In this inspiring episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, meet Wyatt Critchfield, a ninth-grade ITP warrior, and his mom, Brittany, as they share how a love for cars turned into a powerful fundraiser for the Platelet Disorder Support Association. From organizing their first car show and raising $1,000, to spreading awareness in their community and connecting with others living with blood disorders, Wyatt and Brittany open up about the challenges and triumphs of life with ITP. You'll hear Wyatt's perspective on living with weekly treatments, Brittany's pride in seeing her son lead with courage, and their advice for families who want to start their own fundraisers. This heartfelt conversation shows how passion, creativity, and community can turn obstacles into opportunities.

In this inspiring episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, Dr. Kristin Hunt shares her journey from being diagnosed with ITP at just 12 years old to becoming a pediatric immunologist. She reflects on the challenges of growing up with a rare bleeding disorder, the role of PDSA in shaping her outlook, and how her experiences as a patient continue to influence the way she cares for children and families today. Listeners will hear about the turning points that led her to pursue medicine, what red flags patients and parents should watch for, and why community and advocacy matter so much. Whether you're newly diagnosed, a long-time patient, or supporting a loved one, Kristin's story offers both guidance and encouragement you won't want to miss.

In this special episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, we celebrate ITP Awareness Month with PDSA President & CEO Caroline Kruse and Director of Outreach and Community Engagement Melissa Hilsabeck. They share why September is such an important time for the ITP community, from lighting monuments purple around the world to uniting patients and families through events, stories, and support. You'll hear how awareness campaigns began, what's planned globally this year, and simple ways anyone can get involved—from wearing purple to hosting creative fundraisers. This uplifting conversation highlights the power of awareness, community, and connection in turning a rare disease into a recognized cause.

In this episode of Bruised But Not Broken: Living with ITP, host Barbara Pruitt sits down with Dr. Craig Kessler, a leading hematology expert, to discuss how immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) affects patients as they age. From the unique challenges of diagnosing and treating older adults, to managing fatigue, preventing falls, maintaining cognitive health, and staying up to date on vaccines, Dr. Kessler offers practical advice for both patients and caregivers. Whether you've lived with ITP for decades or were diagnosed later in life, this conversation is filled with insights to help you navigate the physical, emotional, and medical realities of aging with ITP. 

In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, Dr. James  Bussel, Professor Emeritus at Cornell and a leading expert in immune  thrombocytopenia (ITP), joins host Barbara Pruitt for a timely and  thoughtful conversation about vaccines and their relationship to ITP.  From breaking down how vaccines can affect platelet counts to addressing  concerns about relapses and immune response, Dr. Bussel offers  science-backed guidance and reassurance for patients navigating vaccine  decisions. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have lived with ITP for  decades, this episode is packed with clarity, compassion, and practical  advice.

U.S. insurance coverage can be just as challenging as the diagnosis itself. In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, we sit down with Becky Burns, Chief Operating Officer of the Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute, to unpack the complicated world of U.S. insurance and access to care. Becky shares real-life scenarios, breaks down confusing terms like prior authorizations and copay accumulators, and offers practical advice for navigating financial barriers to treatment. Whether you've struggled with high copays, coverage denials, or just understanding your plan, this episode offers clarity and hope.

What does it mean to grow older with ITP and how do you adapt when your body no longer bounces back like it used to? In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, host Barbara Pruitt is joined by fellow seniors Lib Elder and Rand Walker for an honest, insightful, and often humorous conversation about aging with immune thrombocytopenia. From treatment changes and brain bleeds to fall risks and advance planning, the trio shares real-life experiences, hard-earned wisdom, and practical advice for navigating ITP later in life. Whether you've lived with ITP for decades or are newly diagnosed in your senior years, this episode will leave you feeling informed, seen, and inspired.

Pregnancy with ITP can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, two leading experts—Dr. Terry Gernsheimer and Dr. Edith Cheng—share what women with ITP need to know before, during, and after pregnancy. From coordinating care between hematologists and obstetricians to understanding delivery options and postpartum concerns, this conversation is packed with reassurance, real-world examples, and actionable guidance. Whether you're planning a pregnancy or already expecting, this episode offers clarity, confidence, and hope. PDSA Resources: https://pdsa.org/pregnancy https://pdsa.org/images/stories/pdf/Women&GirlsWithITP.pdf

If you're parenting a toddler or preschooler with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), this episode is for you. Pediatric hematologist Dr. Michael Tarantino joins us to share practical advice on keeping young children with low platelets safe without taking away their childhood. From babyproofing tips and daycare questions to navigating sports, tantrums, and emotional support, Dr. Tarantino offers expert insight grounded in compassion and experience. Whether you're new to ITP or deep in the trenches, you'll walk away with strategies, reassurance, and resources to help your family thrive.

Needle sticks are a frustrating reality for people living with ITP—but what if there were ways to make the experience less painful and more successful the first time around? In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken, host Barbara Pruitt speaks with vascular access RN Jeremy Johnson, who shares expert tips on how to make blood draws and IVs easier, from using ultrasound guidance to knowing your best veins. You'll also learn what patients can do before and after a poke to reduce bruising, ease anxiety, and advocate for themselves. Whether you're new to ITP or a veteran of the lab chair, this episode offers practical advice that can change your next needle experience.

Being a teenager isn't easy. And being diagnosed with ITP can make it even more overwhelming. In this episode of Bruised But Not Broken: Living with ITP, Dr. Michael Tarantino, a leading expert in bleeding disorders, shares what families need to know about diagnosing and managing ITP in teens. From early warning signs to navigating sports, treatment options, school support, and the emotional side of living with a chronic condition, Dr. Tarantino offers expert advice with compassion and clarity. Whether you're a teen, a parent, or a caregiver, this conversation is full of important insights, real-world tips, and hope for the journey ahead.

In this inspiring episode of Bruised But Not Broken: Living with ITP, Tracey Parker shares her deeply personal journey from diagnosis to empowerment. After facing multiple treatment challenges and a rollercoaster of platelet counts, Tracey found strength in community, advocacy, and becoming her own best health advocate. Hear how support from friends, persistence in the face of setbacks, and discovering PDSA changed her path—and how she's now giving back through one of the organization's most successful fundraising walks. Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into your ITP journey, Tracey's story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of connection.

In this heartfelt episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, host Barbara Pruitt talks with two inspiring guests—Josh Kelly, a teenager currently living with ITP, and Melissa Hilsabeck, who was diagnosed with ITP as a teen and now works with the PDSA. Together, they share their personal journeys through diagnosis, treatment, school, sports, and the emotional ups and downs of managing a rare blood disorder during adolescence. From overcoming challenges to finding community through PDSA and its teen track, their stories are honest, uplifting, and full of practical insight for anyone navigating life with ITP. Whether you're a teen, a parent, or just curious about the real-life impact of ITP, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

Living with ITP comes with unique challenges, from managing unexpected nosebleeds to staying prepared for emergencies. In this episode of Bruised but not Broken: Living with ITP, host and longtime ITP patient Barbara Pruitt shares her personal experiences and practical strategies for handling everyday situations with confidence. In recognition of Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, she breaks down the must-have items for an ITP emergency kit, explains how to manage and prevent nosebleeds, and offers travel tips to ensure you're always prepared. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with ITP for years, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate life with a bleeding disorder. Tune in to learn how a few simple preparations can make a big difference in your daily routine.

In this episode of PDSA's podcast, Bruised but not Broken: Living with ITP, Caroline Kruse, President and CEO of the Platelet Disorder Support Association, interviews Pam Gavin, CEO of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). They discuss the challenges and triumphs of living with rare diseases, focusing on immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Pam shares her personal connection to the rare disease community and highlights NORD's mission to support patients through advocacy, research, and policy initiatives. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of patient registries, the impact of the Orphan Drug Act, and the role of patient-focused drug development. The episode also covers the significance of Rare Disease Day, the need for comprehensive care through Centers of Excellence, and the financial assistance programs available for rare disease patients. With empowering stories, practical tips, and a deep dive into the world of rare disease advocacy, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the rare disease community and discovering how they can make a difference in the lives of those affected by rare conditions.

In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, host Barbara Pruitt dives into the critical role of advocacy in making immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) a recognized priority in Washington. Joined by PDSA President and CEO Caroline Kruse and Government Relations Consultant Jim Romano, they discuss the ongoing fight for federal funding, the importance of patient voices in policy change, and how you can get involved—whether in person or virtually. Learn how sharing your ITP story can influence lawmakers, push for Centers of Excellence, and secure essential resources for the ITP community. Tune in to discover how you can be part of this powerful movement for change!

In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, host Barbara Pruitt is joined by PDSA President and CEO Caroline Kruse and Director of Research and Canadian Advocacy Jennifer DiRaimo to share exclusive insights from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) conference. They discuss the latest breakthroughs in ITP research, including promising new treatments, the role of the gut microbiome in autoimmune disease, and the impact of quality-of-life studies on patient care. Listeners will also get a behind-the-scenes look at PDSA's presence at ASH, from engaging with clinicians at the nonprofit booth to presenting groundbreaking research from the ITP Patient Registry. Plus, hear about the prestigious McMillan Award recipient and why this year's plenary session was a major milestone for the ITP community. Whether you're an ITP patient, caregiver, or advocate, this episode is packed with valuable information and hope for the future.

In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, host Barbara Pruitt sits down with Meredith Prescott to discuss her incredible journey of navigating life with ITP while pursuing her dreams, building a career, and starting a family. Diagnosed as a college senior, Meredith shares how she overcame the challenges of living with ITP, from understanding her diagnosis to managing pregnancy and motherhood. Listeners will hear candid insights about balancing medical treatments with daily life, planning for childbirth with ITP, and finding strength through self-advocacy and support networks. Whether you're living with ITP, considering pregnancy, or supporting someone with a bleeding disorder, this episode offers valuable advice, heartfelt stories, and a message of hope for thriving despite life's challenges. Tune in to be inspired by Meredith's resilience, and learn how you, too, can navigate life with ITP.

In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, we hear from Jill Vorst, a mother who shares her powerful journey of navigating life with her daughter Elizabeth's chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). From the scary initial diagnosis at age two to the challenges of managing Elizabeth's relapses, side effects, and mental health, Jill offers an honest and heartfelt perspective on the toll ITP takes on families—and the hope and resilience they've found along the way. Jill's story is a testament to the strength of families and the value of support networks in overcoming life's most difficult challenges. Tune in to hear how Jill and her family discovered ways to embrace life's possibilities despite the challenges of ITP—and how you can too.

Have you ever wondered if your ITP diagnosis could be connected to genetics? In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, host Barbara Pruitt sits down with Genetic Counselors Jennifer DiRaimo and Hannah Helber to discuss the intriguing intersection of ITP and genetic testing. Together, they explore how inherited conditions might mimic ITP, when genetic testing may be beneficial, and the potential impacts on medical management. With real-life examples, practical advice, and answers to listener questions, this episode sheds light on the power of genetic insights and their role in guiding treatment decisions. Whether you're curious about your family history or simply want to understand the science behind genetic testing, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for anyone living with or caring for someone with ITP. Don't miss this chance to learn, reflect, and feel empowered in your journey!