Kelly and Avery are two advocates living with Collagen VI-related congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD), an ultra-rare neuromuscular condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and impacts mobility and respiratory function.

They share their personal journeys with disability, discussing how their condition shaped their childhood, their transition to using power wheelchairs, and the societal assumptions they have had to challenge along the way. What emerges is not a story defined by limitations, but one of determination and community.

Beyond their personal experiences, both guests highlight the importance of advocacy – from mentoring younger people with CMD to participating in Rare Disease Week on Capitol Hill to raise awareness and influence policy. Their reflections underscore the urgency of improving diagnosis timelines, increasing research access, and ensuring people with disabilities are included in decisions that affect them.

Kelly and Avery host their own podcast, Wheel Talks, which provides a space for honest conversations about disability, independence, and representation. Their voices bring warmth, honesty, and hope about living fully while navigating a rare condition.

Ultimately, this episode is a powerful reminder that visibility, storytelling, and community can create meaningful change.

Carter lives with multiple conditions, and this episode is focused on two of them: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Carter’s story is one of quiet endurance, misdiagnosis, rediscovery, and ultimately purpose.

Born with classical EDS caused by a collagen gene variant, Carter spent two decades sensing “something wasn’t quite right” before receiving a diagnosis. Years of chronic pain, joint instability, GI issues, and nerve problems were compounded by mast cell symptoms that mimicked psychiatric illness – hallucinations, mood swings, anxiety.

We discuss the profound shift after Carter’s diagnosis and receiving the right treatment for MCAS: clearer thinking, emotional stability, and physical relief. Deeper than the physical symptoms, Carter speaks with wisdom about reclaiming selfhood and finding peace. He also reflects on discovering a community who understands him, and finding a purpose in advocacy.

Carter’s reflections on resilience, stigma in healthcare, identity, and hope are thoughtful and deeply human.

The song that he chose is Standing Outside the Fire by Garth Brooks.

Sylvain speaks with Roberta about living alongside Alagille syndrome through her daughter Chloe’s journey. Roberta shares what it means to parent a child with a rare, multi-system condition, from the shock of an early diagnosis, to years dominated by relentless itching, sleep deprivation, and the emotional weight of watching her child suffer.

The conversation explores not only the medical realities of Alagille syndrome, but also the invisible burdens placed on caregivers, particularly when support systems fall short. Roberta reflects on the life-changing impact of clinical trials, the complexities of liver transplantation, and the long road toward independence for a young adult living with a chronic illness. Throughout, there is a quiet but powerful thread of hope, grounded in medical progress, community, and the small, human moments that sustain families through unimaginable challenges.

The song Roberta chose is Here Comes The Sun by the Beatles.

Brandon shares a deeply personal and grounded account of living with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), a rare and potentially life-threatening autoimmune vasculitis. Brandon walks us through his diagnosis as a young Division I athlete, the long road to remission, and the physical and emotional toll of repeated relapses, impacting his lungs, kidneys, and identity as a runner.

Beyond the medical realities, this conversation gently explores grief, mental health, and the quiet isolation that often accompanies rare disease, especially in a sport environment when there is a pressure – external or self-inflicted – to “push through”. Brandon reflects on learning to listen to his body, manage stress, and redefine success away from constant striving.

The episode also highlights the power of community, advocacy, and shared stories through Brandon’s work with the Vasculitis Foundation, a reminder that inspiration doesn’t always come from extraordinary achievements; sometimes it comes from showing up, telling the truth, and helping others feel less alone.

The song that Brandon chose is Father’s Son by Steven Wilson Jr.

Sylvain speaks with Gay Grossman about life with ADCY5, a rare genetic movement disorder, and the journey she and her daughter Lilly have travelled together. Gay shares the long and often lonely road to diagnosis, the physical realities of a condition that affects the body but not the mind, and the quiet resilience Lilly has shown since childhood. The conversation moves through years of misdiagnosis, advocacy in schools, sleepless nights, and relentless problem-solving, before arriving at a moment of transformation: a treatment discovered through community, research, and lived experience that has profoundly changed Lilly’s quality of life. Above all, this episode is a story about perseverance, parental advocacy, and the belief that understanding the root cause can change everything, not just for one family, but for many.

The piece of music that Gay chose is Canon by Johann Pachelbel.

Marguerite shares the story of her son Louis and their life with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a complex rare disease. Marguerite speaks with honesty, warmth and clarity about the medical, emotional and practical realities of raising a child with a rare genetic condition, from Louis’s fragile start in neonatal intensive care to adulthood in a specialist supported living environment. She explores complex themes such as food security, anxiety, autism, and the invisible labour of caregiving, while challenging societal assumptions about success, independence and what a “good life” looks like. Marguerite is a strong advocate for the PWS community, and the importance of social care for children and families dealing with a rare condition. This episode is ultimately a powerful reminder that with understanding, routine, community and the right support, people with Prader-Willi syndrome can live happy, meaningful lives – and that listening to those with lived experience is essential.

The song that Louis chose is Say Something by Justin Timberlake featuring Chris Stapleton.

This is the story of Yiannis, nicknamed “Mr. Sunshine”, told by his mother Angela. Yiannis is a 5-year-old boy who lives with the ultra-rare IRF2BPL-related disorder, which has affected his development in many ways. Angela describes the profound ways in which this condition has reshaped their lives, and how hope is their drive to make a difference for Yiannis and other children affected by IRF2BPL.

Angela’s story is one of fierce advocacy and unconditional love. After Yiannis’ diagnosis, she and her husband founded Yellow for Yiannis, a foundation devoted to advancing research into the condition and supporting other families facing similar diagnoses. Angela balances the day-to-day joy of raising her son, with her fight to be heard by the scientific community to find a suitable treatment for Yannis.

Music, especially “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, plays a central role in their lives. Angela naturally selected this song for this episode.

Kayleigh opens up about living with Addison’s disease, a rare condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol. Diagnosed at just 15, Kayleigh describes the medical journey that led to her diagnosis, the daily routines that keep her well, and the emotional resilience she’s built along the way. Despite the challenges of balancing chronic illness with study and performance dreams in musical theatre, she radiates optimism and determination.

Kayleigh’s story is one of strength, self-awareness, and adaptability – from planning university choices around nearby endocrinology hospitals to managing stress and illness triggers with remarkable maturity. Her openness about wanting more chronic illness representation in theatre is inspiring, as she reminds listeners of the importance of visibility and empathy.

The song that Kayleigh chose is The Chain by Fleetwood Mac.