『It Happened To Me: A Rare Disease and Medical Challenges Podcast』のカバーアート

It Happened To Me: A Rare Disease and Medical Challenges Podcast

It Happened To Me: A Rare Disease and Medical Challenges Podcast

著者： Cathy Gildenhorn Beth Glassman and Kira Dineen (DNA Today)
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The mission of our podcast is to support you, our listeners and to create community, as you confront the toughest challenges in life. All of us will experience health hardships. The real question is how we adapt. That is the focus of It Happened To Me, which wants to help you overcome limitations and live a full and satisfying life. Drawing on their own health challenges, hosts Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman interview guests who share stories and research to help you succeed in the face of difficult health obstacles. It happened to me…I’m not alone and neither are you. We encourage you to learn more at ItHappenedToMePod.com. Please use the contact form on our website to submit your guest suggestions, comments, questions, ideas, and feedback for the show, you can also email us directly at ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com. It Happened To Me is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. Steve Holsonback is our media engineer and co-producer. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our ...All rights reserved to the team: Cathy Gildenhorn, Beth Glassman, & Kira Dineen (DNA Today) 科学
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  • #91 Walking Away From Triple Bypass: Jack Clifford’s Experience with EECP

    #91 Walking Away From Triple Bypass: Jack Clifford’s Experience with EECP
    2026/09/07

    At 47 years old, Jack Clifford was hospitalized with severe coronary artery disease and told that he needed emergency triple bypass surgery. As he reviewed the consent forms and confronted the possibility of not waking up from the procedure, memories of his mother’s difficult experience following bypass surgery weighed heavily on him.

    Facing intense pressure to act quickly, Jack made the unexpected decision to leave the hospital against medical advice and investigate whether another option existed.

    In this episode of It Happened To Me, Jack joins hosts Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman to share how he discovered enhanced external counterpulsation, commonly known as EECP. He describes the extraordinary lengths he went to access the therapy, what treatment was like, and how the experience changed his understanding of circulation, informed consent, and patient autonomy.

    Jack also reflects on why patients may not hear about every potential treatment option, what he learned while researching the healthcare system, and how his personal journey eventually became a book and a mission to help others become more informed and empowered participants in their medical care.

    In This Episode, We Discuss
    • The moment Jack was told he needed emergency triple bypass surgery
    • How his mother’s experience after bypass influenced his decision
    • What it was like to leave the hospital against medical advice
    • How Jack discovered EECP
    • What EECP treatment was like for him physically and emotionally
    • The sacrifices he made to access treatment
    • When he began noticing changes in his symptoms and quality of life
    • The importance of asking questions before making major medical decisions
    • What patients should understand about informed consent
    • Why some therapies remain unfamiliar or underused
    • Jack’s belief that circulation can be supported and trained
    • How he turned his experience into a patient-advocacy mission
    • What he hopes other people facing serious diagnoses take away from his story
    Resources
    • EECP Locator — Search for EECP treatment providers and learn more about the therapy.
    • Why Your Heart Is Not a Pump — Ben Greenfield Life — A conversation exploring alternative perspectives on the heart, circulation, and cardiovascular function.
    Medical Disclaimer

    This episode shares one person’s experience and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice or recommend that anyone delay, decline, or discontinue cardiac care. Treatment decisions, including decisions involving surgery or EECP, should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals who understand your individual medical history and circumstances.

    If you are experiencing symptoms of a possible heart attack or another medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.

    Connect With It Happened To Me Podcast

    Stay tuned for the next episode of It Happened To Me. In the meantime, explore our previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, ItHappenedToMe.com, or your favorite podcast platform by searching for It Happened To Me.

    It Happened To Me is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. Kira Dineen of Gene Pool Media serves as Executive Producer.

    For questions, guest suggestions, or other inquiries, contact us at ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.
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    48 分
  • #90 No Kid Sleeps on the Floor: Building 500K+ Beds to Change Lives

    #90 No Kid Sleeps on the Floor: Building 500K+ Beds to Change Lives
    2026/08/17
    What began as one handmade bed in a garage has grown into a global movement that has changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of children. In this episode of It Happened To Me, hosts Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman speak with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit guided by the mission: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.” Luke shares the personal journey behind the organization, from his upbringing in small-town Idaho to building what has become the largest bed-building charity in the world. He explains what inspired him to build that first bed, what families have taught him about need and resilience, and why a safe place to sleep can profoundly affect a child’s dignity, emotional well-being, physical health, and ability to thrive. The conversation also explores the ripple effects of service, the challenges of leading a rapidly growing nonprofit, and how ordinary people can create extraordinary change by responding to the needs directly in front of them. Trigger Warning This episode briefly mentions a story involving a shooting and murder. Please listen with care. In This Episode, We Discuss The experience that inspired Luke to build his first bedThe often-unseen reality of children sleeping without bedsHow Sleep in Heavenly Peace grew from a garage project into a global nonprofitThe emotional and practical impact receiving a bed can have on a child and familyWhat families have taught Luke about pride, dignity, resilience, and hidden needThe relationship between sleep, mental health, physical energy, and childhood developmentHow having a bed can support routine, stability, school attendance, and readiness to learnWhy serving others can be transformative for both the recipient and the volunteerNavigating burnout, fear, doubt, and the responsibility of leading a growing movementWhat Luke has learned about generosity and the power of communities working togetherHow listeners can begin making a difference through small, meaningful acts of service About Luke Mickelson Luke Mickelson is the powerhouse founder behind Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a global nonprofit dedicated to the mission that “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.” What started as a single handmade bunk bed in a garage has grown into a movement with more than 400 chapters across 47 states and four countries, and at the end of the summer, they will reach the milestone of 500,000 beds built and delivered to children in need. A former “farm kid” from Kimberly, Idaho, Luke combines his background in competitive athletics and business leadership with his “Humans Helping Humans” philosophy. His journey from corporate professional to CNN Hero and American Ninja Warrior competitor has been featured on NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America, and Today. Luke now travels the country inspiring audiences to recognize the extraordinary potential within “tiny moments” and rediscover the profound joy of serving others. Resources Sleep in Heavenly Peace Learn more about the organization, request a bed, find a local chapter, volunteer, or support its mission: https://shpbeds.org The Leadership Evolution Podcast Hosted by Luke Mickelson, the podcast explores leadership, personal growth, service, and the experiences that shape how people lead: https://lukemickelson.com/podcast Luke Mickelson Learn more about Luke’s speaking, podcast, and work: https://lukemickelson.com Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World By Admiral William H. McRaven Beth references Admiral McRaven’s book, which grew out of the commencement address he delivered to the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on May 17, 2014. The book explores how small, disciplined actions—beginning with making your bed—can help people face challenges, support others, and create meaningful change. Connect With It Happened To Me Podcast Stay tuned for the next episode of It Happened To Me. In the meantime, explore our previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, ItHappenedToMe.com, or your favorite podcast platform by searching for It Happened To Me. It Happened To Me is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. Kira Dineen of Gene Pool Media serves as Executive Producer. For questions, guest suggestions, or other inquiries, contact us at ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.
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    53 分
  • #89 Living Beyond the Shadows: Life with Erythropoietic Protoporphyria

    #89 Living Beyond the Shadows: Life with Erythropoietic Protoporphyria
    2026/08/03

    For most people, stepping into the sunshine is an ordinary part of life. For Craig Leppert, even a few minutes of sun exposure can cause severe pain and swelling.

    Craig lives with erythropoietic protoporphyria, or EPP, a rare genetic condition that causes extreme sensitivity to light. Born in Hawaii, raised on the Jersey Shore, and now working in the television industry in Los Angeles, Craig has spent much of his life planning around the sun.

    In this episode, Craig joins hosts Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman to share what growing up with EPP was really like, how the condition affected his relationships and everyday choices, and why its often-invisible pain can be so difficult for others to understand.

    Craig also discusses founding Shadow Jumpers in 2017. The nonprofit supports individuals and families with photosensitive conditions through sun-safe vacations, home renovations, protective clothing, medical assistance, transportation, and community programs.

    In 2024, Shadow Jumpers launched Sun Escape, a free annual weekend camp where photosensitive families can enjoy activities including horseback riding, archery, zip lining, and water park access in a carefully sun-safe environment.

    Craig also reflects on participating in a clinical trial of bitopertin, an investigational treatment for EPP, and what it felt like to spend hours outside without the severe pain that had shaped his life.

    In This Episode, We Discuss
    • Craig’s earliest experiences with painful sun exposure
    • What an EPP reaction feels like
    • The childhood experiences and social events he missed
    • How EPP affected relationships, travel, work, and daily planning
    • Why Craig founded Shadow Jumpers
    • The practical support the organization provides to families
    • How Sun Escape creates a safe and joyful camp experience
    • Craig’s experience participating in a bitopertin clinical trial
    • His reaction to the FDA’s decision not to grant accelerated approval
    • Finding resilience, purpose, and community through advocacy
    • Craig’s message to children with EPP and their parents
    About the Guest

    Craig Leppert is the founder of Shadow Jumpers, a nonprofit supporting individuals and families affected by EPP and other photosensitive conditions through programs including Sun Escape, family assistance, protective clothing, and sun-safe experiences.

    Craig’s diagnostic journey was featured on Discovery Channel’s Mystery Diagnosis in the episode “The Boy Who Kept Swelling,” and he later appeared with his family on The Dr. Oz Show. His life with EPP and advocacy through Shadow Jumpers were also recently featured in People.

    Resources
    • Shadow Jumpers: shadowjumpers.org
    • Instagram: @shadowjumpers_
    • Facebook: Shadow Jumpers
    • People feature: Read Craig’s story
    • Video: Watch “The Boy Who Kept Swelling”
    • United Porphyrias Association: Education and support for people affected by EPP and other porphyrias

    Bitopertin was previously studied as a potential treatment for schizophrenia but was never approved for that condition. It remains investigational and is not currently approved for EPP.

    Connect With It Happened To Me Podcast

    Stay tuned for the next episode of It Happened To Me. In the meantime, explore our previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, ItHappenedToMe.com, or your favorite podcast platform by searching for It Happened To Me.

    It Happened To Me is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. Kira Dineen of Gene Pool Media serves as Executive Producer.

    For questions, guest suggestions, or other inquiries, contact us at ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.
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    48 分
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