Untold Stories: Life with a Severe Autoimmune Condition

Alicia, an artist and musician living with seronegative MG, shares her story of persistence, self-advocacy, and finding the right support system. Join Martine Hackett as she explores how connection and shared experiences can help people navigate even the most uncertain journeys.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the season premiere, J’Sean shares what it’s like to live with MG with ocular symptoms. Join Martine Hackett as she explores the real impact of ocular symptoms–– and how understanding that impact can help you be heard and find the right support. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a sudden change in mobility, Brandon Cutrell found himself on an unexpected path toward a CIDP diagnosis. That journey led him to build a remarkable partnership with his neurologist, Dr. Sujata Thawani. In this special episode, Brandon and Dr. Thawani share how trust, advocacy, and shared decision-making make the doctor-patient relationship central to navigating a chronic illness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Britt prepared to give birth to her first child, an unexpected CIDP diagnosis changed everything. Just like that, motherhood looked incredibly different than she had imagined. Hear how Britt learned to walk with her son, fought to regain her strength, and eventually became grateful for all she went through.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trent was a new father when his life changed overnight, losing the ability to walk, speak or even lift a phone. He spent years in a wheelchair before finding his way back through sport and self-advocacy. Join Martine as Trent shares how he went from paralysis to paratriathlete.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lea was just 12 when her symptoms began, but six years passed before doctors finally gave her an MG diagnosis. In that time, she lost the ability to walk, speak, and swallow, yet never lost her determination to live fully. Join Martine as Lea shares her journey from Germany and how the fight to find a diagnosis crosses every border.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leah is a Mexican American who experienced symptoms from slurring her words and choking on food with multiple doctors struggling to see the full picture. In this episode, hear how an MG crisis helped Leah uncover a diagnosis and how she turned that experience into action, building a space for others who may not feel seen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin is a husband, entrepreneur, and full-time caregiver to his wife, Shawna–– our very first podcast guest. In this episode, Justin talks about what it’s really like to care for someone you love. From juggling nonstop doctor visits to being the go-to advocate in every medical setting, Justin shares how he stays grounded, what keeps him going, and why self-care is survival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martine Hackett returns with a new season of Untold Stories: Life with a Severe Autoimmune Condition. The best stories unite us, empower us, and help us push forward against all odds. This season, we hear from people living with myasthenia gravis (MG) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) as they reclaim their identities, fight for care, and find strength in both community and themselves. Join us starting July 23rd.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2007, Tony’s MG journey began with severe double vision, quickly leading to several episodes of pneumonia. He was in and out of the hospital and rehab facilities for many years, only reaching his MG diagnosis in 2014. Through it all, he was supported by his wife and tireless caregiver, Catherine, documenting every step along the way. From the start, Tony remained determined to regain his strength and to raise awareness for MG. His curiosity and drive led him to become a voice for the MG community across Canada. Though his life changed drastically, Tony embraced the grieving process for the life he once knew and found ways to cherish his new reality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beyond the unpredictable symptoms, Dana’s CIDP journey included misdiagnosis after misdiagnosis and many lessons in insurance coverage. All of which made frustration a frequent feeling. There are many challenges–beyond the fatigue, muscle tingling, and weakness–associated with CIDP. Dana shares her story of living with CIDP, starting with muscle numbness on a camping trip, followed by years of appointments with multiple specialists and navigating insurance hurdles. Learning from her own CIDP journey, today, Dana uses her experiences to inspire, help, and connect with others in the CIDP and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re taking a quick break in the season and will be back soon with new episodes! In the meantime, if you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to check out some of the episodes from seasons one and two of Untold Stories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morgan found herself grappling with many feelings of loneliness and self-doubt on top of the overwhelming physical symptoms of her MG. Diagnosed in her mid-twenties, it felt like everything Morgan had built in her life might be taken away by the changes that came with her condition. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, Morgan found the strength to reconnect with herself and others. By tapping into her creativity and love for storytelling, she created an outlet that changed her life and the lives of many others facing MG. Morgan shares her story and how the experience lifted her up at a time when she felt truly alone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.