 |
It Happened To Me: A Rare Disease and Medical Challenges PodcastAuthor: Cathy Gildenhorn, Beth Glassman, and Kira Dineen (DNA Today)
The mission of our podcast is to support you, our listeners and to create community, as you confront the toughest challenges in life. All of us will experience health hardships. The real question is how we adapt. That is the focus of It Happened To Me, which wants to help you overcome limitations and live a full and satisfying life. Drawing on their own health challenges, hosts Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman interview guests who share stories and research to help you succeed in the face of difficult health obstacles. It happened to meIm not alone and neither are you. We encourage you to learn more at ItHappenedToMePod.com. Please use the contact form on our website to submit your guest suggestions, comments, questions, ideas, and feedback for the show, you can also email us directly at ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com. It Happened To Me is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. Steve Holsonback is our media engineer and co-producer. DNA Todays Kira Dineen is our ... Language: en Genres: Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
#82 Paralyzed Overnight: Relearning to Walk After Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Episode 82
Monday, 20 April, 2026
Guest Ra-Jon James opens up about his medical emergency that turned his world upside down in an instant. Ra-Jon was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological condition where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, leading to rapid muscle weakness and, in Ra-Jon's case, sudden paralysis. Ra-Jon first shared his courageous journey on WTKR news in his hometown, and in this episode he joins us to go deeper into the emotional and physical grit required to relearn how to stand, walk, and reclaim his independence. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Sudden Onset: Ra-Jon describes the terrifying moment his body stopped responding and how quickly his symptoms progressed from minor sensations to total loss of movement. Understanding GBS: A look at Guillain-Barré Syndrome in plain English, what it feels like when your nervous system "short-circuits" and the emotional toll of losing autonomy overnight. The Diagnostic Journey: The moment of receiving the diagnosis and why early medical intervention is the most critical factor in recovery. The Road to Recovery: What it’s actually like to start physical therapy when even the smallest movements feel impossible. Ra-Jon shares the profound experience of his first steps after paralysis. Mindset & Resilience: How Ra-Jon stayed motivated during the "invisible" days of progress and the role mental strength plays in neurological healing. Support Systems: The importance of community and the specific ways loved ones can provide hope during a long-term recovery. Key Takeaways for Listeners: Recognize the Red Flags: Rapidly spreading weakness or tingling in your extremities should never be ignored. You Are Not Alone: GBS can be an isolating experience; Ra-Jon offers advice for those currently terrified by a new diagnosis. Defining Hope: What healing looks like today and why believing in your body’s ability to recover is half the battle. Resources Mentioned: Ra-Jon’s WTKR News Feature GBS/CIDP Foundation International Website About the Guest: Ra-Jon James is a GBS survivor and advocate. After his story went public following a local news appearance, he has dedicated himself to raising awareness about Guillain-Barré Syndrome and providing hope to others facing sudden neurological challenges. Connect With Us: Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”. “It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.
