Rare Connection

Joanna

Formerly  Nutrition Equity, rare connection is an extension of the podcast to include all 10,000 rare conditions and not just those covered by the Medical Nutrition Equity Act.   Some of the conditions may be the same, but I am trying to turn this into a learning experience for those in the medical feild, policy leaders, and those who are just interested in hearing about rare conditions and patient stories.  Rare conditions are called zebras hence the zebra striped ribbon.  More common conditions are called horses.  Doctors tend to learn a lot about the common conditions, but rare conditions are a paragraph in a text book at best because the medical field isn't looking at the whole picture.  Rare conditions when combined are actually bigger than cancer and strokes combined and if you have a rare condition you most likely have more than one or will develop another within your lifetime.  As someone with a rare condition myself (Homocystinuria or HCU),  know that having a rare condition can be very lonely.  Thereis normally a phsycological aspect to any rare condition, and because of lack of understanding they often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed which can cause serious health consequences or even death.  If you are interested in talking and feel comfortable on camera please contact me at joanna.ball41@gmail.com.  I have a visual version of this podcast on YouTube also under my cooking channel Rare Chef.

  1. 5d ago

    EveryCat Health Foundation: The Cat Connection to Long COVID In Humans with Dr Placer

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Season 7 of Rare Connection! What can cats teach us about human health? In this episode, Joanna Ball welcomes Dr. Maggie Placer of the EveryCat Health Foundation to explore the growing field of One Health, the idea that the health of humans, animals, and our shared environment are deeply connected. Dr. Placer begins with a special presentation highlighting the history of the EveryCat Health Foundation, advances in feline research, and how studies of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) have contributed to our understanding of coronaviruses, including COVID-19. The conversation then continues with an interview covering Dr. Placer's background, the Foundation's mission, and why collaboration between veterinary and human medicine is creating new opportunities for medical discovery. Whether you're interested in rare diseases, translational medicine, veterinary science, or emerging research, this episode offers a fascinating look at how discoveries in one species can improve the lives of another. In this episode: Dr. Maggie Placer's journey into veterinary medicineThe mission of the EveryCat Health FoundationThe One Health approach to researchFeline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) and its connection to COVID researchHow veterinary discoveries can advance human medicineThank you to Dr. Maggie Placer and the EveryCat Health Foundation for joining us to kick off Season 7 of Rare Connection. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to help us continue connecting patients, advocates, researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders around the world. Support the show

    1h 6m
  2. Jun 17

    Rare Connection 3rd Anniversary Episode With Dr. Margurite Goiter-Stam from Make a Wish International

    Send us Fan Mail In this special third anniversary episode of Rare Connection, host Joanna Ball welcomes Dr. Marguerite A.W. Gorter-Stam for a conversation about quality of life, emotional well-being, patient-centered care, and the role hope can play during serious illness. What began three years ago as Nutrition Equity—a podcast focused on access to medically necessary nutrition—has grown into Rare Connection, a global platform connecting patients, caregivers, advocates, researchers, and healthcare professionals. This episode also marks the show's tenth international interview and features a guest joining us from the Netherlands. Dr. Gorter-Stam's background spans surgery, oncology, pediatrics, pediatric palliative care, and Make-A-Wish International. In this episode, we discuss how healthcare extends beyond diagnoses and treatments to include emotional support, quality of life, family-centered care, and helping patients navigate uncertainty. We also explore common misconceptions about pediatric palliative care, the importance of involving patients and families in healthcare decisions, and how hope and resilience can influence the experience of illness. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, advocate, or simply interested in compassionate healthcare, this conversation offers valuable insight into the human side of medicine. Topics discussed: • Quality of life in healthcare • Pediatric palliative care • Patient and family-centered care • Emotional well-being during illness • Hope and resilience • Caregiver support • Make-A-Wish International • International perspectives on healthcare Thank you for being part of Rare Connection's journey over the past three years. Support the show

    41 min
  3. Jun 4

    Can Targeted Radiation Change the Future of Brain Cancer? | Dr. Marc Hedrick | Plus Therapeutics

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Rare Connection, host Joanna Ball speaks with Dr. Marc Hedrick, President and CEO of Plus Therapeutics, about emerging technologies aimed at improving outcomes for patients with some of the most difficult-to-treat cancers affecting the central nervous system. Dr. Hedrick discusses leptomeningeal metastases (LM), a serious condition that occurs when cancer spreads to the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, as well as recurrent glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. The conversation explores the challenges of diagnosing central nervous system cancers, the role of advanced diagnostic tools like the CNSide® CSF Assay Platform, and how targeted radiotherapeutics may help deliver treatment directly to affected areas while limiting exposure to healthy tissue. Topics covered include: • What leptomeningeal metastases are and why they are so difficult to diagnose  • Current treatment challenges for LM and glioblastoma patients  • The CNSide® diagnostic platform and cerebrospinal fluid testing  • How radiotherapeutics differ from traditional radiation therapy  • Targeted drug delivery to the central nervous system  • Clinical trials and emerging research in neuro-oncology  • The future of precision medicine for brain and spinal cancers Whether you're a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, researcher, or advocate, this episode provides insight into innovative approaches that may help transform the diagnosis and treatment of cancers that spread to the central nervous system. To learn more about Plus Therapeutics and ongoing clinical research, visit https://plustherapeutics.com Support the show Subscribe to Rare Connection and Rare Chef, leave a review, and share this episode to help us connect patients, families, advocates, researchers, and medical professionals around the world. Support the show

    1h 40m
  4. May 9

    McCune Albright Syndrome With Dr. Giwa From Atossa Therapeutics

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when one rare condition affects the bones, skin, hormones, and development—but looks completely different in every patient? “In this episode of Rare Connection, Joanna is joined by Dr. Adebola Giwa, a pediatric endocrinologist, physician-scientist, and clinical lead for rare disease drug development at Atossa Therapeutics. He brings more than 15 years of experience in endocrinology, musculoskeletal disease, and innovative therapeutic development for rare conditions.” Together, they explore McCune-Albright Syndrome (MAS), a rare mosaic genetic condition that can affect multiple systems throughout the body. The conversation covers the variability of MAS, including café-au-lait skin findings, fibrous dysplasia, endocrine complications, and why no two patients experience the condition the same way. A major focus of the discussion is precocious puberty, often one of the earliest signs of MAS. Joanna and Dr. Giwa discuss how hormone signaling differs in MAS, why traditional treatments do not always work as expected, and how different therapeutic approaches—including Tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, and endoxifen—are being explored. The episode also touches on: How MAS can present differently in boys and girlsWhy conditions like Acromegaly can occur in some patientsThe challenges of designing clinical trials in ultra-rare diseasesWhy finding enough participants for studies can be so difficultThe importance of continued rare disease awareness and researchWhether you are part of the rare disease community, a healthcare professional, researcher, caregiver, or someone wanting to learn more, this episode offers insight into the complexity of living with and treating McCune-Albright Syndrome. This podcast is for educational and awareness purposes only and should not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. 🎧 Follow Rare Connection on your favorite podcast platform 📺 Subscribe to Joanna’s YouTube channel, Rare Chef 📱 Follow Rare Connection on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn Support the show

    1h 6m
  5. Apr 22

    Friedreich's Ataxia With Alexis From Tennessee

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to maintain independence when your body is changing? For people living with rare diseases, that question becomes part of everyday life—navigating changes in mobility, access to care, and the challenge of finding the right support. In this episode of Rare Connection, I speak with Alexis Baker, who shares her journey to a diagnosis of Friedreich's ataxia, a rare, progressive condition that affects coordination, balance, and independence. Like many in the rare disease community, Alexis went through multiple doctors and specialists before genetic testing provided answers. We also take a moment to clarify an important distinction: “ataxia” is a symptom—referring to loss of coordination—while Friedreich’s Ataxia is a specific genetic disease that many people may not recognize until it impacts someone they know. But Alexis’s story doesn’t stop at diagnosis. She turned her experience into purpose by founding RiseUp, a nonprofit focused on helping people access mobility devices like walkers and wheelchairs—tools that can restore independence but are often out of reach due to cost. In this conversation, we discuss:  The early signs and long road to diagnosis  What it’s like living with Friedreich’s Ataxia day to day  The challenges of mobility, safety, and maintaining independence  Barriers to accessing mobility equipment—and why patients often have to adapt  The reality that many rare disease patients must travel long distances to reach specialists, often at academic medical centers  And how new treatment options like Skyclarys are beginning to change the outlook for the FA community This episode highlights a reality many patients face: access to care isn’t just about finding a doctor—it’s about being able to get there, having the right equipment, and having a community that understands the journey. Support the show

    43 min
  6. Apr 8

    26 Year Stomach Cancer Survivor Healing with Food with Chef Chuck

    Send us Fan Mail What does life look like decades after a rare cancer diagnosis—and how does food play a role in that journey? In this episode of Rare Connection, Joanna sits down with Chuck Hayworth, a 26-year survivor of a rare stomach tumor, whose experience transformed not only his health—but his life’s work. Today, Chuck is a private chef and Medical Meal Therapy specialist, helping patients and caregivers navigate one of the most overlooked challenges after diagnosis: how to actually implement nutrition in daily life. Because while many patients are told what they should eat, very few are given the tools to make that sustainable—especially when managing chronic illness, cancer recovery, or complex medical conditions. Together, they discuss:  What it means to truly live beyond a rare disease diagnosis  The connection between gut health, inflammation, and recovery Why nutrition is often the missing link between medical advice and real life  How patients and caregivers can align their meals during treatment and healing  The challenges of turning clinical guidance into practical, everyday food choices This conversation also highlights a broader issue within healthcare—while policies like the Medical Foods and Formulas Access Act support individuals with certain conditions requiring specialized nutrition, many patients outside of those categories are still left trying to navigate these decisions on their own. Chuck’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and purpose—and a reminder that healing doesn’t always follow a straight path. 💬 Join the Conversation If this episode resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you.  🎧 Follow and subscribe to Rare Connection 📺 Watch full video episodes on YouTube at Rare Chef 💬 Leave a comment or use the “Send Me a Text” link in the show notes ⚠️ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs. 💛 You Are Not Alone If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Li Support the show

    1h 51m
  7. Mar 23

    Denovo (Genetic But Not Inhereited) With Jenny From Texas

    Send us Fan Mail What if two of your children were diagnosed with two completely different rare genetic conditions… on the same day? In this episode of Rare Connection, I speak with Jenny, a mother of four, whose children Avery and Paxton were both diagnosed through whole exome sequencing with two separate rare diseases — Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and Tatton Brown Rahman Syndrome. Both conditions are genetic, but not inherited. They are de novo mutations, meaning they occurred for the first time in her children. Avery, now 19, has Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, a condition often associated with autism, developmental delay, speech impairment, and hypotonia. Paxton, 12, has Tatton Brown Rahman Syndrome, a rare overgrowth and neurodevelopmental disorder linked to developmental differences, autism traits, and intellectual disability. Jenny shares what it was like to receive both diagnoses at once, how her family adapted, and how her daughters Kaylin and Presley have become supportive siblings along the way. She also discusses her work as a behavior analyst and her advocacy efforts in the rare disease community, including her role with CureSHANK and support within the Tatton Brown Rahman Syndrome community. This episode highlights the reality that rare diseases don’t always follow predictable patterns—and that even across different diagnoses, families often share common experiences in navigating care, finding support, and building resilience. 💬 Have a question or want to share your experience? Use the “Send Me a Text” link in the show notes. 🔔 Follow and subscribe to Rare Connection so you don’t miss future episodes connecting patients, families, and professionals across the rare disease community. 🌍 Rare Connection is available on YouTube, Buzzsprout, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns. ❤️ If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org. Support the show

    53 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Formerly  Nutrition Equity, rare connection is an extension of the podcast to include all 10,000 rare conditions and not just those covered by the Medical Nutrition Equity Act.   Some of the conditions may be the same, but I am trying to turn this into a learning experience for those in the medical feild, policy leaders, and those who are just interested in hearing about rare conditions and patient stories.  Rare conditions are called zebras hence the zebra striped ribbon.  More common conditions are called horses.  Doctors tend to learn a lot about the common conditions, but rare conditions are a paragraph in a text book at best because the medical field isn't looking at the whole picture.  Rare conditions when combined are actually bigger than cancer and strokes combined and if you have a rare condition you most likely have more than one or will develop another within your lifetime.  As someone with a rare condition myself (Homocystinuria or HCU),  know that having a rare condition can be very lonely.  Thereis normally a phsycological aspect to any rare condition, and because of lack of understanding they often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed which can cause serious health consequences or even death.  If you are interested in talking and feel comfortable on camera please contact me at joanna.ball41@gmail.com.  I have a visual version of this podcast on YouTube also under my cooking channel Rare Chef.