Living with a Chronic Illness (Part 5) - Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Welcome to Hot Topics! In this episode, our host, Gabrielle Crichlow, sits down with Katherine Klimitas, who shares her personal journey living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), commonly known as "brittle bone disease." OI is a genetic disorder that causes fragile bones, often leading to breaks with little or no apparent cause. Katherine opens up about her daily experiences and the profound impact OI has had on her life, highlighting the importance of educating others about this often-misunderstood condition.Katherine discusses the adaptations she has made to her lifestyle, such as lying on her side for comfort and relying on aides for assistance with bathing and moving around. She explains how she has to "train her friends" when going out, teaching them how to assist her safely and effectively. This collaborative approach fosters independence while ensuring her safety and comfort.Throughout the conversation, Katherine emphasizes the resilience she has cultivated in her journey. She reflects on the emotional strength required to face the daily challenges posed by OI, from navigating social situations to advocating for her needs. Notably, she has even started her own graphic design and art business, showcasing her creativity and determination to thrive despite the limitations imposed by her condition. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of the human spirit and the possibilities that can emerge from adversity.Join us for this heartfelt conversation, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to live with Osteogenesis Imperfecta and discover the strength and resilience that individuals like Katherine embody as they navigate their unique challenges.Who is Katherine Klimitas?Katherine Klimitas is a New Orleans-based artist and designer who sold her first watercolor at age 10. The daughter of veterinarians, she captures her family’s love of animals through meticulous, lifelike paintings. A 2011 Loyola University graduate, Katherine now runs her business, KAK ART & Designs, from home. Living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle bone disease), she stopped counting fractures at 500 by age 10. At 2’7”, she uses an electric wheelchair and creates all her art, jewelry, and graphic design while lying on her side. Her story and work inspire audiences to see possibility beyond limitation. Learn more in her book Looking Up, by joining her mailing list, or by connecting with her on social media.You can find Katherine:On the web: https://kakartnola.com/On Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KAKARTOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kakartnolaOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kakartnola/On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8n7emY8eh6EX4Oa2vpGTOwOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherineklimitas/A gift for our listeners: You can use the following discount code on Katherine's Etsy site: COMEBACKKAKKatherine also has a book called "Looking Up." You can purchase it on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/104092784/katherines-inspiring-story-looking-up?click_key=649b296a50cab53c7a446e8ecb76e610970f6d5f%3A104092784&click_sum=fd100d2d&ref=shop_home_feat_2&frs=1Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/n0wQuSXRMfMRate this episode on IMDB: TBA********************************************Follow Gabrielle Crichlow: On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielle.crichlowOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielle.crichlowOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-crichlow-92587a360Follow A Step Ahead Tutoring Services:On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astepaheadtutoringservicesOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astepaheadtutoringservicesOn X: https://www.twitter.com/ASATS2013 On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-step-ahead-tutoring-services/On YouTube: https://youtube.com/@astepaheadtutoringservicesOn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asats2013On Eventbrite: https://astepaheadtutoringservices.eventbrite.com Visit us on the web: https://www.astepaheadtutoringservices.com   Sign up for our email list: https://squareup.com/outreach/a41DaE/subscribe Sign up for our text list: https://tapit.us/cipPJO Check out our entire "Hot Topics!" podcast: https://www.astepaheadtutoringservices.com/hottopicspodcastSupport us:Cash App: https://cash.app/$ASATS2013PayPal: https://paypal.me/ASATS2013Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/ASATS2013Zelle: [email protected] a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hot-topics--5600971/supportOriginal date of episode: September 11, 2025