At age 11, Madison made her way to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting, which led to roles on Chicago PD, Supernatural, and Arrow. Now 24, two of Madison’s three younger sisters have been diagnosed with HBSL (full name: hypomyelination with brainstem and spinal cord involvement and leg spasticity), which affects a person’s brain and spinal cord and impairs motor function.

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Social distancing and quarantining have been a part of almost everyone’s life since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jenny and her son Caleb had a lengthy head start. Due to Caleb’s leukemia diagnosis a little over a year ago, he has been isolating at the hospital or home for the past 14 months, at times even unable to visit with his siblings.

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One of the most amazing aspects of our CoachArt families is their tireless willingness to give back and help others. We’re constantly inspired by the parents and children who have made the commitment to support similar families in need, even while they themselves undertake the difficult challenge of fighting chronic illness.

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In our recent interview for The UpBeat Podcast, I was surprised when she told me that many of the coping mechanisms those families use for navigating the stresses of complicated health situations would also benefit all of us during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. 

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and host Greg sits down for a chat with Alexa Chronister, the inspiring Founder and President of

Fight Like A Warrior, a non-profit organization “working to unite, empower, and advocate for

those fighting life-altering health conditions around the world.”

Alexa’s medical challenges started early in childhood, but went undiagnosed for years. Doctors

originally shrugged off her problems as “growing pains,” but by the time she got to high school,

Alexa’s health challenges took her back for a diagnosis — and she was told by a physician that

the pain was “in her head.”

Her amazing parents taught her about self-advocacy and empowerment and finally after a long

struggle, Alexa was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder, and

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, a condition affecting the flow of blood through the

body.

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Immediately after her diagnosis, Jessie was inspired to help other kids at the hospital. She was concerned that kids hospitalized for long periods would be unhappy — and she wanted to change that.

So Jessie began making “JoyJars” — plastic jars that she filled with toys and all sorts of things to cheer up a sick kid.

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Kendell has been a longtime friend of CoachArt, teaching many children sewing and cooking, two passions that she found at a very early age. She’s here to tell us how she got started, how much she enjoys volunteering with CoachArt students, and how giving your best to someone else helps bring out the best in you.

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and host Greg has the chance to chat with Derek Hughes, a “stand-up magician” who performs

live all across the country and has appeared on numerous TV shows, including America’s Got

Talent (where he was a finalist on season 10). Derek was also a featured performer at our 2019

CoachArt Gala of Champions.

As a child, Derek was born prematurely with an atrial septal defect — a hole between two

chambers of his heart. Derek shares the amazing story of how he overcame this challenging

condition and how his love of magic and performing helped him along the way. He also

discusses tips for how kids with chronic illnesses can find their passion and how his involvement

with the CoachArt Gala of Champions impacted his life and his work.

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Soon after, Stephen underwent a successful heart transplant and began to use his new computer to take his mind off the long process of treatment and recovery. He started to make videos for himself and for others — and today that hobby has grown into a career. Stephen’s here to tell us all about his road to recovery and how video production went from a fun diversion to a full-time job.

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Callae sat down to discuss her diagnosis, treatment, how she created a successful business as a cancer survivor, and how she balances her charity goals with her busy work schedule. To be inspired by other survivors who have succeeded in business, read the full blog post here. 

The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.

If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org.

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For more about Deja and other amazing influential athletes, read the blog post here.

The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.

If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org.

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Deena shares the story of how Nomi’s life was saved by her older sister Maya and how Deena’s experiences led her to move the main focus of her psychotherapy practice to treat families impacted by cancer and other illnesses. Deena also has tips and advice on how to get the most emotional and personal growth from a battle with cancer — something called “post-traumatic growth.” We’ve all heard of post-traumatic stress, which is the negative impact of trauma, but there can also be positives taken from any situation, and those are things that Deena focuses on. 

For tips on maximizing post-traumatic growth, read the blog post here.

The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.

If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org.

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In this week’s episode of The UpBeat Podcast powered by CoachArt, our co-hosts Greg and Roxanne are joined by Kumiko, a CoachArt parent whose son Kazuma was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2011. Kazuma and Kumiko both experienced a common side effect of childhood chronic illness that isn’t discussed enough — they both struggled with depression.

Kumiko found support, advice and an empathetic community in Momcology , which proved to be her greatest resource. The national non-profit organization provides wide-ranging support for families impacted by cancer and helps families assist other families experiencing the same issues. They offer lots of good help online, including a Facebook message board that both Kumiko and Roxanne used extensively during, and even after, their children’s treatment.

Another point of emphasis from Kumiko was the importance of understanding that you’re not alone and there is help out there. To learn of other resources for families that are dealing with the emotional impacts of a childhood cancer diagnosis, read the full blog post here.

The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.

If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org.

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For helpful resources on maintaining a positive attitude while facing adversity, read our full blog post here.

The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.

If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org.

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Nomi shares some tips on how to find an artistic and creative outlet and how it can help anyone, especially those impacted by chronic illness. At CoachArt, we’re always very excited about spreading the benefits of artistic endeavors and we wanted to share some other information we’ve found. CLICK HERE to read the full article.

The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.

If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org.

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Marc opens up about what it was like to be there for their daughter Aleyna’s cancer diagnosis when she was 6 years old. He also shares stories of their ensuing cancer fight and gives tips on navigating the emotional strain of it all. 

We previously spoke with Roxanne in The UpBeat Podcast Episode 4 and hearing two unique viewpoints from the same family was eye-opening. When a family is rocked with a life changing event like cancer, each individual is affected in such unique ways.

Thinking about Marc and Roxanne, we found some other good resources for recognizing and understanding how different people cope in different and equally effective ways — and we wanted to share some of our favorites. Read the full blog post here.

The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.

If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org.

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A competitive figure skater growing up, when Denise was 16 she saw Olympic champion Dorothy Hamill conduct a skating program for children with blindness and immediately knew her life had changed. Denise started the adaptive skating program in Oakland and has gone on to help children with special needs in many ways — she’s now even an official school inclusion assistant and a certified autism movement therapist. 

In Denise's interview, she shares her many experiences helping the lives of kids and adults on and off the ice, including the wonderful story of an autistic child’s 5-year journey to learn to skate. She has a unique perspective on the benefits of ice skating for special needs children, which we found instructive here at CoachArt, as we strive to provide a range of athletics programs for children in the same situations. 

For the full blog post and additional resources to find adaptive sporting programs near you, visit our website.

The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.

If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org.

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Aiden was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), a rare autoimmune disorder that poses numerous challenges, both great and small, for him and his family. Brandon discusses his experience throughout the diagnosis process, including the initial emotional impact on his family, and also shares how he’s learned to help Aiden and their family thrive on a day-to-day basis.

One of the issues that Brandon faces, and that affects every family impacted by childhood chronic illness, is finding appropriate activities for their child. CoachArt’s goal is to assist in that process and there are also other helpful resources to find fun, healthy activities for children impacted by chronic illness. Read the full blog post here to check out our suggestions.

The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness – such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more.

If you have a child that may qualify for CoachArt programs, visit: CoachArt.org.

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Felicia shares her inspiring story of how her frightening experience at Faith’s birth motivated her to dive in and do all she could for Faith and for parents in similar situations. 

Read the full blog post here for Felicia’s wonderful advice on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness - such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more. Programs are currently offered in the Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco Bay areas, with more cities coming soon!

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After years of her own fight with crippling anxiety and panic attacks, Megan now travels the country speaking to middle and high school students about managing their anxiety, loving themselves, and being in tune with their bodies.

Read the full blog post here to for Megan's easy-to-implement remedies on how to combat severe anxiety.

The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness - such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more. Programs are currently offered in the Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco Bay areas, with more cities coming soon!

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Roxanne switches seats from co-host to interviewee and shares her experience with pediatric cancer. Her daughter, Aleyna, was diagnosed with Wilms tumor at age 6. Roxanne provides tips and advice on how to help your child navigate the social pressures encountered by children with chronic illness and tells a touching story of how a little note to a classmate’s parents led to a big gesture from new friends. 

Click here for the full blog post.

The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness - such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more. Programs are currently offered in the Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco Bay areas, with more cities coming soon!

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Much of Elena’s guidance centers on communication. And sometimes it’s hard to take stock of all the avenues of communication that will experience stress as the family navigates their new path — between the diagnosed and their family; between the diagnosed and their peers; within the family including the diagnosed; between the parents of the child; and all other relationships that exist within and around a family. 

For more tips and resources on communication when dealing with a childhood chronic illness, visit our full post.

The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness - such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more. Programs are currently offered in the Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco Bay areas, with more cities coming soon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness - such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more. Programs are currently offered in the Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco Bay areas, with more cities coming soon!

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When a rare autoimmune disease suddenly turned her niece’s life upside down, Erin immediately looked for books they could share. But when she couldn’t find many age-appropriate stories about kids with chronic illnesses, she did what any English teacher would do — she wrote her own. In our new podcast, she shares Livy’s story and its impact on the lives of those around her. She also explains how this wonderful new book can help both kids and their families who are confronting similar situations, and discusses how she created this inspiring tale of child empowerment.

Our chat with Erin also reminded us that it can indeed be difficult to find good stories for children dealing with chronic illnesses. For a list of our favorites, read the full blog post here.

Are you a parent or guardian to a child with a physical chronic condition? If so, we invite you to join our exclusive Facebook group where we will continue this discussion and welcome your suggestions on books that have made a difference in your journey!

The UpBeat podcast is powered by CoachArt, a nonprofit organization that provides FREE art and athletic activities to families impacted by any childhood chronic illness - such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy and more. Programs are currently offered in the Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco Bay areas, with more cities coming soon!

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When your child is diagnosed with an illness, life as you know it dramatically changes. A variety of obstacles and decisions are forced upon you as their parent and it can feel overwhelming and isolating.

The UpBeat provides a comforting community, offering a parent's perspective on important topics related to these special needs.

Tune into The UpBeat where guests share heart-felt anecdotes from the most challenging and triumphant times in their lives.

View & subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs3_SDRITVfTnw2Z7mvXxFw

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