My Hero 360

A Donor Exchange Program Saves a Life | Stuart Miller

In this episode, Kerri Fitzgerald speaks with Stuart Miller about his health journey with IgA nephropathy. Stuart was diagnosed with the rare kidney condition before there were any FDA-approved treatment options. In 2018, he underwent a kidney transplant through a donor exchange program. His incredible wife was one of the donors who made this possible. Stuart is now the Director of Strategic Planning and Government Affairs for the IgA Nephropathy Foundation, a patient advocacy group dedicated to finding a cure for the condition. Stuart talks about the importance of advocacy efforts to move the needle for rare diseases. Key Highlights: • Hear how Stuart Miller came to understand his IgA nephropathy diagnosis and the difficulty confronting a now lifelong condition that must be managed. • Be inspired by the generosity of a donor exchange program that allows living donors to make a big impact on those in need. • Hear why Stuart was motivated to take an active role within the IgA Nephropathy Foundation and how this organization is helping patients. • Learn about pending legislation that would remove roadblocks for donors to help increase the availability of organ transplants for patients who critically need them. 00:00 Introduction & Background 02:05 Managing IgA Nephropathy With Limited Treatment Options 02:43 A Donor Exchange Program Changes Multiple Lives 05:37 Finding Community: The IgA Nephropathy Foundation 07:22 Expanding and Globalizing Awareness for IgA Nephropathy 09:18 This Pending Piece of Legislation Is Crucial 13:01 Advice to Younger Self 13:32 Closing Remarks Connect with the IgA Nephropathy Foundation: https://igan.org/ [https://igan.org/] About My Hero 360: At My Hero 360, we honor, celebrate, and connect heroes worldwide. By sharing their stories, we aim to inspire and provide hope for humanity. Follow us to hear more incredible stories of unsung heroes who make a difference in the world. Support My Hero 360: https://myhero360.com/ [https://myhero360.com/]https://www.instagram.com/myhero.360/ [https://www.instagram.com/myhero.360/]https://www.tiktok.com/@myhero.360 [https://www.tiktok.com/@myhero.360] Subscribe to this channel for more inspirational stories.

This Infection Changed Everything | Krissa Hoermann

In this episode, Kerri Fitzgerald sits down with Krissa Hoermann, an event florist, to discuss her journey navigating the challenges of C. diff and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Krissa shares an honest account of the physical and emotional impact C. diff had on her life, recounting how it left her exhausted and frustrated without a solution for 6 months. She shares how an incredible doctor at Mount Sinai in New York City and a clinical trial finally cured her recurrent C. diff and allowed her to slowly come back to full health and live without fears and constraints. Watch Krissa's original episode on My Hero 360 to learn more. [https://youtu.be/eH_LaMdi92E] Key Highlights: • Hear how Krissa Hoermann came to understand her C. diff diagnosis. • Learn why Krissa took part in a clinical trial that ultimately made an impact on her symptoms. • Hear about how a nutritionist made a big impact on Krissa’s recovery as she regained strength following a long journey with C. diff and IBS. • Be inspired by Krissa’s creations from her event florist company, Daybreak Studio & Farm. Connect with Krissa Hoermann: https://www.daybreakflowers.com/ [https://www.daybreakflowers.com/]https://www.instagram.com/daybreakflowers [https://www.instagram.com/daybreakflowers] About My Hero 360: At My Hero 360, we honor, celebrate, and connect heroes worldwide. By sharing their stories, we aim to inspire and provide hope for humanity. Follow us to hear more incredible stories of unsung heroes who make a difference in the world. Support My Hero 360: https://myhero360.com/ [https://myhero360.com/ ] https://www.instagram.com/myhero.360/ [https://www.instagram.com/myhero.360/]https://www.tiktok.com/@myhero.360 [⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@myhero.360] Listen to Our Heroes’ Stories: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-hero-360/id1870681068 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-hero-360/id1870681068] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1LnJ9ce28OkweYcopCZx2L?si=ae174fd84ef44334 [https://open.spotify.com/show/1LnJ9ce28OkweYcopCZx2L?si=ae174fd84ef44334] Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/aa426e78-fb79-4978-8851-d5aab25cf951/my-hero-360 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/aa426e78-fb79-4978-8851-d5aab25cf951/my-hero-360] Subscribe to this channel for more inspirational stories.

Bouncing Back When Life Takes a Hard Left Turn | John B. Grimes

In this special episode, John B. Grimes is back with My Hero 360 with a special announcement: his book is being published tomorrow, February 7. In the book, titled “Destiny Is Debatable,” John shares his experience with bacterial meningitis and how it changed the trajectory of his life. He shares lessons learned and offers inspirational advice for people navigating a challenging time in their life.  Watch John’s original episode on My Hero 360 to learn more about his story. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHwWBg9wnPg]  Key Highlights:  * Hear about why John B. Grimes wrote this memoir of his experience with bacterial meningitis and subsequent vision loss.  * Learn how the writing experience was cathartic for John and brought back memories from 28 years ago.  * Be inspired by John's sentiment that living is "an act of defiance” after surviving something so few do.  * Hear how to buy the book and connect more with John.  Connect with John Grimes:   https://www.instagram.com/johnbgrimes [https://www.instagram.com/johnbgrimes]      https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbgrimes/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbgrimes/]   https://x.com/ambblind [https://x.com/ambblind]   Websites:   https://podcast.johnbgrimes.com/ [https://podcast.johnbgrimes.com/]  https://destinyisdebatable.com/ [https://destinyisdebatable.com/]   About My Hero 360: At My Hero 360, we honor, celebrate, and connect heroes worldwide. By sharing their stories, we aim to inspire and provide hope for humanity. Follow us to hear more incredible stories of unsung heroes who make a difference in the world.  Support My Hero 360:  https://myhero360.com/ [https://myhero360.com/]   https://www.instagram.com/myhero.360/ [https://www.instagram.com/myhero.360/]    https://www.tiktok.com/@myhero.360 [https://www.tiktok.com/@myhero.360]    Listen to Our Heroes’ Stories:  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-hero-360/id1870681068 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-hero-360/id1870681068]   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1LnJ9ce28OkweYcopCZx2L?si=ae174fd84ef44334 [https://open.spotify.com/show/1LnJ9ce28OkweYcopCZx2L?si=ae174fd84ef44334]  Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/aa426e78-fb79-4978-8851-d5aab25cf951/my-hero-360 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/aa426e78-fb79-4978-8851-d5aab25cf951/my-hero-360]   Subscribe to this channel for more inspirational stories.

How Sight for Life Is Changing Vision Care | Dr. Cathleen McCabe

In this episode, Kerri Fitzgerald speaks with Dr. Cathleen McCabe, an ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon in Florida who runs the nonprofit Sight for Life, which provides eye care for people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In recognition of January’s Glaucoma Awareness Month, Kerri and Dr. McCabe discuss the lasting impacts the organization has had on the Caribbean island over the last 20-plus years, bringing residents impactful treatment and novel innovations, as well as educating the local clinical community that cares for the patients year-round.  Key Highlights:  * Hear about the work Dr. Cathleen McCabe does for Sight for Life.  * Learn more about the impact of glaucoma, which is the second-leading cause of blindness and the “silent thief” of site.  * Hear about ways you can help or get involved iwth Sight for Life.  * Be inspired by the feedback Dr. McCabe has received for her work in St. Vincent and the Grenadines from patients, their families, and local doctors.  Learn more about Sight for Life:   https://sightforlife.org/ [https://sightforlife.org/]   About My Hero 360: At My Hero 360, we honor, celebrate, and connect heroes worldwide. By sharing their stories, we aim to inspire and provide hope for humanity. Follow us to hear more incredible stories of unsung heroes who make a difference in the world.  Support My Hero 360:  https://myhero360.com/ [https://myhero360.com/]   https://www.instagram.com/myhero.360/ [https://www.instagram.com/myhero.360/]    https://www.tiktok.com/@myhero.360 [https://www.tiktok.com/@myhero.360]    Listen to Our Heroes’ Stories:  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1LnJ9ce28OkweYcopCZx2L?si=ae174fd84ef44334 [https://open.spotify.com/show/1LnJ9ce28OkweYcopCZx2L?si=ae174fd84ef44334]  Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/aa426e78-fb79-4978-8851-d5aab25cf951/my-hero-360 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/aa426e78-fb79-4978-8851-d5aab25cf951/my-hero-360]   Subscribe to this channel for more inspirational stories.

Art Is in the Eye of the Beholder | Jakhori Dopwell Hall

In this episode, Kerri Fitzgerald sits down with Jahkori Dopwell Hall at The Glaucoma Foundation offices in New York City to talk about his experience with primary congenital glaucoma, a progressive vision condition he was diagnosed with at just 6 months old. Jahkori never let his vision challenges interrupt his dream of becoming an artist. Jahkori talks about a teacher who inspired him, the family that supported him, and how he turned his passion into a career. Key Highlights: * Hear how Jahkori Dopwell Hall’s family first learned he had glaucoma. * Learn why Jahkori became interested in art. * Hear about how Jahkori turned his passion for art into a career and a business venture. * Be inspired by Jahkori's work with The Glaucoma Foundation, where he serves as an Ambassador and an example of what a young person with glaucoma can accomplish. Connect with Jahkori Dopwell Hall: https://www.jahkoridopwellhall.org/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mr.jahko https://www.instagram.com/jah_kori/ https://www.youtube.com/@Mr.Jahko_ Learn more about The Glaucoma Foundation: https://glaucomafoundation.org/ About My Hero 360: At My Hero 360, we honor, celebrate, and connect heroes worldwide. By sharing their stories, we aim to inspire and provide hope for humanity. Follow us to hear more incredible stories of unsung heroes who make a difference in the world. Support My Hero 360: https://myhero360.com/ https://www.instagram.com/myhero.360/ https://www.tiktok.com/@myhero.360 Listen to Our Heroes’ Stories: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1LnJ9ce28OkweYcopCZx2L?si=ae174fd84ef44334 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/aa426e78-fb79-4978-8851-d5aab25cf951/my-hero-360 Subscribe to this channel for more inspirational stories.