Rare Genomics / RareShare Podcast Series: Ask the Expert & Patient Navigation

Listen to RareShare's latest podcast with Geraldine Renton, book author and Irish mother of a Hunter Syndrome child. In this episode, Geraldine tells of her family's journey navigating the challenges of a rare disease that led to the writing of her book Ethan and Me. Hear about their courageous battle with adversity, as they learned of the genetic enzyme deficiency behind the disease and faced its unrelenting consequences, leading to Ethan's passing in late 2020. From learning about Ethan's diagnosis, to locating support and treatments, to just being a mom, the podcast paints a broad perspective about confronting a rare disease. This very candid and detailed account, which includes many lighter enduring moments about life with Ethan, is heartwarming, informative and inspirational.

From the book Ethan and Me: "You're now in a secret world. You'll see things you never imagined... yet you'll also witness so many everyday miracles. You'll treasure things most wouldn't think twice about. You'll become an advocate, an educator, a specialist and a therapist, but most of all you'll be Mom or Dad to the most wonderful child."

Anne Bruns’ son Ethan was diagnosed with Atypical Hemolytic Uremic syndrome (Atypical HUS), when he was just 8 years old. Anne tells us how she, Ethan and the rest of their family first reacted to the diagnosis, shares her advice for other families coping with a rare disease diagnosis, and lets us know how Ethan is doing today. www.rareshare.org

No one expects to get a rare disease diagnosis in their mid 20s at the start of a budding career, then get fired for spending too much time away getting treatment, but that’s exactly what happened to Candace Lerman in 2014. Now, almost 6 years later, inspired by her own quest for effective treatment, Candace has retrained as a lawyer and is fighting for new treatment approvals on Capitol Hill. Candace joins us to chat about her experience as a rare disease patient, how she went from losing her job, to succeeding at law school, and about the work she is doing to assist nonprofits in the rare disease space. Candace is also going to share some advice for rare disease patients who want to have a career, and give some tips about keeping your health data safe when taking part in clinical research. www.rareshare.org

Rare Genomics Institute founder and president, Dr. Jimmy LIn, discusses health equity and rare diseases in this episode of the RareShare podcast series.

Serving the Amish and Mennonite communities in Central Pennsylvania, the Clinic for Special Children provides counseling and healthcare for rare disorders affecting the local population. In doing so, it has become a recognized leader in the treatment and scientific understanding of conditions such as Maple Syrup Urine Disease. Listen to an in-depth, fascinating story of the clinic, its goals, accomplishments and challenges as told by current staff members. You'll almost certainly agree that it is truly a special place!