My Hero 360

My Hero 360

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.

  1. 3d ago

    Misdiagnosis: From One Rare Disease to Another | Amy and Carson Flanagan

    This My Hero 360 interview features Carson Flanagan and his mother, Amy Flanagan, who share their experience with a mix-up between rare conditions. Carson was first diagnosed with Marfan syndrome as a young child, but genetic testing later revealed that he has homocystinuria (HCU), a rare metabolic condition. They discuss how HCU has changed Carson’s life, especially because he must limit his protein intake and adjust his eating habits as a new college student. The two explain the importance of medical research, raising awareness, and advocating for your child. Throughout the interview, they encourage others to stay positive, ask questions of medical professionals, and keep pushing through life’s challenges. This episode was developed in partnership with HCU Network America.Key Highlights: • Hear about Carson’s journey to finding the right diagnosis through genetic testing. • Learn how Carson is learning to balance a strict, low-protein diet with college and social life.• Be inspired by Amy’s search for the right diagnosis for her son and why she wants to spread awareness about HCU.• Hear about how connecting with HCU Network America, a patient advocacy group, has helped Amy and Carson learn more about their new reality.00:00 Introduction & Background 02:23 From Marfan to HCU: A Misdiagnosis Story09:08 A Series of Surgeries16:25 HCU Patients Deserve Options28:07 Connecting With HCU America 38:20 Advice to Younger Selves 39:00 Closing Remarks Connect with HCU Network America:https://hcunetworkamerica.org/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdYChYZ3uMTGIpM0rBkmyaw https://www.instagram.com/hcu_network_americaAbout 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=ae174fd84ef44334Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/aa426e78-fb79-4978-8851-d5aab25cf951/my-hero-360 Subscribe to this channel for more inspirational stories

    Misdiagnosis: From One Rare Disease to Another | Amy and Carson Flanagan
  2. 5d ago

    "The Second You're Not Loud, People Stop Listening" | Gabrielle Lewis

    In this My Hero 360 interview, Gabrielle Lewis talks about her experience living with classical homocystinuria (HCU), an extremely rare genetic metabolic disorder that requires following a strict, low-protein diet. Growing up, Gabrielle required multiple surgeries for scoliosis, an effect of her HCU, and reveals that photography became her creative outlet and an essential part of her recovery. Gabrielle emphasizes that continued research is needed for HCU and shares her experience working with HCU Network America, where she supports adolescents living with this rare condition and encourages them to use their voice to spread awareness and drive research for their ongoing needs. This episode was developed in partnership with HCU Network America.Key Highlights: • Hear how Gabrielle Lewis manages HCU through a strict, low-protein diet.• Learn how Gabrielle developed scoliosis and faced numerous spinal surgeries because of HCU.• Be inspired by Gabrielle’s photography journey, which allows her to express herself despite medical obstacles. • Learn about HCU Network America, a patient advocacy organization that provides resources for patients and families, influences state and federal policy, and supports the advancement of diagnosis and treatment for HCU. 00:00 Introduction & Background 01:53 One Family: Two Siblings Living With a Rare Condition 06:06 Overcoming Medical Challenges 12:10 Finding Creativity Through Photography 13:38 Improving Long-Term Care and Research for HCU16:46 Finding Connections With HCU Network America 21:21 Advice to Younger Self22:04 Closing RemarksConnect with HCU Network America:https://hcunetworkamerica.org/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdYChYZ3uMTGIpM0rBkmyaw https://www.instagram.com/hcu_network_america 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=ae174fd84ef44334Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/aa426e78-fb79-4978-8851-d5aab25cf951/my-hero-360 Subscribe to this channel for more inspirational stories.

    "The Second You're Not Loud, People Stop Listening" | Gabrielle Lewis
  3. Oct 8

    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.

    Rett Syndrome Does Not Define Our Daughters | Megan Ladwig & Vanessa Peace
  4. 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.

    Meet The Man Behind Stupid Cancer | Matthew Zachary
  5. 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.

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

About

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.