Unpacking the Gift of Life
Our experiences shape more than our health. They shape our relationships, our identity, and the way we move through the world. In Season 3, Unpacking the Gift of Life explores the intersection of health, humanity, and connection—with hope, honesty, and hard-won insight to navigate care, find purpose, and live well alongside chronic illness.
Hosted by patient advocacy leader and two-time transplant recipient Valen Keefer, every episode is a reminder that none of us are navigating it alone. Through real stories from patients, transplant survivors, healthcare providers, researchers, and advocates, we share heartfelt conversations about building resilience, finding connection, and discovering the perspectives that make life so beautiful.
Unpacking the Gift of Life
Advocating for Ourselves in Social and Healthcare Relationships
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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. Second, the meaning, purpose, and value of a trusting relationship with our healthcare teams. And third, they share conversations about internal dialogue, being kind to ourselves, and emotional honesty. Tune in to learn ways to advocate for yourself, be empowered to have honest conversations, and live a meaningful life in the midst of chronic illness.
Learn more about your hosts:
- Valen Keefer, Patient Advocate, Consultant, Educator, Motivational Speaker: www.valenkeefer.com
- Cristen Wathen, Licensed Counselor and Associate Professor at Palo Alto University: https://www.paloaltou.edu/faculty/cristen-wathen-phd-lcpc-ncc
Additional resources:
- Letters of Hope - a docuseries on the trials and triumphs of transplantation: Letters of Hope | Valen Keefer
- Chronic Illness and Assertiveness - Setting firm boundaries for better health: Chronic Illness and Assertiveness- Psychology Today
- Minority Health Resources: US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health
- Treatment Challenges in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease - Continuing research, current treatment guidelines, and a look at why Black and Hispanic populations are chronically underserved: Polycystic Kidney Disease BIPOC Treatment Challenges
- NKF Peers en Español: https://www.kidney.org/es/peers