Focus on the Rising with Lisa Batista

On today’s episode of ‘Wait, How Do You Spell That? A Rare Disease podcast brought to you by Patient Worthy. We are thrilled to share with you a story that is as powerful as it is inspiring. Our guest today is Lisa Batista, author of the newly released memoir, "Falling: A Journey of Strength, Survival and Rising," which is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and through her website, labatista.com. Lisa grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where she navigated the challenges of a walking world while living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, or SMA. SMA is a rare, genetic disorder that is categorized as weakness and disintegration of muscles due to the loss of neurons in the spinal cord that affects the control of muscle moment and gradually causes increased weakness and loss of muscle function. In her book, Lisa shares her extraordinary journey—one marked not only by the physical realities of SMA, but also by the misunderstandings she faced from those around her. Often dismissed or accused of laziness, Lisa endured a life shaped by both her diagnosis and the abuse and misfortune that came with not being believed. Despite her muscles growing weaker, Lisa found a path to strength and survival, ultimately rising above the obstacles she faced. Today, we’ll dive into Lisa’s story—her struggles, her resilience, and what she hopes readers will take away from her memoir. So, sit back, get comfortable, and join us for a conversation about courage, perseverance, and the power of being seen and heard. To find your copy of Lisa's book: Amazon - Amazon.com : falling a journey of strength Barnes & Noble - falling: the journey of strength, survival and rising | Barnes & Noble® Lisa's Website - Falling - A Journey of Strength, Survival and Rising To learn more about Patient Worthy and how you can be a guest on Wait, How Do You Spell That? please visit our website at PatientWorthy.com   

Patient Worthy is humbled to speak to Brenda Snow, CEO and Founder of Snow Companies and now the bestselling author of 'Diagnosed: The Essential Guide to Navigating the Patient's Journey'. We discuss Brenda's own journey with Multiple Sclerosis and how she has turned it into a career and guidebook for others facing chronic diagnoses. You can find Brenda's book now at Amazon.com or by going here: Amazon.com : brenda snow book diagnosed And to watch the full interview with Brenda, please visit our YouTube channel here: Wait, How Do You Spell That? - "Diagnosed: The Essential Guide to Navigating the Patient Journey"

On this episode of the podcast, we discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine – specifically in the areas of analysis and diagnosis. Our guest, Dr. Joe Lennerz, is the chief scientific officer at BostonGene, an American clinical technology company that studies and produces new diagnostic tools in the areas of oncology and immunology.   https://bostongene.com/

In this episode of the podcast we speak to Steve Smith, a patient advocate who is living with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), a rare and progressive condition characterized by narrowing of the blood vessels in the heart and lungs. Steve is a college administrator and avid theater participant who uses his PAH story to connect with others, believing that open communication is key to the patient experience.   Hear More About Steve and Other PAH patients: OutnumberPAH.com   Editor's Note: Chronic conditions and rare diseases don’t discriminate. Patient Worthy and our partners are interested in amplifying the voices of those from all identities and backgrounds. If you have a story to share, learn more about how your voice can help spread awareness and inspire individuals from all walks of life here: getinvolved.patientworthy.com Outnumber PAH | Living With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Together we can outnumber PAH. Find resources for living with pulmonary arterial hypertension and learn from the stories of people in the PAH community.  

In this episode of the podcast we speak to Ashley Point, a patient advocate advocate whose son Davis was diagnosed with Koolen de-Vries Syndrome (KdVS) in 2016. She also serves as the president for both the Koolen de-Vries Syndrome Foundation and My Kool Brother, two non-profits that help to support families living with KdVS through advocacy, research and fundraising. Connect with Ashley Point: Koolen de-Vries Syndrome Foundation - My Kool Brother - "Davis Out of the Unknown" Documentary - Donate Editor's Note: Chronic conditions and rare diseases don’t discriminate. Patient Worthy and our partners are interested in amplifying the voices of those from all identities and backgrounds. If you have a story to share, learn more about how your voice can help spread awareness and inspire individuals from all walks of life here: getinvolved.patientworthy.com

In this episode of the podcast we speak to Valen Keefer, a professional speaker and patient advocate who was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) at age 10. Valen has faced a number of challenges in her journey, including a double organ transplant, and now inspires other PKD and chronic illness patients by sharing her story.  Connect with Valen Keefer: Website - Podcast -  Facebook - Instagram - X - LinkedIn Editor's Note: Chronic conditions and rare diseases don’t discriminate. Patient Worthy and our partners are interested in amplifying the voices of those from all identities and backgrounds. If you have a story to share, learn more about how your voice can help spread awareness and inspire individuals from all walks of life here: https://shorturl.at/sPV02

In this episode of the podcast, we speak to professional speaker and community advocate Keisha Hickson, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2016. That’s a rare form of cancer that develops in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. We discuss navigating a rare cancer diagnosis, adjusting to a new normal and the importance of resiliency. Connect with Keisha Hickson: Website - Instagram - LinkedIn Editor's Note: Chronic conditions and rare diseases don’t discriminate. Patient Worthy and our partners are interested in amplifying the voices of those from all identities and backgrounds. If you have a story to share, learn more about how your voice can help spread awareness and inspire individuals from all walks of life here: https://shorturl.at/sPV02

This episode's guests include Dr. Tracy Dixon-Salazar, Executive Director for the Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) Foundation, as well as Meg Alexander, Chief Strategy Officer of Ovid Therapeutics. We discuss the treatment landscape for seizure disorders such as LGS and why further research and investment is crucial. Connect with the LGS Foundation: Website - Facebook - X (Twitter) - YouTube - Instagram - LinkedIn Connect with Ovid Therapeutics:  Website - LinkedIn - X (Twitter) - Facebook Editor's Note: Chronic conditions and rare diseases don’t discriminate. Patient Worthy and our partners are interested in amplifying the voices of those from all identities and backgrounds. If you have a story to share, learn more about how your voice can help spread awareness and inspire individuals from all walks of life here: https://shorturl.at/sPV02

In this episode of the podcast we sit down with Brandi Benson, a U.S. army veteran, author and patient advocate who was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in 2008. That’s one of rare family of cancers that develop in bones and the surrounding soft tissues. Brandi shares her story of resilience and survivorship, hoping to inspire others to share their cancer stories story as well.  Connect with Brandi: Website - Facebook - Instagram - YouTube - LinkedIn Check out Survivorship Today to hear the stories of other cancer survivors like Brandi. Editor's Note: Chronic conditions and rare diseases don’t discriminate. Patient Worthy and our partners are interested in amplifying the voices of those from all identities and backgrounds. If you have a story to share, learn more about how your voice can help spread awareness and inspire individuals from all walks of life here: https://shorturl.at/sPV02

In this episode of the podcast we sit down with Kari Rosbeck, the president and CEO of the TSC Alliance. That’s a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people living with tuberous sclerosis complex and also driving research into promising treatment, among many other things. The TSC Alliance is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! Connect with the TSC Alliance: Website - Facebook - Instagram - YouTube - TikTok - LinkedIn - Threads - Inspire Editor's Note: Chronic conditions and rare diseases don’t discriminate. Patient Worthy and our partners are interested in amplifying the voices of those from all identities and backgrounds. If you have a story to share, learn more about how your voice can help spread awareness and inspire individuals from all walks of life here: https://shorturl.at/sPV02