My Hero 360

My Hero 360

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My Hero 360 is an online community dedicated to showing the human side of medicine. It is our deep desire and goal to honor, celebrate, and connect unsung heroes in medical communities worldwide. This initiative provides these extraordinary individuals with a platform to share their experiences and foster a ripple effect of inspiration. Together, we can empower each other and improve quality of life, one story at a time.

15h ago

Rett Syndrome Does Not Define Our Daughters | Megan Ladwig & Vanessa Peace

In this episode of My Hero 360, Kerri Fitzgerald speaks with Megan Ladwig and Vanessa Peace, both mothers of daughters living with Rett syndrome. The women detail their transformative journeys, not just as moms, but as caregivers and advocates for their girls living with the rare condition. The two discuss major milestones reached for those living with Rett syndrome, including the recently FDA-approved treatment, Daybue, and legislative wins that make treatment more accessible. This video was developed in partnership with the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. Key Highlights: • Hear how Megan and Vanessa came to understand their daughters’ Rett syndrome diagnosis after months of meeting typical developmental milestones. • Be inspired by the advocacy work Megan and Vanessa forge through their work with the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. • Hear why the International Rett Syndrome Foundation is advocating for early diagnosis and better treatment access. • Learn about the only FDA-approved treatment for this condition. 00:00 Introduction & Background 03:25 First Signs: Discovering the Diagnosis 11:43 Progress for Research and Treatments 18:28 Advocacy: From Online to Austin, Texas 24:16 IRSF’s Mission: “You Know Your Child Best” 33:35 Advice to Younger Selves 35:03 Closing Remarks Connect with the International Rett Syndrome Foundation: https://www.rettsyndrome.org/ https://www.instagram.com/rettsyndromeorg/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rettsyndrome.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: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-hero-360/id1870681068 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.
Sep 30

Meet The Man Behind Stupid Cancer | Matthew Zachary

My Hero Philanthropy teamed up with Matthew Zachary to turn our anger into an actionable contribution to his movement. Matthew has dedicated his life to improving outcomes and care for adolescents and young adults who survive cancer, and Hero Philanthropy is proud to join him as he fights for an American healthcare system that is more humane and just. As Matthew says: “Let’s do something with the mad we have.” Connect with Matthew Zachary: https://www.matthewzachary.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewzachary/ https://www.instagram.com/thematthewzachary/?hl=enBuy Matthew’s Book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/we-the-patients-understanding-navigating-and-surviving-america-s-healthcare-nightmare-matthew-zachary/23a81bdd7543d083?ean=9781394381333&bkshp-astro=t Connect with Stupid Cancer: https://stupidcancer.org/ https://www.instagram.com/stupidcancer/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/company/stupid-cancer-inc-/ About My Hero 360: At My Hero 360, we honor, celebrate, and connect heroes worldwide. By sharing their stories, we aim toinspire 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: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-hero-360/id1870681068 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.
Sep 29

Am I Fighting Cancer or Health Insurance Companies? | Matthew Zachary

In this episode of My Hero 360, Kerri Fitzgerald speaks with Matthew Zachary, the founder of Stupid Cancer, host of the “Out of Patients” podcast, author of “We the Patients: Understanding, Navigating, and Surviving America’s Healthcare Nightmare,” and a long-time patient rights activist. Matthew was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer as a college student in the 90s and has since dedicated his life to bringing a spotlight to the adolescent and young adult cancer survivor community. He leads a patient-rights advocacy group that is fighting to make healthcare affordable for Americans and pointedly explains that you shouldn’t have to fight cancer and your insurance company atthe same time. Matthew shares ways we can make a difference by uniting on this apolitical, pervasive issue. Key Highlights: - Hear how Matthew Zachary came to understand his congenital brain cancer diagnosis as a college student. - Be inspired by the "mad" Matthew has and what he chooses to channel his anger toward. - Hear why Matthew is leading the charge to change the healthcare system for all. - Learn about the realities of navigating the American healthcare system and why Matthew believes we, the patients, deserve change. 00:00 Introduction & Background 04:25 Golf-Ball-Sized Mass on Cerebellum 13:16 Founding “Stupid Cancer” for Adolescent andYoung Adult Survivors 23:27 Matthew on Running “Out of Patients” 31:28 “We the Patients” Have the Power to Make Change 47:23 Advice to Younger Self 48:46 Closing Remarks Connect with Matthew Zachary: https://www.matthewzachary.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewzachary/ https://www.instagram.com/thematthewzachary/?hl=en Buy Matthew’s Book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/we-the-patients-understanding-navigating-and-surviving-america-s-healthcare-nightmare-matthew-zachary/23a81bdd7543d083?ean=9781394381333&bkshp-astro=t Connect with Stupid Cancer: https://stupidcancer.org/ https://www.instagram.com/stupidcancer/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/company/stupid-cancer-inc-/ 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: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-hero-360/id1870681068 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.
Sep 20

Unbelievable Hero, Unforgettable Impact | Becky Jackson Curran

To honor Becky and her son Jackson, Hero Philanthropy made a donation to the Little People of America to help further the organization’s mission of providing support, resources, and awareness to individuals with dwarfism and their families. Connect with Becky: https://www.instagram.com/beckymotivates Connect with the Little People of America: https://www.lpaonline.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: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-hero-360/id1870681068 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.
Sep 19

A Mother's Legacy: Jackson’s Story | Becky Curran

In part 2 of My Hero 360’s conversation with Becky Jackson Curran, she shares the story of her son, Jackson, whose life was tragically cut short. Becky and Jackson were both born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. At 6 months old, Jackson suffered a medical emergency that resulted in his death. Becky talks about Jackson’s impact and her advocacy work to ensure that all people receive the best, most informed medical care. Through remembering Jackson, Becky reminds herself of her own strength, pushing new limits and carrying Jackson's legacy forward. Key Highlights: • Hear how Becky Jackson Curran describes her son Jackson: “the most amazing baby on the planet.” • Be inspired by Becky’s determination to have Jackson’s memory live on by maximizing the impact of his life. • Hear why Becky’s determination is her driving factor—want her to walk? She’ll give you a 5K. • Learn about what’s next for Becky and be inspired by her impact. 00:00 Introduction & Recap of Part 1 00:48 Remembering Jackson 06:49 Familial Determination 16:40 Accepting the Unimaginable 24:02 Never Again: Protecting Future Families 27:22 IVF With Achondroplasia 30:18 Coming Back Stronger Than Ever 35:49 What’s Next for Becky? 37:45 Closing Remarks Connect with Becky: https://www.instagram.com/beckymotivates 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: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-hero-360/id1870681068 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.
Sep 18

This Hero Is Paving the Way for People With Disabilities | Becky Jackson Curran

In this episode of My Hero 360, host Kerri Fitzgerald sits down with Becky Jackson Curran who was born with achondroplasia, the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism. Born into a supportive average-height family, Becky had the tenacity to overcome countless challenges and setbacks, from grueling surgeries to feeling different from others. Becky also shares her career journey in the film industry where she sought to challenge the way little people are perceived in society. After feeling like her impact wasn’t big enough, Becky branched out on her to continue her mission of increasing the visibility of people with dwarfism and other disabilities and improving the treatment and acceptance of people who are perceived as “different.” Key Highlights: • Hear how Becky Jackson Curran faced a difficult surgical journey to address issues related to her achondroplasia. • Be inspired by Becky’s career journey, which has resulted in her becoming a public speaker who has given 2 TEDx Talks. • Hear why authentic disability representation in media matters. • Learn about the realities of living with a rare condition like achondroplasia and how it affects life, career, and family. 00:00 Introduction & Background 02:09 Several Surgeries: Unspoken Complications 14:33 A Product of My Environment 18:10 Life in Media: Representation and Career Goals 22:02 Finding an Open Door 27:06 Societal Inclusion: The Advocate 29:47 Finding the Little People of America 31:04 Educating Families on the Needs of People With Disabilities Connect with Becky: https://www.instagram.com/beckymotivates 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: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-hero-360/id1870681068 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.
Sep 17

Undiagnosed For 27 Years With CTX | Hollisa Rosengrant

In this episode of My Hero 360, Kerri Fitzgerald speaks with Hollisa Rosengrant in honor of CTX Awareness Day on September 17 about her experience living with the rare genetic lipid storage disorder. After noticing a bump on her knuckle at 27, a biopsy revealed that she had been living undiagnosed with CTX her entire life. Hollisa now serves on the board of the CTX Alliance where she advocates for continued education, awareness, and research surrounding rare disease care. This episode shines a light on all that the CTX Alliance is working toward to improve outcomes and opportunities for the CTX community. Key Highlights: •Hear how Hollisa Rosengrant came to understand her rare genetic condition, which had been undiagnosed for 27 years. •Be inspired by Hollisa’s work to get all states to designate September 17 as CTX Awareness Day. •Hear why Hollisa believes community is important and how the CTX Alliance serves that need for patients and families across the globe. •Learn about the CTX Alliance’s latest achievements and goals and how to connect and get involved. 00:00 Introduction & Background 00:028 CTX Journey 04:55 Joining the CTX Alliance 07:10 September 17 Is CTX Awareness Day 09:10 We Need Better Rare Disease Screening 11:04 CTX Alliance Initiatives and How to Get Involved 14:08 Advice to Younger Self 15:04 Closing Remarks Connect with the CTX Alliance: https://ctxalliance.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ctx-alliance-023ba3231/ About My Hero 360: At My Hero 360, we honor, celebrate, and connect heroes worldwide. Bysharing their stories, we aim to inspire and provide hope forhumanity. Follow us to hear more incredible stories of unsung heroes who make adifference 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: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-hero-360/id1870681068 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.
Sep 16

Making Change, One Heart at a Time | Kristen DeAndrade

As part of this video series, Hero Philanthropy made a $2500 donation to help further the Little Legs Big Heart Foundation’s mission of providing support, resources, and hope to families and individuals living with achondroplasia and other skeletal conditions. Kristen DeAndrade turned adversity into advocacy and created a vibrant community that connects individuals and families and shines a light on the mental healthcare that is equally as important as physical care. Connect with Kristen and the Little Legs Big Heart Foundation: https://www.littlelegsbigheartfoundation.org/ https://www.instagram.com/littlelegsbigheart/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: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-hero-360/id1870681068 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.

My Hero 360 is an online community dedicated to showing the human side of medicine. It is our deep desire and goal to honor, celebrate, and connect unsung heroes in medical communities worldwide. This initiative provides these extraordinary individuals with a platform to share their experiences and foster a ripple effect of inspiration. Together, we can empower each other and improve quality of life, one story at a time.

Creator

My Hero 360
Years Active

2026
Episodes

51
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© My Hero 360
Show Website

My Hero 360