Episodes

  • EP 30 Iazsmin Ventura

    EP 30 Iazsmin Ventura
    Nov 16 2025
    In this powerful episode of Rare Awareness Radio, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Dr. Iazsmin Bauer-Ventura, an adult rheumatologist at the University of Chicago whose work centers on idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and interstitial lung disease (ILD). As part of our ongoing myositis series, this conversation brings a crucial clinical and research perspective to a disease that is frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and underfunded. Dr. Ventura breaks down: - What myositis really is—and why it’s a multi-system autoimmune disease - How muscle, skin, and lung involvement intersect in complex ways - Why multidisciplinary care (rheumatology, pulmonology, dermatology, neurology) is essential - Recent advances in treatment, including IVIG and promising clinical trial pipelines - How inequities, mistrust, and insurance gaps shape patient outcomes - The urgent consequences of declining federal research funding - Practical, empowering advice for newly diagnosed patients and caregivers She also shares her personal journey—from growing up in Brazil to becoming a physician-researcher at one of the nation’s leading ILD and myositis centers. This is one of our most comprehensive and insightful episodes yet—rich with clarity, compassion, and real-world guidance for anyone affected by myositis or rare autoimmune conditions. 🌐 Learn more: Myositis Association — myositis.org Rare Awareness Radio — rareawarenessradio.org
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    39 mins
  • EP 29 Holly Jones

    EP 29 Holly Jones
    Oct 26 2025
    Faith, Family, and the Three E’s: Holly Jones and the Power of Representation in the Myositis Community Description: In this powerful episode of Rare Awareness Radio, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Holly Jones — advocate, mother, and leader with The Myositis Association. Diagnosed with polymyositis at just 19 years old, Holly’s journey has been defined by faith, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to others. Today, she leads multiple initiatives across TMA — including the Women of Color Affinity Group, the Myositis Africa Support Group, and the Chair of the Development Board. Her signature 3E Framework — Encouragement, Education, and Empowerment — has become a model for support and inclusion across the rare disease community. Together, Richard and Holly discuss: - Finding hope and faith through chronic illness - How representation and cultural sensitivity strengthen rare disease advocacy - Building community through the 3E Framework - Supporting teens, young adults, and mothers living with myositis - The importance of equity, empathy, and visibility in rare disease leadership This heartfelt conversation reminds us that purpose can rise from pain — and that through connection, education, and encouragement, we can all help one another thrive. 🎧 Listen now and discover why Holly Jones embodies the true spirit of Rare Awareness. For more information, please visit https://www.myositis.org/
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    55 mins
  • EP 28 Namita Goyal

    EP 28 Namita Goyal
    Oct 11 2025
    Dr. Namita Goyal — Diagnosing Hope: Advances in Myositis and Neuromuscular Care Description: In this episode of Rare Awareness Radio, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Dr. Namita Goyal, Professor of Neurology and Director of Neuromuscular Medicine at UCI Health, to explore how advances in science and collaboration are reshaping the landscape for people living with myositis and related neuromuscular diseases. Dr. Goyal reflects on the case that sparked her two-decade passion for myositis care and research, explaining why early recognition, antibody testing, and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for improving outcomes. She also discusses: The five main subtypes of myositis and how they differ The ongoing “diagnostic odyssey” faced by many patients Evolving standards of diagnosis and treatment The promise of new clinical trials, IVIG therapy, and steroid-sparing strategies The critical role of physical therapy, respiratory care, and social support Her work with The Myositis Association (TMA) and its growing network of patient resources Through clinical insight and compassion, Dr. Goyal highlights why awareness, advocacy, and access remain at the heart of progress in rare disease care. 🌐 Learn more and connect with The Myositis Association at myositis.org 🎧 Rare Awareness Radio shares stories and expert perspectives that illuminate the realities — and the hope — of living with rare conditions.
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    41 mins
  • EP 27 Jen Swisher

    EP 27 Jen Swisher
    Sep 29 2025
    Episode Title: Navigating Myositis: Jen Swisher on Diagnosis, Advocacy, and Resilience 📝 Episode Description: In this deeply moving episode of Rare Awareness Radio, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Jen Swisher, a physician assistant, professor, mom of three, and dermatomyositis patient living with the TIF1-gamma autoantibody. Jen shares her extraordinary journey through years of misdiagnoses, delayed care, and debilitating symptoms—culminating in a diagnosis that changed her life. From her early medical career in emergency medicine and pharma, to becoming a full-time working mother navigating a rare autoimmune condition, Jen reflects on how her personal and professional worlds collided. Together, Richard and Jen discuss: What dermatomyositis is, and how it’s often overlooked The realities of IVIG, Rituxan, and immunosuppressive therapy The emotional toll of parenting with chronic illness Challenges within our healthcare system—especially for rare disease patients Her growing advocacy work with the Myositis Association (TMA) And why support networks for young, working patients are urgently needed This episode is about more than just a disease—it's about strength, empathy, and pushing for change in how we care for those with rare conditions. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, or advocate, Jen’s story will move and inspire you. 🔗 Resources & Links: The Myositis Association: www.myositis.org Rare Awareness Radio: www.rareawarenessradio.org 💬 Join the conversation by using #RareAwarenessRadio and tagging us on social! 🎙️ Subscribe, rate, and share to help amplify voices in the rare disease community.
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    47 mins
  • EP 26 Ed McGrath

    EP 26 Ed McGrath
    Sep 14 2025
    Rare Awareness Radio — Episode Title: One Step at a Time: Ed McGrath on Love, Advocacy, and Life with Myositis In this powerful episode of Rare Awareness Radio, we sit down with Ed McGrath, a passionate rare disease advocate, loving husband, and longtime partner to Marilyn McGrath, who lives with dermatomyositis—a rare autoimmune disease affecting the skin and muscles. Ed shares their deeply personal journey, beginning with the earliest signs of Marilyn’s illness during an anniversary trip, through a frustrating two-year search for a correct diagnosis. He recounts how they finally found hope and community through the Myositis Association (TMA), attending their first conference in 2013 and never looking back. You’ll hear about: - The emotional and physical toll of dermatomyositis - The impact of misdiagnosis and delayed care - The life-changing power of IVIG therapy - Navigating insurance and advocating for access - Ed and Marilyn’s role as mentors to newly diagnosed families - How community, education, and legislative action can spark change in the rare disease space Whether you're a caregiver, patient, clinician, or advocate, Ed's story is a testament to the strength of partnership, the importance of being your own advocate, and the real-world impact of rare disease awareness. 🔗 Learn more or get involved: 👉 https://www.myositis.org 👉 https://www.rareawarenessradio.org 🎙️ Hosted by Richard Juknavorian 💬 Subscribe, share, and help us amplify the voices of the rare disease community. #RareAwarenessRadio #Dermatomyositis #MyositisAwareness #CaregiverStories #RareDisease #PatientAdvocacy #IVIG #TMA #ChronicIllness #HealthEquity
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    33 mins
  • EP 25 Laurie Boyer

    EP 25 Laurie Boyer
    Sep 1 2025
    Turning Grief Into Purpose – Laurie Boyer, Chair of the Myositis Association 🟣 Rare Awareness Radio – A Podcast Dedicated to the Rare Disease Community In this profoundly moving episode, Richard Juknavorian speaks with Laurie Boyer, Chairperson of the Myositis Association, about her personal and professional journey in rare disease advocacy. After losing her brother to dermatomyositis with interstitial lung disease, Laurie transformed her grief into leadership—stepping into a national role to uplift, connect, and empower the myositis community. Laurie opens up about the early signs of her brother’s illness, the challenges her family faced navigating care, and the powerful impact of showing up—for loved ones, for other families, and for a cause bigger than herself. Together, we explore: What makes myositis so challenging to diagnose and treat The power of interdisciplinary care in rare disease Laurie’s path to board leadership at TMA How support groups and affinity networks reduce isolation Why storytelling, advocacy, and awareness are critical for change What gives Laurie hope for the future of rare disease research and its community 💜 Whether you're newly diagnosed, a caregiver, or an advocate looking to make a difference, this conversation offers empathy, wisdom, and actionable inspiration. 🎙️ "No act is too small." – Laurie Boyer 🔗 To learn more or get involved, visit: https://www.myositis.org 🔔 Subscribe to Rare Awareness Radio for more interviews that elevate the voices of rare disease patients, families, and leaders. #RareAwarenessRadio #Myositis #Dermatomyositis #Autoimmune #RareDisease #Caregiving #Advocacy #Podcast #LaurieBoyer #TMA #InterstitialLungDisease #PatientStories #MyositisAssociation
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    31 mins
  • EP 24 Samuel M. Young, Jr., PhD

    EP 24 Samuel M. Young, Jr., PhD
    Aug 16 2025
    In this episode of Rare Awareness Radio, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Dr. Sam Young, Director of the Gene Therapy Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. From his early days as a Princeton football player turned molecular biology student, to training under Nobel laureates and leading pioneering labs across the U.S. and Europe, Sam has built a career at the cutting edge of gene therapy. His story is one of resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to tackle “generational questions” that few others dare to pursue. Together, we explore: The evolution of gene therapy from early setbacks to transformative breakthroughs. Why packaging limits in AAV vectors matter—and how new adenoviral approaches may unlock treatments for large, complex genes. The urgent challenges in treating rare neurological conditions like Ataxia-Telangiectasia and CACNA1A-related disorders. The importance of integration between scientists, clinicians, and patient advocates to bring new therapies forward. Dr. Young reminds us that the real heroes are always the patients and families, and that the responsibility of science is to create the world not as it is, but as it should be. 🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation about science, persistence, and hope for the rare disease community. For additional information on Sam Young, please visit - https://www.med.unc.edu/pediatrics/people/samuel-m-young-jr-phd/ To learn more about the CACNA1A Foundation, please visit - https://www.cacna1a.org/
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    50 mins
  • EP 23 Kristin Baranano

    EP 23 Kristin Baranano
    Aug 2 2025
    Understanding CACNA1A: A Conversation with Dr. Kristin Baranano Episode Description: In this powerful episode of Rare Awareness Radio, host Richard Juknavorian sits down with Dr. Kristin Baranano, a pediatric neurologist and neurogeneticist at Johns Hopkins University, to explore CACNA1A-related disorders—rare neurological conditions that affect children and adults across a complex spectrum of symptoms including ataxia, epilepsy, developmental delays, and more. Dr. Baranano shares her clinical journey, from her early research in developmental neuroscience to her current work treating and supporting families facing these challenging diagnoses. Together, they discuss: What CACNA1A is and how it functions in the brain The diagnostic process and why it’s often a long and emotional journey The role of genetic counseling and family history Current management strategies and the importance of multidisciplinary care Emerging research and the future of precision medicine in neurology Trusted resources and support networks for families, including the CACNA1A Foundation This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and advocates committed to improving care and raising awareness for rare neurological disorders. 🔗 Learn more: https://www.cacna1a.org/ 📬 Subscribe to Rare Awareness Radio for more conversations with experts and changemakers in rare disease. #CACNA1A #Neurogenetics #RareDiseaseAwareness #PediatricNeurology #PrecisionMedicine #GeneticDisorders #RareAwarenessRadio
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    25 mins