The Long Haul with Summer

Why I’m Taking a Step Back | Summer’s Long COVID Update

On this deeply personal update, I'm opening up about why I’ve been away—and what’s really been happening behind the scenes. After reaching the best shape of my life, everything took an unexpected turn. What started as metabolic issues quickly spiraled into something much more complex. From new autoimmune concerns to a COVID reinfection, I’ve been dealing with severe fatigue, brain fog, and debilitating crashes that have completely changed my day-to-day life. After months of testing, treatments, and trying to piece things together with my medical team, we finally have some answers—but they come with new challenges. I’m now facing significant vascular complications and heading to Denver for a procedure that I hope will put me back on the path to healing. This episode is about transparency, resilience, and the reality of living with long COVID. I’ll also be documenting this next phase of my journey—sharing what I learn, what helps, and what recovery really looks like. Thank you for being here, for your support, and for walking this journey with me. More updates soon. Learn more about the Microvascular Research Foundation and how you can help at https://mvresearch.org/

Your Labs Are Normal, So Why Are You Still Sick? | Dr. Ben Edwards

When patients are told their labs are “normal” but they still feel sick, where do they turn next? In this episode of The Long Haul with Summer, Summer talks with Dr. Ben Edwards about root-cause medicine, why symptom management often misses the bigger picture, and how issues like inflammation, gut health, mitochondria, and lifestyle can play a major role in healing. This is a thoughtful conversation for patients and providers looking beyond the standard model of care. Learn more about the Microvascular Research Foundation and how you can help at https://mvresearch.org/

What to Eat with Long COVID | Anti-Inflammatory Diet Tips That Actually Help

In this episode of The Long Haul with Summer, Summer shares what to eat with Long COVID and how an anti-inflammatory diet may support healing, energy, and overall recovery. She walks through grocery store tips, the mito diet, foods to prioritize, foods to avoid, meal ideas, snack options, and simple ways to lower inflammation through everyday eating. Whether you’re dealing with Long COVID symptoms or looking for practical nutrition guidance, this episode offers a helpful starting point. Learn more about the Microvascular Research Foundation and how you can help at https://mvresearch.org/

He Thought He Was Going Crazy — It Was Long COVID

After COVID, Mitch went from running his landscaping business and living an active life to feeling like he was losing his mind. For nearly three years, he battled crushing symptoms, endless doctor visits, normal test results, and the fear that no one believed what he was going through. Eventually, he learned it wasn’t “all in his head” — it was Long COVID. In this episode of The Long Haul with Summer, Mitch and Michelle share the heartbreaking decline, the medical dismissal, and the treatment that finally helped him get his life back. Learn more about the Microvascular Research Foundation and how you can help at https://mvresearch.org/

Why So Many Long COVID Patients Are Still Being Dismissed

In this episode of The Long Haul with Summer, Summer sits down with Dr. Vaughn and cardiologist Dr. Alexis Cutchins to unpack why so many Long COVID patients are still being dismissed. They explore the overlooked links between Long COVID, POTS, MCAS, venous disease, and microclotting—and why listening to patients is often what leads to real answers. This is an eye-opening conversation about medical blind spots, innovative care, and the doctors working to connect the dots for patients who have been told nothing is wrong. Learn more about the Microvascular Research Foundation and how you can help at https://mvresearch.org/