INTERVIEW: Christine Rich & Chronic Artwork

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: Christine Rich & Chronic

November 23, 2021 • Kristine Hoestermann / Guest: Christine Rich • Season 2 • Episode 78

Christine Rich is an award-winning marketing executive, retired spin instructor, speaker, mentor, mama, advocate, and author.

She is passionate about raising awareness about the intersection of chronic illness and mental health and advocating for better support for patients and physicians.

She serves on the board of directors of the Northeast Ohio Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, is a support group facilitator and also volunteers on the national Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's Patient Advisory Task Force.

Imagine the collective power if every person with a chronic illness spoke candidly about how mental and emotional health affects their physical symptoms.

I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at a young age and spent many years trying to hide from and deny the fear, anger, and sadness I felt because of my illness. I recently published a book called "Chronic" about how a serious health scare in my late twenties caused me to reevaluate and change her focus to wellness and self-love rather than illness and fear.

Through raw and personal stories and insights, I share my journey of living with and befriending my less-than-glamorous, often times invisible, chronic illness called Crohn's disease.

These insights include:

How women insist they’re “fine” even when they aren’t.

Why physicians should consistently discuss mental health with their patients.

What the power of radical acceptance and self-love can provide.

Chronic encourages readers to shift their perspective of chronic illness from one of shame or fear to one of acceptance and love. Throughout her book, I give readers reasons to feel empowered and to know they are not alone.

Connect with Christine:
Instagram: @christinerich_author

Website: www.christinemrich.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Chronic-Christine-M-Rich/dp/1636764827/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=chronic+christine+rich&qid=1633886322&sr=8-1

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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