Lung Story Short

On this weeks podcast we interview a very special human; Kim, a long time friend and now part of my Minneapolis family. She was a big part of our support system when Rima was going through her double lung transplant this past year. Kim, is no stranger to being a caregiver, she knows what it’s like to advocate for someone who is sick, not just someone, but, a loved one, a family member, a parent. Her dad was diagnosed with brain cancer when she was young and beat the odds year after year, fourteen years to be exact! Tune in and learn about Kim’s father and how she had to step into caregiver’s shoes early on in life. Such a strong, caring, happy and amazing person, Kim has taken all the good and bad and grown from it and made the best out of some sour lemons. Perspective, positive thinking and the occasional laugh can sometimes get you through the hardest times in life, something Kim lived by and still does. So grateful she shared her story with us!

On this weeks podcast episode tune in and meet an amazing couple who are defying the odds in terms of living life with Cystic Fibrosis. Meet the Stroops a young couple who make their own rules. Taylor and Kelsey Stroop are living in an RV traveling the U.S. Currently they’re in Colorado, where we got to talk to them about how they ended up there and the stories that shaped them as individuals and as a couple. Taylor was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at 5 months old and became very use to the medical life early on. Kelsey on the other hand, was introduced to the CF life after she met Taylor and has embraced the “new normal” with open arms, even if hospitals and doctors are not her favorite. The things you do for the ones you love! Such an inspirational couple, it was so much fun getting to speak with them and learn about their RV life, and their Sixty Five Apparel brand, spreading awareness for CF through eye catching graphics. This is a great episode for anyone married or dating a CFer!

On this weeks podcast we have the pleasure of interviewing one of Rima’s amazing salty cysters. What may you ask is a salty cyster, well, these special nicknames are used between friends in the Cystic Fibrosis community, referring to another person who has CF. Rima and Tiffany are not just friends, or salty cysters but also have experienced very similar journeys recently. Receiving a double lung transplant and moving through the motions of post transplant life. Tiff get’s real about her journey with Cystic Fibrosis and getting a transplant. We discuss organ donation, which is very close to Tiffany’s heart. Check out this episode and learn more about this amazing woman who is so full of life and passion. You can find her on YouTube at Tiffany Rich. IG @tiffrich22 @Saltycysters and listen to her own podcast at @breathe_in_pod

This week’s podcast Rima and I give you all an update on what’s going on with us in our lives in Denver and in Minneapolis. Rima is in the hospital getting pumped full of IV’s and trying to get a handle on her weight. I’m living my life in Minneapolis getting more in-tune with life as a functioning adult. Rima will be coming up to Minneapolis soon and we have so many restaurants on our list, watch out Rima’s appetite she’s coming for you. LISTENERS we have a request from you. Let us know what you would like us to talk about in an up coming podcast. Any questions you would liked answered? Any funny things you would like us to talk about? Anything you’ve been wanting to find out from us? Now is your chance! DM us or leave a comment! Excited to see what is thrown our direction! 

On this weeks podcast we continue our path down the catfish river. What Rima and I thought at first might have only happened to us, being catfished by an evil woman creating fictional family members who had CF, was sadly not the case. After our Episode 6 podcast a few weeks ago we were contacted by a member of the CF community in the UK who had not only been in contact with this person, but, met her in the flesh. Holly, a strong, beautiful, vibrant, funny, caring and double lung transplant recipient recounts her associations and "friendship" with Katy, the catfish succubus. Listen to her melodic and hypnotizing British accent as she paints quite the vivid and true story of how Katy started to embody a catfish. Holly, unbeknownst to her gave Katy pivotal and crucial information that would inspire her to create fictional personas, like, Makayla who "had" CF. We teamed up together across the Atlantic Ocean to bring more light to this serious issue we believe has not been talked about enough in the chronic illness communities. We hope to educate and spread awareness; follow your gut and don't be afraid to ask questions. If people have nothing to hide, then they should have no problem answering truthfully. I continue with my mantra from the last episode, eat catfish don't be eaten by them!

On this weeks podcast we have a very special guest. One that has been in our lives for many years. Rima's best friend since she was 5 years old! Olivia, an inspirational, push yourself, laugh till you drop, positivity radiating from her soul, every day type of badass woman. In the age of self-love and self-care Olivia has found her niche. Functional medicine is her compass. Take a listen and learn about eating correctly, how crash diets don't work, shocking, I know... Olivia tries to tackle and assist Rima's, for lack of a better word, "poor eating habits". She touches on subjects like kombucha, gut health, intuitive eating and more. She is all about listening to your body and fixing issues with food and lifestyle changes vs taking a pill to just cover up the problem. A great way to live your life especially if you deal with chromic issues. Food is the source of life, so of course it can make or break a healthy life. We are so happy she got to spread some of her knowledge with us, and, you!

We interview an amazing influencer in the Cystic Fibrosis community. Somer Love, aka Love to Breathe, chats with us about making a difference in the CF community. From fundraising to facetiming young CFers while they do their vest treatments. She inspires others through educational and motivational talks and speeches. An advocate not just for her own health but many others, she lives to spread awareness and love as much as she can. Rima and I giggle away in-between being in awe of this brilliant, strong, intelligent woman who is making lives better with her love and kind soul. 

This weeks podcast we talk about a not so fun subject. Being catfished in the Cystic Fibrosis community. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's a thing. No one seems to be addressing it publicly so of course Rima and I am. We do so because we have just gone through one of the craziest experiences I've ever encountered or heard of. Anytime we tell people the story mouths are wide open in gasps and disbelief. Trust is something the Cystic Fibrosis community is built on and very unfortunately some people prey on this and feed off of the amazingly tight knit community it has become. 

In this podcast we interview each other with thought provoking questions. Getting to know each other a little more. There is always something to learn about others no matter how well you think you may know them! 

In this episode of our podcast we Interview one of Rima's Cystic Fibrosis friends she met off of social media. Meet Jackie; an energetic, intelligent, hard working, and a powerhouse of a woman. She has overcome multiple health issues and is pushing through with a positive mindset. Looking at the brighter side of life and living life to its fullest. Learn how she was put in a medically induced coma and then received a double lung transplant. 

Special guest Kassandra talks about having CF, dealing with coming to a transplant decision. She inspires others through her words and how she lives her life. She's going to be traveling around the US with her van she is remodeling and her dog! Not letting CF slow her down she an amazing outlook on life and how to live life on the edge.

We discuss how life is unpredictable and how when negative things occur to you in your life, it's what you make of yourself that sets you apart from others. Do what makes you happy, live out your dreams. Follow your heart because you don't know when you wont be able to do to health. Live your life to the fullest.

Talking about the last two years. Giving a brief summary of what happened and what we want the podcast to be.