blood transfusions, and a g-tube placement surgery. (Amongst many other things!) After being told he could potentially make it home by Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas he went on to spend many more milestones in the hospital before finally making it home in time for Mother's Day!Throughout this episode, Taylor shares more in depth about what it was like to mother a child at home and a child in the NICU, and she also shares openly about her family's healing post NICU, including her husband's personal journey of substance abuse and the brave personal steps he took to heal and become the dad he needed to be for both of his kids.We hope that all listening feel seen, heard, and validated throughout this episode. And for any of our NICU mamas whose partners have walked through their own mental health or rehabilitation journeys, we hope you are affirmed and reminded that you are never ever alone.To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | InstagramSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/dearnicumama)
On this week's episode, we have the honor of sharing part 1 of Taylor's motherhood journey with her son, Milo! Milo was born full-term and had a NICU stay of 188 days that included 2 ambulatory transfers and 3 hospitals.Upon birth, Milo was diagnosed with Vacterl association after being born with a VSD, TEF, and an ectopic kidney. He underwent his first of 3 TEF repairs at 3 days old, 2 of those repairs included opening up his chest, and he also underwent multiple dilation procedures on his esophagus, open heart surgery to repair his VSD, multiple blood transfusions, and a g-tube placement surgery. (Amongst many other things!) After being told he could potentially make it home by Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas he went on to spend many more milestones in the hospital before finally making it home in time for Mother's Day!Not only is Taylor's story special because of Milo's resilience, but also because of the resilience she showed throughout her stay as a pandemic NICU mama and a mama to her older child Charlie. We hope that all of our pandemic NICU mamas feel seen, heard, and validated throughout this episode. You journeyed through so much alone - but we hope that you feel surrounded and loved by this sisterhood today.To get connected with DNM: Website | Private Facebook Group | InstagramSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/dearnicumama)
*Episode entails the false ideals of the current pandemic, the pitfalls of allopathic medicine, and how Kangen water ionizers are highly recommended for a life supporting tool you can have at your very own home. *I have a passion as a parent of a VACTERL child to share and deliver the best water to families and families with children and loved ones that have health problems. Water is essential for life!! Make it the best water money can buy! *See you soon for the next episode! www.kangenwaterinnovations.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pushingtheedges/support
Ça y est l'épisode n°4 est en ligne! Dans cet épisode Seyni et Victorien, jeunes parents, témoignent à 2 voix de leur parcours du combattant depuis la naissance de leur fils Timothée (né prématuré et avec plusieurs malformations) jusqu'à la découverte du syndrome VACTERL. Une entrée dans la parentalité angoissante et éprouvante. Ils nous racontent la vie à l'hôpital, les inquiétudes, l'attente, la fatigue, les émotions refoulées, l'incompréhension, l'espoir aussi. - Mais VACTERL c'est quoi? C'est une maladie rare qui touche environ 1/50 000 individus. Il s'agit d'un acronyme anglais qui indiquent plusieurs anomalies malformatives. -
Meet Ashlyn, momma to her sweet and smiley boy, Myles. Myles was born with a rare disease that effects his limbs and other parts of his body. These symptoms are known as VACTERL association. As a self-proclaimed “planner," Ashlyn talks about the difficulties of having so many unknowns during her pregnancy and how she coped... and is coping... with their journey. She attributes her strong partnership with her husband and prayer as key components to getting through difficult times. If you'd like to follow along with Ashlyn and Myles, you can follow their Instagram account at @_aboutlaw. Child Life On Call | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Aubrey Byrnes is a rare mom - she's the mother of Wyatt Nathan Arthur Byrnes, aged 5, and Colton Paul Byrnes, aged 4. Wyatt was born 13 weeks premature and had a rough medical journey. Colton, AKA Superman without a Cape, was born with VACTERL Association, a disorder that affects many body systems. VACTERL stands for vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities. As part of his condition, Colton has multiple CHDs including truncus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, and right aortic arch. During his short life Colton has had 52 procedures, including 6 heart catheterizations and 4 open-heart surgeries. Aubrey is married to Rick and together they have a unique, rare outlook on life which has helped them stay together. Aubrey studied American Sign Language Interpreting at Augustana University and works as a freelance interpreter/translator.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)
Matt and Rob stroll down the twisty scoliosis road. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, EOS rules! , Cobb Angles, United Kingdom snobby docs, Don’t Dis Grandma, Pistachio Gelato & Quebec Maple Creams, Jerry Lewis Walks On, VACTERL anomalies, the Dupont Institute’s Sharded Glass Walls, Hypermobility Beighton scores & the Gowers sign, idiopathic pathetic idiots, School-Based Scoliosis Screening, […]
Tracy Lynch mother of Ollie Lynch, opens up to Deb about what it's like having a child that was born with VACTERL syndrome, Jody Allen from stayathomemum.com.au gives advice on how to keep clothes and shoes from getting stinky, Jo Abi talks the benefits of meal planning, and Sandy Rea provides advice on how to talk to your kids about finance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hannah är i 20-årsåldern och föddes med VACTERL, ett syndrom som innebär att flera olika organ i kroppen är missbildade. Hannah berättar om minnen från sjukhuset, hur hon hanterar frågor från klasskompisar, om ärr på magen och hennes föräldrars strävan efter att hon inte ska behandlas annorlunda på grund av sin sjukdom. Medverkande: Hannah, programledare och ST-läkare Petter Oest, barnkirurg Torbjörn Backman.
56:58 - Today I met up with my friend Kati Gegg at Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, NJ, as we did a training walk for our upcoming participation in Out of the Darkness Overnight - an 18-mile walk over the course of one night in New York City. Net proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, funding research, education, and awareness programs – both to prevent suicide and to assist those affected by suicide. Today's topics include turning the radio down through toll booths, April Fool's Day idea for next year, this year I changed my Facebook profile name to Sherman Nyrphryeizhenyrphglergryr and lost 10 friends (but gained one back), soon approaching an Academy Award winner to play Morris Goodman for "The Miracle Man," baby names for Boy #2, Pinky Dinky Doo and her Little Brother Tyler, Big Kev's Geek Stuff, Exposed with Kay and Abi, The Tobolowsky Files, Neal from Ireland in Newark, mailing the rest of the Miracle Man t-shirts, meeting up with Manny the Mailman, Kati's participation in last year's Out of the Darkness Overnight walk in Boston, walking slower is a harder workout, issues being a suicide survivor, warning signs of suicide, Revolutionary War reenactment, getting stuck in traffic on Christmas for the reenactment of Washington's Crossing, visiting center, losing the Blue Dot Trail, air raid sirens, random telephone pole in the middle of a field, living in Lancaster, PA, Spring House, burrito lunch at Gabriel's II pizzeria, correction to BJS002: learning disability is not considered to be related in any way with VACTERL association.MAKE A DONATION FOR THE OUT OF THE DARKNESS OVERNIGHT WALK AT: http://tinyurl.com/ootdobj Download File(Right-click or Ctrl+click to save)Theme music: "The Chasing Game" by Friday's Child.Related Photos:Buy ONE t-shirt for your whole family!Revolutionary War reenactment.There's a part of the recording that didn't make it into the episode due to technical difficulties where we read part of this sign......and had this view of the part of the Delaware where Washington crossed.Crazy tree.Spring House.