Communication and speaking up for ourselves is so important, yet can feel exhausting. Valen, Cristen, and their friend, Noelia, dig deep into three aspects of communication as it relates to patient advocacy. First, experiences of advocating for ourselves in our social relationships with partners, loved ones, friends, and the community at large. Sec…

Valen, Cristen, and their friend, Elizabeth, share their individual paths of whether to have children, what led to their choices, and how ADPKD and transplant shaped their decision-making. They acknowledge the emotions surrounding their difficult decisions, share personal stories on how they navigated and embraced having or not having a child, and …

We never forget the day we receive a life-altering diagnosis. Valen and Cristen share their pivotal moments of being diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). With Valen being diagnosed as a child, they discuss the lessons learned from living with ADPKD from youth to adulthood. Through the challenges surrounding a lifelong health journey, the…

Valen and Cristen delve into the profound world of emotions surrounding chronic illness. They discuss mental health stigma, the lack of support and resources, and why being proactive with our mental health is so important. You’ll learn insights into how to become an advocate for your emotional wellbeing and strategies for accessing and working with…

Hosts Valen and Cristen share how their unique yet parallel experiences of living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) led to their serendipitous friendship and passion for patient advocacy. This episode introduces the two women and how they inspired the power of hope in each other before meeting. Valen and Cristen also explore how their PKD and tr…