Chris shares the profound journey of raising his son, Sebastian, who has Batten disease CLN8. He reflects on the bittersweet experiences of witnessing Sebastian’s once-vibrant abilities erode under the weight of this rare, degenerative condition. Chris shares his constant search for new therapies that can help reduce the frequency of his son's seizures. We also talk about his fund-raising for clinical research and the lack of appetite from pharmaceutical companies to treat his son's rare condition.

The song that Chris chose is Tiny Dancer by Elton John.

Andrea shares her journey with Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome (PAS) and its complex challenges. Her story spans a life shaped by resilience and a relentless pursuit of better health outcomes, offering invaluable insights into living with rare, chronic conditions. Andrea speaks candidly about her experience, including her battles with diabetes, adrenal complications, and the transformative impact of receiving islet cell transplants. Her optimism and strength shine as she recounts triumphs over immense challenges.

The song that Andrea chose is Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder.

Jen shares her journey with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition marked by high blood pressure in the lungs, which severely affects her daily life. She recounts her initial symptoms, eventual diagnosis, and the physical and mental challenges that followed. As a former hospice nurse and caregiver, Jen reflects on her transition to patient, detailing the emotional impact of her increasing dependence on others. She is now an advocate for those with PAH and rare diseases, working to raise awareness and connect people to clinical trials and support networks.

The song that Jen selected is The Climb by Miley Cyrus.