Warrior: Anthony Ramirez AI: caregiver for son with MS HSCT: December 12, 2016 Superpower: resilience To what extent do you appreciate the journey? What version of yourself do you present to the world? After a concussion landed Anthony in the ER, his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis was not easy to understand, especially when the disease-modifying drugs did not work like other medications. As he dove into research to try to find more answers, he and his mom Cindi (see Episode 107) happened upon a brief mention of Dr. Burt’s research at Northwestern University and committed to learn everything possible about the latest treatments. Tune in to hear more of Anthony’s journey through HSCT and how he is faring now, nearly 9 years post-transplantand learn how her son is doing nearly nine years after undergoing HSCT. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore information about locations. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and to audio guru Jacob Kinch for engineering the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician. Resources: Ataxia Center, Johns Hopkins

Warrior: Cindi Ramirez AI: caregiver for son with MS HSCT: December 12, 2016 Superpower: resilience How determined are you to find the best care? When her son suffered a concussion at a company picnic, a CT scan revealed a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Determined to get him the best care, Cindi sought out top-tier treatment at the Cleveland Clinic, but even with disease-modifying therapies, his symptoms continued to progress. After months of research, Cindi came across a webinar discussing stem cell research led by Dr. Burt at Northwestern University, and together they decided to pursue HSCT. Tune in to hear Cindi’s heartfelt journey as both a mother and caregiver, and learn how her son is doing nearly nine years after undergoing HSCT. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore information about locations. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and to audio guru Jacob Kinch for engineering the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Warrior: Larry Powalisz AI: Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis HSCT: May 2022 Superpower: humbled by MS How dedicated are you to health and wellness? How committed are you to helping people halt autoimmune disease? After Larry’s left hand went numb and he was diagnosed with MS, the only option his neurologist offered was Ocrevus. His research led him to HSCT at Clinica Ruiz. Upon returning home, Larry was inspired to help others gain access to HSCT and he founded a nonprofit organization to help cover the costs, but soon learned that fundraising for HSCT was not enough. He then founded Adia Med, now a publicly traded company to offer HSCT and other treatments to people battling autoimmune diseases. Tune in to learn more about Larry’s journey with HSCT, how he is a guinea pig at Adia, and his dedication to making HSCT more accessible to individuals with autoimmune disease. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore information about locations. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and to audio guru Jacob Kinch for engineering the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician. Resources: Adia Med outpatient HSCT clinic in Winter Park, Florida MS Heal the World nonprofit organization MS Hope and the Best Bet Diet for MS Brandon Bieber, neurologist Aaron Boster, neurologist Richard Burt, Everyday Miracles

Warrior: Ali Strong AI: Multiple Sclerosis HSCT: November 2017 Superpower: wellness When doctors aren’t able to answer your questions, who do you turn to? Are you someone who strives to find answers? Do you find the present in each day? The beginning of a new season offers the opportunity to check in with Ali and how she is faring, more than seven years post-HSCT. Tune in to learn how HSCT has shifted her symptoms and experience with MS, gain updates on Ali’s health and approach to wellness, and learn how she is focusing her energy these days. Be sure to visit HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, and connect with resources and the HSCT Warriors Inc nonprofit. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to create the soundtrack, and audio genius Jacob Kinch for sharing his superpowers to edit and produce the audio to make this podcast possible. Find us and subscribe to the HSCT Warriors Podcast on SoundCloud, iTunes, or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide and we would love to hear from you about how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease… take a moment to connect with us on instagram or share this episode with someone you know that would enjoy listening. In the meantime, we hope you’ll tune in for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician immediately.

Warrior: Veena Kinni AI: Multiple Sclerosis HSCT: Cleveland Clinic, 2021 Superpower: ability to know inner strength How fully do you embrace opportunities to enjoy life? How do you promote a positive mindset? As a trained physician, it was hard for Veena as she transitioned to being a patient after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in December of 2011. She began on a disease-modifying therapy that she paused in order to get pregnant, though soon after delivering her daughter, her symptoms flared. Between 2014 and 2020, Veena’s condition continued to deteriorate until 2020 when she visited a neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic who suggested HSCT and embraced the opportunity with an ‘ignorance is bliss’ mindset. While she believes that it halted the progression of her disease, and shows no active lesions on MRI, the procedure and recovery have been challenging for Veena, which she attributes to being in the secondary progressive phase of disease. Tune in to learn more about Veena’s experience, her transition to JC+ during treatment with disease modifying therapy, and why she agrees that pursuing HSCT sooner in the course of the experience with autoimmune disease to avoid lasting damage. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore information about locations. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and to Jacob Kinch for engineering the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician. Resources: Center for Regnerative Biotherapeutics Vinna Kinni, MD Multiple Sclerosis Defeater (blog)

Warrior: Janet Matthews AI: Multiple Sclerosis HSCT: Puebla, February/March 2022 Superpower: kindness To what extent are you able to eliminate stress from your life? Do you believe you can achieve whatever you put your mind to? To what extent are you aware of treatment options? Despite noticing some symptoms that interfered with walking and mobility, Janet postponed seeing doctors until after she retired from being a police officer. While Janet did not find her career to be stressful, she did experience intense stress in her relationships and personal life. Once Janet came down with bouts of hives caused by intense, long-sustained stress, she began taking steps to reduce and eliminate stress from her life. Over time, Janet experienced other stressors and symptoms (like foot drop and optic neuritis) that she was able to explain away at the time they occurred, but upon reflection, realized they were all related to her eventual diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in March of 2020. Tune in to learn more about how Janet explored options for HSCT in the US and Mexico, prepared her body physically for HSCT, developed strong feelings about accessibility to HSCT, found motivation to write a book about her experience and help others, and ended up having a complete reversal of symptoms. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore information about locations. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and to Jacob Kinch for engineering the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Warrior: Christian AI: Multiple Sclerosis HSCT: 11/3/23 at the Tom Baker Cancer Center in Calgary Superpower: body awareness What is your capacity for listening to your body? How well do you fare through complications? How comfortable are you with looking inward? After the numbness and tingling in his legs restricted his capacity to walk in the course of just a few weeks, Christian was quickly diagnosed after finding the right doctor who knew what his symptoms were indicating. After cycling through a variety of disease-modifying therapies over the course of seven years, Christian continued relapsing. After the humbling and terrifying experience of being wheelchair-bound for a few months in December of 2022, Christian switched DMTs again and after it didn’t stop new lesions, he was eventually referred for HSCT in Calgary in June of 2023. Tune in to learn more about the circumstances that led Christian to pursue HSCT in Calgary, and how he fared through the myeloablative protocol, including complications and resolutions. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore information about locations. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and to Jacob Kinch for engineering the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Warrior: Fiona Mitten AI: Marburg’s variant of Multiple Sclerosis HSCT: 12/29/2011 Superpower: living in the moment Are you someone who believes that everything happens for a reason? How many moments do you treasure each day? Diagnosed 18 years ago after being hit by a drunk driver, several symptoms of multiple sclerosis like optic neuritis and paralysis onset and progressed so quickly, it seems Fiona’s experience was extra unique from the start. From bouts of total paralysis that kept her hospitalized for months at a time, to relief from rounds of chemotherapy that had her walking again, to severe withdrawal that led to chemo-induced psychosis, by the time Fiona found her way to HSCT, she was struggling to walk (a requirement to pass the testing in order to qualify for HSCT). Tune in to learn how Fiona became the third person to be transplanted outside of the trials in Calgary, how she fared with HSCT and recovery, and how she is doing twelve-plus years post-HSCT. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore information about locations. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and to Jacob Kinch for engineering the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Warrior: Ali Strong AI: Multiple Sclerosis HSCT: November 2017 Superpower: boundaries Are you someone who feels your emotions? Are you one to choose happiness? Do you find the present in every moment? The beginning of a new season offers the opportunity to check in with Ali and how she is faring, more than six years post-HSCT. Tune in to revisit the struggles with active multiple sclerosis, hear how HSCT has shifted her symptoms and experience with MS, and learn how Ali is focusing her energy these days. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and to Jacob Kinch for engineering the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Warrior: Matt LeFrance AI: Multiple Sclerosis HSCT: June-July 2022 Superpower: peace of mind How do you know what to expect? From whom do you seek feedback? How do you decide to take the next step? Diagnosed just after college at the young age of 25 when he experienced double vision and a variety of doctors had a hard time understanding what was going on, Matt was diagnosed after a MRI revealed a lesion on his brain stem. As he pondered what was next, despite feeling as though life was ending when it should be only just beginning, Matt spent time researching his options for treatment before aging out of insurance coverage. Tune in to learn more about Matt’s research efforts, his natural approach to managing MS for thirteen years before HSCT, and how he fared during his time in Puebla at Clinica Ruiz. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician. Resources: Best Bet Diet and MS Hope

Warrior: Mike AI: Multiple Sclerosis HSCT: January 17, 2022 Superpower: acceptance and grace Where does kindness hit you? To what extent do you seek grace? How well do you find acceptance? We first met Mike in Season 7, shortly after he found out about HSCT. After battling with insurance and seeking HSCT at different clinics in the United States, Mike considered a variety of factors in his decision to pursue treatment in Monterrey, Mexico. As Mike works to support physical improvements despite spasticity post-transplant and a battle with COVID, he is finding room for his superpowers of acceptance and grace. Tune in to learn more about the ‘hiccups’ that Mike encountered and their resolution, as well as considerations for family and recovery. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Warrior: Dr. Richard K. Burt AI: halter HSCT: pioneer Superpowers: vast knowledge, being patient-centric, caring for improvement in quality of life, facilitating clarity through education, and fortitude in human spirit With gratitude for the additional time to connect with Dr. Richard Burt and celebrate the recent publication of his latest book, Everyday Miracles: Curing multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, and autoimmune diseases by hematopoietic stem cell transplant, we’re sharing a verbatim transcript of this conversation, the second of two episodes featuring Dr. Burt, on our website, https:HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org

Warrior: Dr. Richard K. Burt AI: Halter HSCT: Pioneer Superpowers: tenacity, resilience, curiosity, compassion, holistic approach With gratitude for time to connect with Dr. Richard K. Burt and celebrate the recent publication of his latest book, Everyday Miracles: Curing multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, and autoimmune diseases by hematopoietic stem cell transplant, we’re sharing the following verbatim transcript of this conversation, the first of two featuring Dr. Burt. Tune in next Wednesday to hear more in a second conversation with Dr. Burt. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Warrior: Ali Strong AI: Multiple Sclerosis HSCT: November, 2017 Superpower: Acceptance What do you do for yourself that brings you joy? Are you someone who accepts moderation? To what extent do you find balance in life? Check in with Ali Strong to recount her experience finding her way to and through HSCT and learn how she is feeling now at more than five years post-transplant, including her struggles with menopause, disordered eating, and mental health. Join Ali and Zen Jen in discussion about Dr. Burt’s latest book and what’s to come with the podcast. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Warrior: Graciela AI: Multiple Sclerosis HSCT: January 2021 Superpower: value for life After initially being told her symptoms were all in her head, Graciela received an apology from her neurologist along with her diagnosis. She was presented with options for treatment including disease modifying therapies and the extreme option of HSCT. When she further explored HSCT as an option, she learned that Clinica Ruiz offered the treatment in her hometown of Monterrey and she immediately connected with family to learn more. Tune in to learn how Graciela kept a positive attitude and mindset to help her take on anger, fear of the unknown, thyroid issues, and covid. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Warrior: Heidi Peterson AI: Relapsing Remitting MS HSCT: July, 2019 Superpower: strength Do you take the time to celebrate in life? How often do you recognize the little victories? Although Heidi was diagnosed relatively soon after her first experiences with early symptoms of multiple sclerosis, the doctor she saw focused more on prescribing medications to treat symptoms she was experiencing and it seemed her MS diagnosis was set aside. After seeking other care that led to identifying additional health issues, she soon realized the tally of prescriptions totaled thirty different medications, including some that should not be taken together. Tune in to learn more about how Heidi regained control of her health care and pursued HSCT in Monterrey, spent six months taking cautions to work through neutropenia, only to return to quarantine due to covid. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Warrior: Zarko Bilal AI: Relapsing Remitting MS HSCT: April, 2021 Superpower: positive thinking When did you start to figure out the important things in life? How do you overcome fear of the unknown? How do you keep your mentality in tact? The continuation of this two-part episode reveals even more detail about Zarko’s experience with HSCT at the AA Maximov Hospital in Moscow, including how he managed the stress of delays due to covid, how he kept himself busy during isolation, the mindset he embraced, and insights gained during his journey. We are grateful to spend two episodes with Zarko learning about how he trained his mindset in preparation for HSCT and gained new perspectives to carry forward in life post-transplant. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Warrior: Zarko Bilal AI: Relapsing Remitting MS HSCT: April, 2021 Superpower: positive thinking When did you start to figure out the important things in life? How do you overcome fear of the unknown? How do you keep your mentality in tact? After a happenstance diagnosis of MS, Zarko initially held on to the hope that his symptoms would be a one-time hit of CIS. Easy to rationalize because of all the stress he experienced, he recovered fairly quickly and set out on his career path as a new attorney. After a year, the disease caught up with him, and unfortunately he noticed new symptoms that helped confirm his diagnosis. As he consulted with research about the disease and various treatment options, he found HSCT and asked two different neurologists for their opinions. Tune in to the first of this two-part episode to learn more about Zarko’s plans to pursue HSCT and how they were delayed by covid. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Warrior: Yavor Milanov AI: Relapsing Remitting MS HSCT: Scheduled in March 2022 Superpowers: Consistency How well do you attune with culture? Is your mindset one of growth, or is it fixed? How do you navigate your internal compass? After his diagnosis, Yavor felt tired and run-down facing his experience as a new immigrant working three or four jobs at a time. He experienced terrible side effects after steroids and trying an initial disease modifying therapy, so returned home to Bulgaria for a long respite. Rest, reduced stress, and time with family and friends helped reduce his symptoms and after six months, he returned to Canada and began noticing his disease becoming more active. Refusing to accept an incurable disease as his destiny, Yavor made radical changes to his diet and lifestyle to become as healthy as possible. Tune in to learn more about Yavor’s experience with the Wahl diet, mesenchymal stem cells in Panama, how he leaned on the discipline of swimming to keep his motivation and disposition positive, and his ability to anticipate (rather than react) to what is on the horizon, including his plans to pursue HSCT in Russia. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Warrior: Samantha Lakey AI: Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis HSCT: July 5, 2021 Superpower: eating Are you someone who believes in fate? How do you recognize joy in yourself? Only after Samantha endured a full-body seizure and spent weeks in the hospital did she finally receive a diagnosis for symptoms that doctors continued to brush aside, even though she had been struggling with fatigue, insomnia, numbness, nerve pain, and loss of balance, loss of vision and taste, tremors, and more for nearly two years. With the proper diagnosis, Samantha and her family were soon connected with individuals and resources that pointed her in the direction of HSCT, including a personal connection with someone who had been through HSCT seven years prior. Tune in to learn more about navigating the possibilities of HSCT from Australia, Samantha’s experience with traveling to Russia for HSCT, and how she is faring just three months post-HSCT. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts. It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well. _________________________________ Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.