IG Living Advocate Podcast

Listen to the episode “Childhood Vaccines; Understanding the Science, History and Why They Matter” hosted by patient advocate Abbie Cornett. In this episode, we’ll be talking about vaccines in the news. Whether discussion about childhood immunization, outbreaks of preventable diseases or heated conversations online, there is no shortage of information, and unfortunately, there’s no shortage of confusion either. For many parents and caregivers, it can feel overwhelming to sort through headlines, social media posts and conflicting opinions — especially when you’re just trying to make the best decision for your child’s health or your own. Today, we’re stepping back from the noise to focus on the facts, history and science. Our guest today, Dr, Brett Kettlehut, is board certified in pediatrics, as well as allergy and immunology. He is retired from private practice, but continues to be actively involved in education and advocacy.Support the show

Listen to the episode Treating Side Effects of Intravenous and Subcutaneous Immune Globulin hosted by patient advocate Abbie Cornett. In this episode, we’ll be exploring what the side effects of IG treatment are and how to manage them. Our guest today, Michelle Greer, RN, is executive vice president of sales at Nufactor, a specialty infusion company. Michelle has had years of experience working with both patients and clinicians to help people manage IG therapy safely and effectively. Support the show

Listen to the episode The Role of Nutrition in Managing Chronic Illness hosted by patient advocate Abbie Cornett. In this episode, we'll be exploring how what we eat can directly impact our immune system, energy levels and even our treatment outcomes. Our guest today, Dr. Terry Harville, is a medical director of the Special Immunology Laboratory at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, a consultant for immunodeficiencies, autoimmunities and transplantation and a long-time advocate for holistic whole-person care.  Support the show

Listen to the episode Rethinking Immunodeficiency hosted by patient advocate Abbie Cornett. In this episode, we'll be exploring how what we traditionally call immunodeficiency is actually part of a larger spectrum of immune dysregulation. Our guest today, Dr. Kobayashi, is a clinical professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, and is an expert in diagnosing and managing complex immune disorders.Support the show

In today's episode, Living Well with Chronic Illness, we'll be exploring how lifestyle medicine can help soothe symptoms and support healing. Our guest today, Sharleen Lucas, is the RN next door health coach. She's passionate about helping people soothe ongoing symptoms associated with chronic illness so they can live fully. After eight years at the hospital bedside, she became a health writer and coach to help people use food, lifestyle and rest to nourish their bodies and combat chronic illness. As an RN with expertise in medical, spiritual, preventive and emergency care, she's enjoyed volunteering as a medical first responder and working for nearly a decade in spiritual care with youth and families after studying theology and business management at Whitworth University.Support the show

This podcast is sponsored by CSL Behring, manufacturer of Hizentra, subcutaneous immune globulin. In this episode, we will discuss Melaine's journey with PI, from her experience with IVIG, to her switch to subcutaneous IG, and what that meant in terms of self-administering her treatment at home. Melaine enjoys cycling, gardening, travel and she's also living with primary immunodeficiency or PI. Melaine will be sharing her story and also providing some information about Hizentra, for which she is a patient advocate. Patient advocates are not healthcare professionals or medical experts. For medical questions or advice, please contact your physician. Patient advocates are compensated by CSL Behring, LLC, for their time and/or expenses. Support the show

IG Living's patient advocate, Abbie Cornett, hosts Nick Burrus, a Kawasaki disease patient, to discuss his journey with the disease that due to a delayed diagnosis led to complications and the need for a heart transplant.Support the show

Today, I have the great pleasure of inviting one of my dear friends from when I was in the legislature. Shannon Anderson is an attorney who specializes in public advocacy and risk management. Her dog Neely, though, could care less about all of that. Shannon keeps a steady supply of wholesome treats on hand, and is committed not only to regular walks but adventure walks and, most importantly, has arranged for important therapy work opportunities. Neely with her handler Shannon has been recognized as an angel dog at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Nebraska, and Shannon has volunteered with him since 2014 and is retiring this summer. Neely will also share with you that, as a standard poodle, she has found her human to be at times a bit yippy and hyper but she will keep her nonetheless. Support the show

In this episode, we will discuss how to stay positive and refuse to let your illness define you. Today, we have as our guest speaker Debbie Konrad. Debbie is a cancer survivor and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patient who refuses to allow chronic conditions to limit or define her.  Debbie is a dynamic individual with a diverse background. Since 1990, she has owned and operated her own drapery business. She also taught ballet for a decade and later became a stay-at-home mom to two sons. Now living in the Chicago area, Debbie enjoys spending time with her five grandchildren, with another on the way in May. In her free time, she loves reading, traveling, gardening, sewing and exploring her passion for genealogy. Support the show

In this episode, we will discuss the intersection between politics, healthcare and chronic illness.Today, we have guest speaker Peggy Tighe. Peggy is a prominent figure in healthcare policy and lobbying. With a juris doctorate degree from Delaware Law and a bachelor of arts from Wittenberg University, Peggy has dedicated her career to understanding the challenges faced by health systems, patient groups and provider organizations. Her extensive experience includes roles at major national healthcare associations such as the American Medical Association and the Health Insurance Association of America. Recognized as a Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics and The Hill, Peggy's influence extends to her board membership with the Mental Health Liaison Group since 2018 and her founding of the Judy Schneider “Direct Connect to Congress” program in 2004. As the president of Women in Government Relations from 2004 to 2006, Peggy’s contributions have left a lasting impact, further evidenced by her role as the founder and chief judge of the Judy Schneider Fellowship since 2015. Through her work with national coalitions, individual clients and teaching engagements at American University, Peggy stands as a respected mentor, advocate and leader in the dynamic field of healthcare policy. Support the show

In this episode, we will discuss the intricate process of producing immune globulin products, hereafter referred to as IG products.Today, we have guest speaker Keith Berman. Keith has worked in the plasma therapeutics and blood therapies industry in a career spanning over three decades. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biological science from UC Berkeley, an MBA in marketing and an MPH in health services management from UCLA.Beginning his career in the late 1980s, Keith started at what is now Takeda, where he supported IG product development and was involved in the successful U.S. launch of Gammagard. His knowledge and experience in IG development, usage and reimbursement have made him a trusted advisor in the industry.In addition to his consultancy work, since 1989, Keith has served as editor and writer of International Blood/Plasma News, a monthly newsletter that covers the blood and plasma products industry. Support the show

In this episode, we will discuss the differences between the role of patient advocacy and self-advocacy. Today, we have guest speaker Megan Ryan. Megan is a 1998 graduate of Texas A&M University where she earned a Bachelor's of Business Administration in business analysis and business honors after graduating from Texas A&MSupport the show

Today, we have guest speaker Dr. Brett Kettelhut. Dr. Kettelhut is board certified in pediatrics, allergy and immunology. He is currently practicing allergy and immunology at Boys Town, Neb., and is an adjunct clinical professor in the College of Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Kellelhut also serves as the president of the Nebraska Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Support the show

This podcast is brought to you by IG Living magazine to give readers an opportunity to hear from healthcare experts on topics important to them. In this episode, we will be talking about one of the most important steps in patients’ journeys to diagnosis: their primary care doctor! Today, we have guest speaker Dr. Lisa Allen-Khalil. Dr. Khalil received her medical degree from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. She’s a board-certified internal medicine doctor. Dr. Khalil has been in private practice for more than 30 years. Support the show

In this episode, Abbie Cornett will be talking about the issues geriatric primary immunodeficiency patients face when accessing care.Support the show

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In this episode, we will be talking about changes in Medicare and how they affect patients treated with IG products. Today, we have with us guest expert Leslie Vaughan, chief operations officer for Nufactor, a Specialty Pharmacy. Leslie has been a licensed pharmacist since 1990 and has spent the majority of her career in the home infusion specialty pharmacy space with a specific focus on IG products. Her expertise is in both clinical care and understanding reimbursement and the associated challenges faced by patients treated with IG. She is licensed in multiple states and is currently certified as an IG certified pharmacist and certified specialty pharmacist. Support the show

In this episode, we will be talking about how to successfully exercise with a chronic illness. Today, we have with us guest speaker Matt Hansen. Matt has a clinical background in physical therapy with a specialty in chronic health conditions. He is a passionate advocate for population health and holistic care who believes when recipients of care are a partner in the process and the center of every decision made, true and lasting differences can be made for their well-being. Because of Matt’s desire to improve healthcare and the impact it has on others in a functional setting, he has spent the last 10 years in home health. Currently, Matt serves as executive director for the Homecare and Hospice Association of Utah and has deputy roles with the Home Care Association of Colorado, the Colorado chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association and the home health academy of the American Physical Therapy Association. He is also a healthcare and business practice consultant and a successful entrepreneur with 15 years of professional writing and speaking experience who loves being able to do his part to make the world a better place.Support the show

In this episode, we will cover some of the ways patients with a chronic illness can plan for retirement.  We would like to thank our readers who wrote in with questions regarding today’s topic This is a very important topic for patients because it can directly impact the quality of their later years of life. If you are like many Americans, you may not be preparing for retirement. A survey conducted by Money magazine in 2016 found one out of every three Americans has no savings, and 23 percent have less than $10,000 saved. These figures are particularly alarming since retirement is one of the biggest life expenses, even without a chronic illness. Support the show

In this first episode, we will be talking about the increased demand for immune globulin (IG) products and its effect on patient access. This is our first podcast episode of IG Living Advocate and a transition from our Readers Teleconferences. With this podcast, we have an opportunity for our readers to hear from healthcare experts on topics important to them. In this first episode, we will be talking about the increased demand for immune globulin (IG) products and its effect on patient access. Today, we have with us guest expert Patrick M. Schmidt, chief executive officer of FFF Enterprises, also known as triple F, and Nufactor, a Specialty Infusion Company. Patrick has been with FFF since its inception in 1988. In 1995, FFF launched Nufactor to address the high costs and access issues related to IG therapy. Patrick is recognized as a leader in the healthcare community, having introduced several industry firsts that have paved the way to create solutions to challenges faced by both healthcare providers and their patients.Support the show