Because We Are Strong

Welcome to the because we are a strong podcast. A podcast inspired by stories of struggle and strength. A place where you can feel safe enough to share every part of your rare story. The good, the bad, the happy, and anything in between. Many times those in the rare disease community feel isolated from the rest of the world. Rare disease comes with its own set of unique challenges, ones that are hard for the outside world to understand. Through our stories, we can bridge the gap between a lack of knowledge and understanding. Your story has the potential to touch and reach those who can relate and who otherwise feel alone. Together through our struggles, we can show our strength.

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Because We Are Strong

INTERVIEW: Leeya Alperin & GLA

October 26, 2021 • Kristine Hoestermann / Guest: Leeya Alperin • Season 2 • Episode 76

Hey Peeps! Welcome back to another weekly episode of Because We are Strong! This week we are talking with Leeya, who was only 15 years old when she started down this rare journey. In her sophomore year, she was diagnosed56 with GLA which changed her and her family's lives forever. Now at just 20 years old, Leeya has found a passion for advocacy. I am always in awe of the young advocates in this rare space and I am so confident in the work they will do to bring the invisible visible.
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Meet Leeya:
I am an honest person who at 20 years old has been through a lot in 4 1/2 years. At 15 years old, I went down the path to find out what was wrong. A lot of friends did not understand what I was going through and sometimes still do not.
Mental struggles are true and I also deal with neuropathic pain on top of the condition.

Diagnosed with Generalized Lymphatic Anomaly (GLA) at 15 years old during the first semester of sophomore year of high school. Since then, my family and I have been on a crazy but rewarding journey. Rewarding in the fact that we all love advocating and I have found a deep passion in wanting to pursue a career in hospital administration.

Learned and have gone through many things which have led to some “friends” coming and going. That’s also a learning experience of who you want in your life.

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Connect with Leeya:
Instagram - @leeyas.story
Go to www.lgdalliance.org for further information about patients like me with these complex lymphatic anomalies.

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This episode is sponsored by :

The CUBE and OOLER systems are two really cool gadgets that fit over the top of your mattress and use water to control the temperature of your bed. Right now Chili is offering my audience a really great deal. When you go to Chilisleep.com/findyourrare20, you can get 20% off the CUBE all sleep systems with findyourrare20. I hope you’ll check out Chili and see why I love their products so much.

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Kristine Hoestermann

Host