In episode 3 of Live Like It Matters features host Elissa Kalver in conversation with her friend, actress, writer, speaker, and patient advocate Taylor Coffman. Together, they dive into the highs and lows of living with severe illnesses—Elissa with stage IV breast cancer and Taylor with a rare medical condition.

Taylor lives with atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), a rare and complex disease that can cause devastating complications if undiagnosed. Awareness is critical, as aHUS often leads to issues like anemia, low platelets, kidney damage, or even organ failure—but thanks to available treatment, there is also real hope for patients.

With honesty and humor, they discuss finding joy in unexpected places, the power of optimism, celebrating milestones like birthdays, and even tackling “crazy” projects, such as writing books during treatment. They also share the story behind their collaborative podcast, "Dying to Live," which was created to amplify patient voices and raise awareness for rare diseases.

This episode explores resilience, creativity, and the choice to live fully, even in the face of life’s toughest challenges.

Taylor Coffman 

Email: taylor.coffman@gmail.com

Website: http://www.taylorcoffman.com/

Instagram and TIKTOK : @taylorcoffmanmade 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-coffman/

Substack: Rare Disease Girl https://taylorcoffman.substack.com/

Youtube:@RareDiseaseGirl 

Elissa Kalver 

Email: elissa@wegotthis.org

Website:Elissa Kalver

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elissakalver/

Facebook: ElissaKalver

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elissakalver

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elissakalver

Book: We Got This: How I Learned to Thrive with Terminal Cancer 

Where storytelling meets spontaneity. No script. No rules. Just raw, honest, and often ridiculous conversations about life, loss, healing, and hope. These are the messy, magical moments that make life worth showing up for, even when it’s hard. Elissa sits down with friends, specialists, fellow cancer thrivers, and sometimes whoever happens to wander in on recording day. With no script, expect raw laughter, real tears, and unexpectedly deep conversations. Every episode is a reminder that authenticity is messy, beautiful, and worth sharing. And remember to Live Like It Matters

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