April 8, 2025 • 33 mins
IBD patients are innovative, resilient, and powerful. My guest, Rachel Bee, is an incredible example of all these virtues. Rachel is a remarkable 17-year-old entrepreneur who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at just 13 years old. She turned her experiences with IBD into a mission to help others by founding Infusion Hero, a company that designs innovative hoodies specifically for young patients receiving infusions.
Infusion Hero hoodies provide comfort and feature a unique design that allows for easy access during medical treatments. Rachel shares her story of navigating the challenges of her diagnosis, balancing high school, and running a business—all while maintaining her health and staying connected with friends. Don't miss Rachel's insights on how to turn personal challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.
Discussion points include:
- Personal health journeys related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Experiences of living with Crohn's disease as a teenager
- The impact of chronic illness on daily life and activities
- The importance of education and support for young patients with IBD
- The creation and purpose of Infusion Hero, a clothing line for infusion patients
- Balancing health, school, and entrepreneurial endeavors
- The role of mentorship and resources for young entrepreneurs
- Emotional aspects of managing chronic illness during adolescence
- The significance of community support and relationships with peers and teachers
- Future aspirations and educational goals for young patients and entrepreneurs
Find Rachel Bee of Infusion Hero at:
- LinkedIn: Rachel Bee
- Facebook: Infusion Hero
- Instagram: @infusion_hero
- Tik Tok: @infusion.hero
Find Amber J Tresca at:
- Verywell: Verywell Health
- Facebook: @aboutIBD
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:05):
I'm Amber Tresca,and this is about IBD,
the podcast that knows the differencebetween irritable bowel syndrome
and inflammatory bowel disease.I'm a medical writer and patient
educator who lives with a Jpouch due to ulcerative colitis.
It's my mission to educate peopleliving with Crohn's disease or
ulcerative colitis about theirdisease, and to bring awareness
(00:25):
to the patient journey.Welcome to episode 172.
When I was diagnosed with ulcerativecolitis at the age of 16, my first
gastroenterologist told me thatIBD was a disease of young people.
Even all these years later,there's still not enough support
for pediatric IBD patients as theynavigate the health care system.
(00:46):
My guest is Rachel B.Rachel was diagnosed with Crohn's
disease when she was 13 years old.She began receiving infusions in
order to manage the disease.Now at 17 years old, she's a high
school student And a business owner.Rachel is the founder of Infusion
Hero, and she designs hoodies createdespecially for young patients to stay
(01:07):
warm while receiving their infusions.Rachel takes us through how and
why she began Infusion Hero.She also tells us how she manages her
time and stays on track while keepingup with school, as well as making
time for friends and other interests.Rachel, welcome to about IBD. Hi.
(01:28):
Thanks for having me. Absolutely.I'm excited to talk to you.
I think you're one of the firstentrepreneurs I've had on this show,
so we'll get to that.But first,
I want to start with an introduction.And would you let the listeners
know a little bit about yourself?Yeah, absolutely.
So my name is Rachel.I'm a senior in high school.
Currently I'm 17 years old.And when I was 13 years old,
(01:50):
I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease.And so as a result, every six
weeks I get medical infusions.And because of that diagnosis,
I had the idea to start my ownbusiness called Infusion Hero,
where I sell these infusion hoodieswith zippers along the sleeves,
and that allows the nurse to haveaccess to the patient arm and
still keeps the patient warm whilethey're getting their infusions.
I love it, and I'll say that whenI was diagnosed in the long,
(02:16):
long ago, I was 16, and gettingan IV was really was so difficult
because your choices were the awfulhospital gowns or like nothing
like there was just no like that.Was it like you had to choose
those hospital gowns?And it was really awful.
(02:36):
We were always trying to figuresomething out that I could wear
while I had an IV,while I was in an inpatient,
and just nothing ever worked out.So I love that you're that
you're doing this.So first I want to hear more about
your diagnosis because you were 13.That is so young, as I'm sure
(02:57):
you've been told many times.But can you tell me how your symptoms
started and what that was like?What you remember about that
time of being diagnosed?Yeah, so diagnosed when I was 13.
I remember the first time I ever felta symptom very distinctly in my mind.
It just kind of one of thosemoments that stuck with me forever.
But it was Halloween night and Iwas hanging out with my friends
(03:19):
and I was heading home.And so my friend's sister
decided to drive me home.And I just remember as I was
right about to get in her car,just something felt wrong.
I felt extremely nauseous.I just knew in my gut that something
was off, something was wrong.And so then, just from that point on,
ever since I started feeling supernauseous, I was in a lot of pain.
I didn't really have a lot of energy.And so I just remember something
(03:40):
was feeling super off.I was beginning to lose a lot of
weight, and whenever I'd eatanything, I'd either just throw
it up or be in so intense pain.And so I wasn't really gaining
or keeping any nutrition or anynutrients in me.
So I got down to £55 when I wasfirst diagnosed. Oh my gosh. Yeah.
So it was. I was in so much pain.It was honestly just the most
painful, worst experience that Ican remember in my life.
(04:01):
And so like 6 or 8 months after Ifirst started feeling those symptoms,
my mom and I were talking and wewere like, yeah, something is not
right because I'm a very athletic,very outdoorsy type of person.
Like I'm always doing something.At that point in my life,
I was showing livestock,so showing steers and lambs,
so I'd be up every day like 6 a.m.out in the barn to do chores and
go to school, come back home,get back out in the barn.
But I just remember feeling sosick that I couldn't do that.
(04:22):
So like, it would take so much energyjust to get up from my bed to go
to the couch or to the bathroom.And so I remember not being able
to do the things that I loved.And so we decided to go into the
doctor and we went in on a Saturday.So I was one of our family friend.
Doctors went in, you kind ofchecked me out, and he said,
yeah, you should probably headover to the E.R. next door.
I got a Cat scan, and then he calleda couple days later and was like,
(04:44):
I made a point with you atPrimary Children's on Thursday.
You should definitely head infor that.
And so we went into PrimaryChildren's. I got a scope.
And then they said I had severeCrohn's disease. Okay, so.
Let me understand the timeline here.So it was about six months from when
your symptoms started until youactually went and and got looked at.
(05:04):
Is that right? Yes. Yeah.And you were losing weight that
whole time. Mhm. Oh that's so awful.Did you ever have any of like
the hallmark uh,symptoms that people think about and
people think about like you know,sorry to it gets a little personal,
but we get personal on the show.You know things like diarrhea,
bloody stools, stuff like that.Like you said, there was nausea.
Was that kind of in that.And so was nausea and the weight
(05:25):
loss really what you whatbrought you to the doctor.
So I definitely I did have someof those hallmark symptoms,
had diarrhea, had some bloody stool.But I remember like I'd be sitting in
school and it was Covid at that time.And so I was wearing a mask in
class and I'd have to get up andleave my class 3 or 4 times
throughout the day just to throwup and just be in so much pain.
So I still had diarrhea.I still had issues with that.
(05:47):
But mainly I remember just suchintense pain and then always
constantly being nauseous, constantlybeing exhausted. Wow. Oh my gosh.
Oh that was a lot going on Covidand all of that at the same time.
And then trying to get a tryingto get a diagnosis at that time.
But it sounds like you had a reallygreat family friend who got you
on the right track right away.Were you surprised when they said,
(06:07):
I think you should go to the ER?I was a little we like because
my mom, my dad and I,we went to the doctor and together
on a Saturday, like he wasn'teven his regular office hours.
And when he said, yeah,go over to the are we just kind
of all looked at each other andmade that face. Oh my gosh.
Do you think he had a suspicionor do you like what do you think
(06:28):
prompted him to send you to the ER?I think he knew I think he had
some sort of idea that somethingwas going on.
And he's been a phenomenal doctor.Kim and my dad, they used to go
mountain biking together,so they're old buddies and he's
always been our main primarydoctor and he's just a great guy.
And so he was really looking outfor my best interest, and I think
he had some sort of suspicion, andespecially when he called and said,
(06:48):
go to a primary children's hospital,that's a very serious, very intense
thing. I mean, that's like such.It's a great, phenomenal hospital.
But you only go there reallywhen you're super, super sick.
And so when we got that call,I remember feeling really worried
and kind of panicked about it.Mhm. Yeah for sure.
You got the diagnosis of Crohn'sdisease and then you got put on a
(07:10):
medication that needs to be infused,which is true of a lot of people
with IBD.And what have these infusions
been like for you over the years.And I'm asking because I've
interviewed a few other peoplewho were in high school when they
were diagnosed and trying todeal with all of this and how it
(07:31):
is that you are missing school.What do you think about when you
talk to your friends about it?What do they talk to you about?
So what has that experience beenlike for you these past four years?
So when I was first diagnosed,you know, I got first infusion and
then a week later got the next twoweeks later, got the next, and then
four weeks and then eight weeks.And so we stuck me on an eight
(07:53):
week program,but that wasn't working super great.
So cut back to four weeks.And then about a year ago,
I got bumped up to six weeks now.And so I've been kind of steady on
that. It's really worked well for me.My symptoms are basically nonexistent
now, which I'm so, so happy about.But during that time I definitely
missed a lot of school,especially when you first start
getting infusions or your 6 to 8hour ordeals.
It definitely takes a long time.Now I'm on rapid infusions and I
(08:16):
actually have a nurse that comesto me.
So I get home infusions,which is it's very nice,
very helpful for sure,especially with a busy schedule
and being in high school. Yeah.Um, as far as like what I tell
my friends, and when I was firstdiagnosed, it was kind of
difficult to talk about because,you know, you're 13 years old.
That's such an awkward age.No matter what in middle school,
you don't really wanna be like, oh,yeah, I'm having issues with this.
(08:39):
And so it was very awkward at first,but I've had some great friends that
have been there, and especiallysince I started infusion here,
I've had friends that always hadmy back, always been in support.
I've had some friends come to myinfusions because I've had home
infusions.And so it's just been great to have
that support. And I'm on my side.And fortunately,
because I get those home infusions,I don't have to miss as much school,
which is very, very nice.Oh, that's fantastic,
(09:02):
because even for myself, I don'tknow how I would work that out.
Um, with, with, uh, having toput work and family life aside,
it can eat up your whole daygetting these infusions.
So you saw the need for the hoodies.You designed them.
How do you go about that?Because I just don't.
(09:23):
I just have no idea,like how you have this idea and you
turn it into an actual product.Can you let me know?
How did how did that all work?So I had the idea and I just kind of
sketched it out on a piece of paper.I sketched out a couple of
different designs and ideas.I had seen a hoodie just on some
(09:43):
website somewhere.An ad had popped up or something
where it had a different kangaroopocket, and so there was like a
different pattern, different designfrom the actual base hoodie.
I thought that was a really coolconcept.
And so I wanted to have that bea part of my hoodies.
And then with the zippers on thesleeve,
I just allowing for that access.I was always super,
super cold during my infusions,so I typically wear hoodies.
I'd have to roll up the sleeves,and especially when the nurse
(10:04):
would place the blood pressurecuff like you have to roll it all
the way up there all the way.It's just so uncomfortable.
So I had that idea.I kind of sketched it out,
and then I went to a local companyin Ogden called All In Stitches,
and they really helped me withthat first idea,
adding on a couple of extra elements.Like there's the embroidery of
the character above the zipperon the shoulder there.
So they helped me figureeverything out with that.
(10:26):
But when I first had the idea,it was just a single tab zipper,
and so it was like you'd unzipand then zip it back up one way,
which okay, it it was fine ifyou had the IV place just in the
crook of your elbow,but if it was placed anywhere in
your forearm or in your hand,it made it kind of difficult because
then your arm was still exposed.And so from making that very
first prototype, we decided tohave it be double tab zippers.
(10:46):
So then you could close the zipperaround the IV tube and so work
with all in stitches for that.They were extremely helpful.
I owe them a huge debt of gratitude,but they didn't really have the
capacity to produce these hoodies ona bulk order that I wanted to do.
And so I went to a differentdesigner, Courtney Starr,
and she's been phenomenalthroughout this process.
She's helped me find a manufacturer.She's coordinated everything.
(11:07):
She saw me coming up withdifferent designs, and then, like,
I showed her the prototype thatI've made with all in stitches.
I showed her some of my sketches,and then she made something called
a tech pack, which is a documentthat you give to the factory and
the manufacturer, and that'swhat they actually look for.
It has all the specs, it has allthe color and everything that you
need to put into what goes intomaking that hoodie essentially. Okay.
(11:28):
It sounds like there were a lot ofchoices also to make along the way.
Like how do you how do you make thosechoices? How do you think ahead?
And, you know, in terms of youtalked about the zipper, um,
which makes sense, but there are somany other things that you have to
that you have to incorporate whenyou're doing something like this.
I imagine colors,but the fabric and the weight of the
(11:52):
fabric and all of that, you know,are folks helping helping you
make those decisions or how areyou doing that? Yes, definitely.
And it's been trial and errormostly for some of that.
I've made roughly eight differentsamples of these hoodies that I've
gone through trying to finalize thedesigns, and it's like finding the
exact fabric that would match wasdifficult because with the Kangaroo
(12:12):
pocket being a different design,we were debating should we just do
sublimation onto a different fabric?Would that sublimate well on the
same fabric as the base hoodie?So my designer,
she was able to figure that out,work with the factory.
And we have the exact same fabricfor the kangaroo pocket as the base
hoodie, and it's just sublimatedon there with the design.
And it like it because I didn'twant it to look tacky, I didn't
want it to peel off or anything,but they did a really good job.
(12:35):
It looks very professional,very nice, and also with that,
with having the zipper in the armthat can kind of rub against your arm
as you're getting the infusions.I noticed that with some of the
first prototypes.And so along the inside there we made
we took the same fabric that we haveon the kangaroo pocket and put just a
little slip of that fabric to goon the inside next to the zipper.
So then it's just like a little bitof fabric there to prevent it from
(12:56):
rubbing against the patient's arm.And so that was an additional
design idea that my designer had,which was super, super helpful.
Definitely one of the moreunique features of the hoodie.
So a lot of it was just trialand error, trying to figure out,
you know, what the content should be.Initially we started with a
Gildan hoodie,and then we would just retrofit that.
And so the factory would takethe arms off. So the zipper in.
(13:17):
But that took too much time and itwas a little bit too much money.
And so then we came up with my owncontent mix where it's fox fleece,
cotton and polyester.And when you look at the hoodies
like they look light,but when you pick them up,
they're heavy in a good way,like kind of a heavy weighted
animal or like a weightedblanket that you would wear.
And so it's just like super warm,super heavy, but super soft and
comfortable on the inside as well.And so a lot of it just trial and
(13:39):
error before we finally decidedwhat would be the perfect design.
Because, you know, I put a lotof time and money into this,
and I want to make sure that itwas the perfect product that could
provide a solution to all theseissues. Absolutely, absolutely.
I know exactly what you'retalking about with the zipper,
especially if it gets cold and thenit's against your skin. Definitely.
That's not that's not the most fun.Um, what about washing?
(14:01):
Because it's just occurring tome right now.
I know after I go for almostanything, any kind of a procedure,
whatever.One of the first things I do
when I come home, and maybe it'sbecause I'm a I'm a little bit
phobic about germs is that I'llchange my clothes. Of course.
Um, and then I will wash,you know, whatever I was wearing,
(14:23):
especially if I was at a hospitalor or something like that.
So how did you think about that?About the fact that people are
going to want to wash these maybe,um, in hot temperatures because
you were wearing them, uh, at ahospital to get an infusion? Yeah.
And absolutely. You can wash them.You should be able to just throw
them in your washer.Put it in the dryer, no problem.
(14:44):
And just kind of throw it inwith your regular laundry.
You could wash it on your own,but really, it should be washer safe.
Dryer safe. Completely good for that.Oh my gosh, that's so perfect.
Up next,Rachael gives advice on running a
business while also managing an IBD.
(15:13):
I'm wondering, Rachel,because you I'm sure have gotten lots
of reactions. Uh, similar to mine.Uh, probably to, uh,
Infusion Hero hoodies.And do you have any stories, uh,
from patients or any thoughtsfrom patients about your hoodies?
Uh, so I had a friend that wasactually recently diagnosed with
(15:33):
some form of arthritis,and so she's recently started
getting her infusions, and so I,she took one of my sample hoodies
up to Primary Children's whenshe was getting her first one
and then got to wear it there.She took some pictures.
I've been posting on social mediaand stuff and she loved it.
It was super warm.It was great for her to wear.
She had a couple of feedbackwith some of the specs that I
implemented with my next sample.And then of course, the nurses
(15:55):
there at Primary Children's wereable to actually see the product
because where I get my infusionsat home now, I don't really have
a chance to take them out intodifferent infusion settings.
And so she was able to take thatout and she said that nurses
said nothing but good things.I've also taken these hoodies
into different hospitals andshown them to different patients.
And mainly I've just gotten positivefeedback from their people and I'm
like, oh, what about this idea?Or some ideas for future designs?
(16:17):
And I'll happily take any input.But for the most part, it's been
just completely positive feedback.Um, it's actually kind of funny.
Uh, receiving your infusions athome must be so convenient and
so much more comfortable.But if you were getting your
infusions in a hospital,you would be wearing one of your
hoodies. Definitely.So this has been such a journey.
(16:41):
I knew that a lot was going intoyour thought process,
as you've designed these hoodiesand taken feedback and gone back to
the drawing board so many times.I can't imagine going through this
process. Uh, you are so young.Um, just because it is so much to
(17:04):
think about, and you are also dealingwith a complicated chronic illness
that takes up a lot of your time.What kind of advice do you have
for other teenagers who have ideaslike yours? Because I think also.
Well, you can tell me, but sometimesI think people don't listen to
(17:26):
teenagers as much as they should.So do you have any advice in that
regard for other people that mightwant to start on an entrepreneurial
journey when they're in their teens?Definitely.
Uh, I would say especially if youhave a chronic illness, make sure
that you have everything prioritized.Um, like for me, I would always have
to make sure that I'm physicallyhealthy and able to put time and
(17:49):
work and effort into this.Because if you're really
passionate about an idea,you're going to want to work on it 24
over seven and never take any breaks.But you do have to make sure that you
stop and take care of your body,and make sure that you know your
illness is under control beforeyou can really invest 100% of
yourself into this business.And so I definitely say that I
think for teenagers, there'sactually a lot of opportunities out
there where you can get businessadvice from people and you can
(18:11):
get mentors in the community.I've been involved in Deca for three
years, which is a business club.I'm Deca president this year.
I've had just a phenomenal advisorat my school that's helped me out
the whole entire time, and this iswhat I've done my Deca business
plans on for the past two years.I've qualified for CDC,
which is our internationalcareer development conference.
So kind of our nationals there.And it's a great opportunity
(18:32):
because through Deca,I've been able to compete in
different business competitionswhere I've won cash prizes that
I've invested into Infusion Hero.I've also had the chance to network
with judges that are marketingprofessionals in the business world,
and so they've given me feedbackand advice on how to grow my
business and given me connections.And so if you can find a business
club or organization or somethingout there, definitely become a
(18:52):
part of that because you'regoing to need a support group,
you're going to need community.You're also going to need to be
able to do the work on your ownand put in your own effort.
But having people there with extraadvice, kind of a mentor to help you
along is super, super beneficial.So I'd say definitely join something
like that. Well, that's so amazing.I'm glad you've had so much support
along the way to get this done.And because of my mom,
(19:15):
I have to and I have teenagers.Um, I have a 15 year old
daughter and a 17 year old son,and my kids are in high school.
They are super busy.And I have to ask you,
how are you balancing this?How are you balancing school,
your health, running a business.I'm sure you have other
(19:37):
interests besides the, you know,just running and fusion hero.
So how are you managing all this?How do you make time to to care
for yourself and also have funbecause you are a teenager and
you should be having some fun.It's definitely. A balance.
And some days things aren't quiteas balanced as they should be.
But for me,I'm a very organized person and
(19:59):
so at the beginning of the week,I'll sit down and I'll make a list
of all the homework assignmentsthat I have to do and everything
that I need to get done that week.I'm taking all AP or concurrent
enrollment classes.So basically my whole entire
course of this year is justcollege level classes.
And so I really have to makesure that I'm prioritizing that
to get these assignments done.But also Infusion Hero is my
number one priority.I'm involved in a variety of
(20:20):
different things Deca,FBLa and wrestling.
But Infusion Hero is definitelymy number one.
And so like I'll make a list ofhomework, make a list of things
I want to do with Infusion Herothat week, and then just kind of
schedule everything out.I'm very Type-A like that.
I have like four differentcalendars that I go off of just
to keep everything organized.Um, and so definitely a balance and
make sure that I get the thingsthat are most important done.
(20:42):
But also I'm a senior in high school.Right.
And so this is kind of my lastyear with my friends before we
all go our different ways.And so I still want to make sure to
have fun and have time with friends.And so I make sure that I schedule in
at least, you know, once a week whereI can do something with friends.
And it's it's just kind of abalance of figuring everything out.
You know, some weeks I'm morefocused on something else,
and I have to put it on the backburner for something or other weeks.
(21:03):
I just completely, 100% all ofmy time to in fusion here.
And, you know, maybe I missed doing ahomework assignment or something.
And so just kind of prioritizingwhat's most important for you in
that moment is something that Itend to do.
Are your teachers aware that youare that you're literally
running a business while you'regoing to school? They are.
Yes, most of them are.And yeah,
they've they've given me some prettypositive feedback and some support,
(21:26):
which I definitely appreciate.And they've been lenient and
I've said, oh,I'm in the hospital or something.
Can I be late on this assignmentor sorry, I was gone,
I missed because I was having ameeting for an infusion hero.
Can I, like, do a little extrawork to make this up?
And they're always super,super supportive, super flexible.
And so that's something I reallyappreciate.
That's something that I alwaystell my kids is that being
(21:46):
transparent and forming thoserelationships with your teachers.
And then, you know, when you getto college with your professors,
that can really go a long way becausethey want to know what you're up to.
And, you know, obviously they'reteachers. They like kids, right?
Otherwise they wouldn't be teachinghigh school. I would hope so.
They're going to want to yeah,they're going to want to support you.
Um, so if you let them know what'sgoing on, that goes a long way.
(22:08):
And it sounds like that's theapproach that you've taken as well.
Definitely. All right.So I have to ask you about, uh,
the Infusion Hero Instagram a littlebit because I'm, I'm really into this
series that you're doing that youcalled cooking with Crohn's. Yes.
I'm so I'm so interested because.All right.
(22:30):
So one of your recent ones wasyou posted a recipe for these
crispy carrot fries. Okay.And so I have to tell you, Rachel,
I 100% saw your post and then thatnight totally made those for dinner
because, like, we're we're in winter.Something about like making some root
(22:53):
vegetables in the oven in the winter.I just like, really wanted it.
And it was just it was just sofunny that it worked out that way.
So I want to know a little bitmore about this,
about how you thought about doing it.Well, how you come up with the time
to make these recipes and thenpost it all on your Instagram.
I know that that's not easy.And and what kind of watch how do
(23:14):
you decide the recipes to make?So the Crohn's and Colitis website
has a gut friendly recipe list.There's like 500 or something
various recipes on there.And so Sunday is when I kind of
sit down and plan everything out.And that's when I spend most of
that day just making content andscheduling it out for the week.
And so I'll sit down and I'll justkind of scroll through the recipes.
And mainly it's whateveringredients I have at my house
(23:36):
really is what I'll make. Um, yeah.Then every Sunday I typically
all film it, and if I don't havetime that day, then I'll find
some sort of wiggle room in myschedule to make those videos.
It typically takes like an hourfrom start to finish to film
everything and then edit it,and then of course, taste test the
food that I make and everything.But yeah,
I really I love that food series.I just kind of had the idea one
(23:56):
day and I'm like, well, you know,I can I'm very fortunate.
I can pretty much eat whatever Iwant.
But I still kind of tend to eatsuper healthy, especially, you know,
with wrestling and everything and,you know, being so active, I want to
make sure that I'm eating right, butI luckily can eat anything I want.
And so I've been kind of curiousbecause I've had friends that
have Crohn's disease that canbasically eat cardboard, right.
Pretty much nothing out there.And so looking at these different
(24:16):
recipes kind of gave me a chanceto see what different types of
food they can have.And also, you know, I love to cook,
I love to explore different hobbies.And so it's been kind of a fun
way to experiment a little bitmore and have some new recipes
that I'm able to cook.And you know,
Crohn's and Colitis cons websitehas some great resources on it.
Honestly, all the recipes I'vecooked have been pretty good.
I think the crispy carrot frieshave been my favorite that I've
made so far. Really.I was going to ask you what your
(24:39):
favorite was. That's so funny, I did.I did really like them too,
and it was just, uh,kind of inspiration, you know,
it was like kind of, oh, I don'tknow what I'm going to do tonight.
And then I saw what you did with it,and, uh, it gave me the idea.
And, uh, I do love a carrot,so luckily I can eat them as well.
(24:59):
Um, all right, I have to ask yousomething else, because real briefly,
you mentioned that you go out tothe barn and do your chores.
Take me through this.What kind of animals do you have?
What are your chores?Are you doing this every day in
addition to everything else thatyou're doing?
So unfortunately, last year wasmy last year showing livestock.
I started showing when I waseight years old and then at the
(25:23):
fair in August this August.That was my last time showing,
just because I wasn't sure what I'mgoing to do for college or my plans
after high school, and so I wasn'tsure if I was going to be around for
senior year to show one more year.But I've shown lambs, hogs and
steers for the past nine years.I've shown lambs for the full nine
hogs I only showed for two years,but I didn't show them for super
long. And then for eight years.I've shown them for about six years.
(25:44):
And so what that would entail issteers, you get them in the beginning
of September is kind of into October,and then you'll have them all year
round until August at the fair.And so you get them when they're
about £500. Go.We typically buy them from pat
rent show cattle which anybodythat shows livestock know they
have some phenomenal steersformal cattle there.
And so we'd go pick them up and thenhalter break them throughout the
(26:06):
next couple of months, take them todifferent jackpots throughout the
state of Utah and some in Idaho andWyoming and different locations.
And then, you know, get them readyto show at the fair and then sell
them at the share at the fair.And then same for lambs purchase
lambs that they kind of aroundspring break time,
kind of in April ish and thenraise them throughout the summer.
And then you sell them at the fair.And that's kind of been classified
as my summer job, really.That's where I've earned money.
(26:28):
And actually, I've been able totake that money and invest it
into starting Infusion Hero.But typically a day out in the barn,
like get up at 5 or 6,depending on the schedule,
go out there, feed them and then,you know, go to school,
have things after school.And then whenever I get home, go
out there and practice showmanship.So when you're showing livestock,
there's two different ways thatyou're judged.
You're judged in market, which isfor the quality of the animal.
(26:49):
And then you're judged inshowmanship, which is how will
you and the animal work togetherif you can get them to set up and
do what you want and make surethey're presentable for the judge?
And so showmanship is just kindof practicing, like for lambs,
teaching them how to set up andhow to brace, which is essentially
just flexing their muscles.And for steers, once again teaching
them how to set up, make suretheir feet placement is correct.
And so just go out there and practicethat for 30 minutes to an hour.
(27:10):
Make sure to clean the barn,you know, have hay and grain out
there. Feed them again.When it gets warm in summer, we're
able to wash them more frequently,you know, don't typically don't
want to wash them as much in winterbecause we don't have an indoor barn.
We just kind of have a half openenclosure there.
So just want to make sure they don'tget pneumonia or anything like that.
So it's something that I've loved.You know, basically raised me,
did it for nine years of my life.And honestly, I really do miss it
(27:32):
this year. It's been a great thing.It's taught me so many important
lessons.And really, I think it's been the
foundation for how we got startedwith what I learned through that.
Yeah, it sounds like it. Absolutely.Um, Rachel, you're fascinating.
I just have to say that you area fascinating person.
Um, I do, though,before we tell everybody where we can
(27:53):
find you and find Infusion Hero.You for, uh, anyone who's just
listening and not watching,Rachel has, uh,
two of her hoodies behind her.Could you just briefly describe
them for me?Tell me the colors, for instance.
And, uh, and, uh, the charactersthat you have on them? Absolutely.
So my main hoodie, it's a Carolinablue hoodie, says infusion here,
(28:15):
embroidery across the chest withthe little butterfly logo on it.
And then the kangaroo pocket forthat is it's a white background
for the kangaroo pocket.And then it has different purple
butterflies across it.And then I have the two zippers
in each of this,like one zipper per sleeve.
And then above that zipper,there's embroidery of the little
butterfly on the Infusion Heraldbutterfly hoodie design.
(28:36):
And then the other one behind meis the Infusion Ninja design.
So I actually have that one in ared and a black colorway.
But the one behind me today isjust red right now.
So it's a red base and it saysInfusion Ninja embroidery across
the front with a little ninja logonext to it, and the kangaroo pocket
is black and it has differentthrowing stars and a ninja across it,
and the same one with the blackInfusion Ninja design.
(28:58):
It's a black hoodie,and then it has a red background
for the kangaroo pocket.And then the same thing with
throwing stars and the ninja onthere as well. It is very cool.
I'm so glad that you're doing this.You're going to help so many kids
who are living through things likeCrohn's disease or other, uh,
conditions for which they need toreceive infusions or have an IV,
(29:18):
and they can have these great,these great hoodies.
So I want to make sure that peoplecan find you can connect with you
can learn more about Infusion Hero.Can you tell me how can the IBD
community support you support yourbusiness, and how can we spread
the word about Infusion Hero?So my website is Infusion Hero,
(29:42):
and there's links on that website toall of my social media accounts.
I'm on Instagram, on Facebook and onTikTok, and my handle for Instagram
is at infusion underscore hero.And so ways to support.
If you just want to follow alongany of those social media accounts.
If you repost any content thatresonates with you, if you have
any ideas, please DM me or sendme a message and let me know for
(30:04):
you know future hoodies I can makeor future designs that you have,
or just if you want to share yourstory with me, there's a site on
the website where you can submita picture of you and hopefully a
picture of you wearing an infusionhoodie so that I can post that
and kind of share your story.My pre-orders are open right now,
and I don't expect full inventoryto arrive until roughly April ish.
But you're more than welcome topre-order on the website at
(30:25):
Infusion Hero, and as soon as thatinventory gets here, I'll ship it
out as soon as I can. Oh my gosh.Uh, so college plans,
you have anything set forth yet?I'm not 100% sure with where I
want to go.There's a couple colleges I'm
still choosing between,but I want to double major in
economics and accounting.Just because economics seems
super interesting to me.And then accounting those two
(30:47):
skills just combined would besuper beneficial with Infusion
Hero helping to run it,and just an important skill to learn.
But yeah,I'm just I'm looking forward.
I love learning, love gaining newinformation. I'm excited for college.
Kind of a chance to get out there,see the world.
And I'm a little scared and alittle nervous,
but mainly excited and lookingforward to the future. Yeah, yeah.
My son is a senior also,and he's still, you know,
(31:10):
weighing his options a little bit as,as well in this, uh, yeah.
Late winter period before wefinally have to make a choice.
That's definitely.I remember it as being. Really?
Yes, as you described it.Uh, a little nerve wracking because
you are entering into somethingthat you've really you don't
have any framework for it yet,but super exciting, and you've
(31:34):
already got so much behind you withall of the work that you've done.
And clearly you know how to puttogether a schedule.
You are way more regimented thaneven than myself and many,
many adults that I know.So that is going to serve you
well in in the long term.And Rachel, it has been fantastic
to get to know you through workingwith you to create this episode.
(31:56):
And I am so excited that you havecreated Infusion Hero and that
you are finding success with it.And I really appreciate everything
that you're doing for the IBDcommunity because this, you know,
obviously, as you're finding out,this is truly, truly needed and it is
really so wonderful. So thank you.Thank you. I really appreciate it.
(32:17):
Hey super listener.Thanks to Rachel B of Infusion Hero
for creating this episode with me.The infusion hoodies she designed are
available for order at Infusion Hero.You can also follow her on Instagram,
Facebook,and the TikTok as Infusion Hero.
I didn't ask Rachel about thiswhen I had her on the line,
(32:37):
but maybe we can find out if she'llever offer a hoodie in purple.
If so, I'll be the first one inline to order one.
As always,links to a written transcript,
everyone's social media handles,and more information on the topics
we discussed is in the show notesand on my episode 172 page on about
ibd.com. Thanks for listening.And remember, until next time.
(33:00):
I want you to know more about IBD.About IBD is a production of Mal
and Tal enterprises.It is edited, written, produced
and directed by me, Amber Tresca.Mix and sound design is by Mac
Cooney.Theme music is from Cooney Studio.
I'm Amber Tresca,and this is about IBD,
the podcast that knows the differencebetween irritable bowel syndrome
and inflammatory bowel disease.I'm a medical writer and patient
educator who lives with a Jpouch due to ulcerative colitis.
It's my mission to educate peopleliving with Crohn's disease or
ulcerative colitis about theirdisease, and to bring awareness
(00:25):
to the patient journey.Welcome to episode 172.
When I was diagnosed with ulcerativecolitis at the age of 16, my first
gastroenterologist told me thatIBD was a disease of young people.
Even all these years later,there's still not enough support
for pediatric IBD patients as theynavigate the health care system.
(00:46):
My guest is Rachel B.Rachel was diagnosed with Crohn's
disease when she was 13 years old.She began receiving infusions in
order to manage the disease.Now at 17 years old, she's a high
school student And a business owner.Rachel is the founder of Infusion
Hero, and she designs hoodies createdespecially for young patients to stay
(01:07):
warm while receiving their infusions.Rachel takes us through how and
why she began Infusion Hero.She also tells us how she manages her
time and stays on track while keepingup with school, as well as making
time for friends and other interests.Rachel, welcome to about IBD. Hi.
(01:28):
Thanks for having me. Absolutely.I'm excited to talk to you.
I think you're one of the firstentrepreneurs I've had on this show,
so we'll get to that.But first,
I want to start with an introduction.And would you let the listeners
know a little bit about yourself?Yeah, absolutely.
So my name is Rachel.I'm a senior in high school.
Currently I'm 17 years old.And when I was 13 years old,
(01:50):
I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease.And so as a result, every six
weeks I get medical infusions.And because of that diagnosis,
I had the idea to start my ownbusiness called Infusion Hero,
where I sell these infusion hoodieswith zippers along the sleeves,
and that allows the nurse to haveaccess to the patient arm and
still keeps the patient warm whilethey're getting their infusions.
I love it, and I'll say that whenI was diagnosed in the long,
(02:16):
long ago, I was 16, and gettingan IV was really was so difficult
because your choices were the awfulhospital gowns or like nothing
like there was just no like that.Was it like you had to choose
those hospital gowns?And it was really awful.
(02:36):
We were always trying to figuresomething out that I could wear
while I had an IV,while I was in an inpatient,
and just nothing ever worked out.So I love that you're that
you're doing this.So first I want to hear more about
your diagnosis because you were 13.That is so young, as I'm sure
(02:57):
you've been told many times.But can you tell me how your symptoms
started and what that was like?What you remember about that
time of being diagnosed?Yeah, so diagnosed when I was 13.
I remember the first time I ever felta symptom very distinctly in my mind.
It just kind of one of thosemoments that stuck with me forever.
But it was Halloween night and Iwas hanging out with my friends
(03:19):
and I was heading home.And so my friend's sister
decided to drive me home.And I just remember as I was
right about to get in her car,just something felt wrong.
I felt extremely nauseous.I just knew in my gut that something
was off, something was wrong.And so then, just from that point on,
ever since I started feeling supernauseous, I was in a lot of pain.
I didn't really have a lot of energy.And so I just remember something
(03:40):
was feeling super off.I was beginning to lose a lot of
weight, and whenever I'd eatanything, I'd either just throw
it up or be in so intense pain.And so I wasn't really gaining
or keeping any nutrition or anynutrients in me.
So I got down to £55 when I wasfirst diagnosed. Oh my gosh. Yeah.
So it was. I was in so much pain.It was honestly just the most
painful, worst experience that Ican remember in my life.
(04:01):
And so like 6 or 8 months after Ifirst started feeling those symptoms,
my mom and I were talking and wewere like, yeah, something is not
right because I'm a very athletic,very outdoorsy type of person.
Like I'm always doing something.At that point in my life,
I was showing livestock,so showing steers and lambs,
so I'd be up every day like 6 a.m.out in the barn to do chores and
go to school, come back home,get back out in the barn.
But I just remember feeling sosick that I couldn't do that.
(04:22):
So like, it would take so much energyjust to get up from my bed to go
to the couch or to the bathroom.And so I remember not being able
to do the things that I loved.And so we decided to go into the
doctor and we went in on a Saturday.So I was one of our family friend.
Doctors went in, you kind ofchecked me out, and he said,
yeah, you should probably headover to the E.R. next door.
I got a Cat scan, and then he calleda couple days later and was like,
(04:44):
I made a point with you atPrimary Children's on Thursday.
You should definitely head infor that.
And so we went into PrimaryChildren's. I got a scope.
And then they said I had severeCrohn's disease. Okay, so.
Let me understand the timeline here.So it was about six months from when
your symptoms started until youactually went and and got looked at.
(05:04):
Is that right? Yes. Yeah.And you were losing weight that
whole time. Mhm. Oh that's so awful.Did you ever have any of like
the hallmark uh,symptoms that people think about and
people think about like you know,sorry to it gets a little personal,
but we get personal on the show.You know things like diarrhea,
bloody stools, stuff like that.Like you said, there was nausea.
Was that kind of in that.And so was nausea and the weight
(05:25):
loss really what you whatbrought you to the doctor.
So I definitely I did have someof those hallmark symptoms,
had diarrhea, had some bloody stool.But I remember like I'd be sitting in
school and it was Covid at that time.And so I was wearing a mask in
class and I'd have to get up andleave my class 3 or 4 times
throughout the day just to throwup and just be in so much pain.
So I still had diarrhea.I still had issues with that.
(05:47):
But mainly I remember just suchintense pain and then always
constantly being nauseous, constantlybeing exhausted. Wow. Oh my gosh.
Oh that was a lot going on Covidand all of that at the same time.
And then trying to get a tryingto get a diagnosis at that time.
But it sounds like you had a reallygreat family friend who got you
on the right track right away.Were you surprised when they said,
(06:07):
I think you should go to the ER?I was a little we like because
my mom, my dad and I,we went to the doctor and together
on a Saturday, like he wasn'teven his regular office hours.
And when he said, yeah,go over to the are we just kind
of all looked at each other andmade that face. Oh my gosh.
Do you think he had a suspicionor do you like what do you think
(06:28):
prompted him to send you to the ER?I think he knew I think he had
some sort of idea that somethingwas going on.
And he's been a phenomenal doctor.Kim and my dad, they used to go
mountain biking together,so they're old buddies and he's
always been our main primarydoctor and he's just a great guy.
And so he was really looking outfor my best interest, and I think
he had some sort of suspicion, andespecially when he called and said,
(06:48):
go to a primary children's hospital,that's a very serious, very intense
thing. I mean, that's like such.It's a great, phenomenal hospital.
But you only go there reallywhen you're super, super sick.
And so when we got that call,I remember feeling really worried
and kind of panicked about it.Mhm. Yeah for sure.
You got the diagnosis of Crohn'sdisease and then you got put on a
(07:10):
medication that needs to be infused,which is true of a lot of people
with IBD.And what have these infusions
been like for you over the years.And I'm asking because I've
interviewed a few other peoplewho were in high school when they
were diagnosed and trying todeal with all of this and how it
(07:31):
is that you are missing school.What do you think about when you
talk to your friends about it?What do they talk to you about?
So what has that experience beenlike for you these past four years?
So when I was first diagnosed,you know, I got first infusion and
then a week later got the next twoweeks later, got the next, and then
four weeks and then eight weeks.And so we stuck me on an eight
(07:53):
week program,but that wasn't working super great.
So cut back to four weeks.And then about a year ago,
I got bumped up to six weeks now.And so I've been kind of steady on
that. It's really worked well for me.My symptoms are basically nonexistent
now, which I'm so, so happy about.But during that time I definitely
missed a lot of school,especially when you first start
getting infusions or your 6 to 8hour ordeals.
It definitely takes a long time.Now I'm on rapid infusions and I
(08:16):
actually have a nurse that comesto me.
So I get home infusions,which is it's very nice,
very helpful for sure,especially with a busy schedule
and being in high school. Yeah.Um, as far as like what I tell
my friends, and when I was firstdiagnosed, it was kind of
difficult to talk about because,you know, you're 13 years old.
That's such an awkward age.No matter what in middle school,
you don't really wanna be like, oh,yeah, I'm having issues with this.
(08:39):
And so it was very awkward at first,but I've had some great friends that
have been there, and especiallysince I started infusion here,
I've had friends that always hadmy back, always been in support.
I've had some friends come to myinfusions because I've had home
infusions.And so it's just been great to have
that support. And I'm on my side.And fortunately,
because I get those home infusions,I don't have to miss as much school,
which is very, very nice.Oh, that's fantastic,
(09:02):
because even for myself, I don'tknow how I would work that out.
Um, with, with, uh, having toput work and family life aside,
it can eat up your whole daygetting these infusions.
So you saw the need for the hoodies.You designed them.
How do you go about that?Because I just don't.
(09:23):
I just have no idea,like how you have this idea and you
turn it into an actual product.Can you let me know?
How did how did that all work?So I had the idea and I just kind of
sketched it out on a piece of paper.I sketched out a couple of
different designs and ideas.I had seen a hoodie just on some
(09:43):
website somewhere.An ad had popped up or something
where it had a different kangaroopocket, and so there was like a
different pattern, different designfrom the actual base hoodie.
I thought that was a really coolconcept.
And so I wanted to have that bea part of my hoodies.
And then with the zippers on thesleeve,
I just allowing for that access.I was always super,
super cold during my infusions,so I typically wear hoodies.
I'd have to roll up the sleeves,and especially when the nurse
(10:04):
would place the blood pressurecuff like you have to roll it all
the way up there all the way.It's just so uncomfortable.
So I had that idea.I kind of sketched it out,
and then I went to a local companyin Ogden called All In Stitches,
and they really helped me withthat first idea,
adding on a couple of extra elements.Like there's the embroidery of
the character above the zipperon the shoulder there.
So they helped me figureeverything out with that.
(10:26):
But when I first had the idea,it was just a single tab zipper,
and so it was like you'd unzipand then zip it back up one way,
which okay, it it was fine ifyou had the IV place just in the
crook of your elbow,but if it was placed anywhere in
your forearm or in your hand,it made it kind of difficult because
then your arm was still exposed.And so from making that very
first prototype, we decided tohave it be double tab zippers.
(10:46):
So then you could close the zipperaround the IV tube and so work
with all in stitches for that.They were extremely helpful.
I owe them a huge debt of gratitude,but they didn't really have the
capacity to produce these hoodies ona bulk order that I wanted to do.
And so I went to a differentdesigner, Courtney Starr,
and she's been phenomenalthroughout this process.
She's helped me find a manufacturer.She's coordinated everything.
(11:07):
She saw me coming up withdifferent designs, and then, like,
I showed her the prototype thatI've made with all in stitches.
I showed her some of my sketches,and then she made something called
a tech pack, which is a documentthat you give to the factory and
the manufacturer, and that'swhat they actually look for.
It has all the specs, it has allthe color and everything that you
need to put into what goes intomaking that hoodie essentially. Okay.
(11:28):
It sounds like there were a lot ofchoices also to make along the way.
Like how do you how do you make thosechoices? How do you think ahead?
And, you know, in terms of youtalked about the zipper, um,
which makes sense, but there are somany other things that you have to
that you have to incorporate whenyou're doing something like this.
I imagine colors,but the fabric and the weight of the
(11:52):
fabric and all of that, you know,are folks helping helping you
make those decisions or how areyou doing that? Yes, definitely.
And it's been trial and errormostly for some of that.
I've made roughly eight differentsamples of these hoodies that I've
gone through trying to finalize thedesigns, and it's like finding the
exact fabric that would match wasdifficult because with the Kangaroo
(12:12):
pocket being a different design,we were debating should we just do
sublimation onto a different fabric?Would that sublimate well on the
same fabric as the base hoodie?So my designer,
she was able to figure that out,work with the factory.
And we have the exact same fabricfor the kangaroo pocket as the base
hoodie, and it's just sublimatedon there with the design.
And it like it because I didn'twant it to look tacky, I didn't
want it to peel off or anything,but they did a really good job.
(12:35):
It looks very professional,very nice, and also with that,
with having the zipper in the armthat can kind of rub against your arm
as you're getting the infusions.I noticed that with some of the
first prototypes.And so along the inside there we made
we took the same fabric that we haveon the kangaroo pocket and put just a
little slip of that fabric to goon the inside next to the zipper.
So then it's just like a little bitof fabric there to prevent it from
(12:56):
rubbing against the patient's arm.And so that was an additional
design idea that my designer had,which was super, super helpful.
Definitely one of the moreunique features of the hoodie.
So a lot of it was just trialand error, trying to figure out,
you know, what the content should be.Initially we started with a
Gildan hoodie,and then we would just retrofit that.
And so the factory would takethe arms off. So the zipper in.
(13:17):
But that took too much time and itwas a little bit too much money.
And so then we came up with my owncontent mix where it's fox fleece,
cotton and polyester.And when you look at the hoodies
like they look light,but when you pick them up,
they're heavy in a good way,like kind of a heavy weighted
animal or like a weightedblanket that you would wear.
And so it's just like super warm,super heavy, but super soft and
comfortable on the inside as well.And so a lot of it just trial and
(13:39):
error before we finally decidedwhat would be the perfect design.
Because, you know, I put a lotof time and money into this,
and I want to make sure that itwas the perfect product that could
provide a solution to all theseissues. Absolutely, absolutely.
I know exactly what you'retalking about with the zipper,
especially if it gets cold and thenit's against your skin. Definitely.
That's not that's not the most fun.Um, what about washing?
(14:01):
Because it's just occurring tome right now.
I know after I go for almostanything, any kind of a procedure,
whatever.One of the first things I do
when I come home, and maybe it'sbecause I'm a I'm a little bit
phobic about germs is that I'llchange my clothes. Of course.
Um, and then I will wash,you know, whatever I was wearing,
(14:23):
especially if I was at a hospitalor or something like that.
So how did you think about that?About the fact that people are
going to want to wash these maybe,um, in hot temperatures because
you were wearing them, uh, at ahospital to get an infusion? Yeah.
And absolutely. You can wash them.You should be able to just throw
them in your washer.Put it in the dryer, no problem.
(14:44):
And just kind of throw it inwith your regular laundry.
You could wash it on your own,but really, it should be washer safe.
Dryer safe. Completely good for that.Oh my gosh, that's so perfect.
Up next,Rachael gives advice on running a
business while also managing an IBD.
(15:13):
I'm wondering, Rachel,because you I'm sure have gotten lots
of reactions. Uh, similar to mine.Uh, probably to, uh,
Infusion Hero hoodies.And do you have any stories, uh,
from patients or any thoughtsfrom patients about your hoodies?
Uh, so I had a friend that wasactually recently diagnosed with
(15:33):
some form of arthritis,and so she's recently started
getting her infusions, and so I,she took one of my sample hoodies
up to Primary Children's whenshe was getting her first one
and then got to wear it there.She took some pictures.
I've been posting on social mediaand stuff and she loved it.
It was super warm.It was great for her to wear.
She had a couple of feedbackwith some of the specs that I
implemented with my next sample.And then of course, the nurses
(15:55):
there at Primary Children's wereable to actually see the product
because where I get my infusionsat home now, I don't really have
a chance to take them out intodifferent infusion settings.
And so she was able to take thatout and she said that nurses
said nothing but good things.I've also taken these hoodies
into different hospitals andshown them to different patients.
And mainly I've just gotten positivefeedback from their people and I'm
like, oh, what about this idea?Or some ideas for future designs?
(16:17):
And I'll happily take any input.But for the most part, it's been
just completely positive feedback.Um, it's actually kind of funny.
Uh, receiving your infusions athome must be so convenient and
so much more comfortable.But if you were getting your
infusions in a hospital,you would be wearing one of your
hoodies. Definitely.So this has been such a journey.
(16:41):
I knew that a lot was going intoyour thought process,
as you've designed these hoodiesand taken feedback and gone back to
the drawing board so many times.I can't imagine going through this
process. Uh, you are so young.Um, just because it is so much to
(17:04):
think about, and you are also dealingwith a complicated chronic illness
that takes up a lot of your time.What kind of advice do you have
for other teenagers who have ideaslike yours? Because I think also.
Well, you can tell me, but sometimesI think people don't listen to
(17:26):
teenagers as much as they should.So do you have any advice in that
regard for other people that mightwant to start on an entrepreneurial
journey when they're in their teens?Definitely.
Uh, I would say especially if youhave a chronic illness, make sure
that you have everything prioritized.Um, like for me, I would always have
to make sure that I'm physicallyhealthy and able to put time and
(17:49):
work and effort into this.Because if you're really
passionate about an idea,you're going to want to work on it 24
over seven and never take any breaks.But you do have to make sure that you
stop and take care of your body,and make sure that you know your
illness is under control beforeyou can really invest 100% of
yourself into this business.And so I definitely say that I
think for teenagers, there'sactually a lot of opportunities out
there where you can get businessadvice from people and you can
(18:11):
get mentors in the community.I've been involved in Deca for three
years, which is a business club.I'm Deca president this year.
I've had just a phenomenal advisorat my school that's helped me out
the whole entire time, and this iswhat I've done my Deca business
plans on for the past two years.I've qualified for CDC,
which is our internationalcareer development conference.
So kind of our nationals there.And it's a great opportunity
(18:32):
because through Deca,I've been able to compete in
different business competitionswhere I've won cash prizes that
I've invested into Infusion Hero.I've also had the chance to network
with judges that are marketingprofessionals in the business world,
and so they've given me feedbackand advice on how to grow my
business and given me connections.And so if you can find a business
club or organization or somethingout there, definitely become a
(18:52):
part of that because you'regoing to need a support group,
you're going to need community.You're also going to need to be
able to do the work on your ownand put in your own effort.
But having people there with extraadvice, kind of a mentor to help you
along is super, super beneficial.So I'd say definitely join something
like that. Well, that's so amazing.I'm glad you've had so much support
along the way to get this done.And because of my mom,
(19:15):
I have to and I have teenagers.Um, I have a 15 year old
daughter and a 17 year old son,and my kids are in high school.
They are super busy.And I have to ask you,
how are you balancing this?How are you balancing school,
your health, running a business.I'm sure you have other
(19:37):
interests besides the, you know,just running and fusion hero.
So how are you managing all this?How do you make time to to care
for yourself and also have funbecause you are a teenager and
you should be having some fun.It's definitely. A balance.
And some days things aren't quiteas balanced as they should be.
But for me,I'm a very organized person and
(19:59):
so at the beginning of the week,I'll sit down and I'll make a list
of all the homework assignmentsthat I have to do and everything
that I need to get done that week.I'm taking all AP or concurrent
enrollment classes.So basically my whole entire
course of this year is justcollege level classes.
And so I really have to makesure that I'm prioritizing that
to get these assignments done.But also Infusion Hero is my
number one priority.I'm involved in a variety of
(20:20):
different things Deca,FBLa and wrestling.
But Infusion Hero is definitelymy number one.
And so like I'll make a list ofhomework, make a list of things
I want to do with Infusion Herothat week, and then just kind of
schedule everything out.I'm very Type-A like that.
I have like four differentcalendars that I go off of just
to keep everything organized.Um, and so definitely a balance and
make sure that I get the thingsthat are most important done.
(20:42):
But also I'm a senior in high school.Right.
And so this is kind of my lastyear with my friends before we
all go our different ways.And so I still want to make sure to
have fun and have time with friends.And so I make sure that I schedule in
at least, you know, once a week whereI can do something with friends.
And it's it's just kind of abalance of figuring everything out.
You know, some weeks I'm morefocused on something else,
and I have to put it on the backburner for something or other weeks.
(21:03):
I just completely, 100% all ofmy time to in fusion here.
And, you know, maybe I missed doing ahomework assignment or something.
And so just kind of prioritizingwhat's most important for you in
that moment is something that Itend to do.
Are your teachers aware that youare that you're literally
running a business while you'regoing to school? They are.
Yes, most of them are.And yeah,
they've they've given me some prettypositive feedback and some support,
(21:26):
which I definitely appreciate.And they've been lenient and
I've said, oh,I'm in the hospital or something.
Can I be late on this assignmentor sorry, I was gone,
I missed because I was having ameeting for an infusion hero.
Can I, like, do a little extrawork to make this up?
And they're always super,super supportive, super flexible.
And so that's something I reallyappreciate.
That's something that I alwaystell my kids is that being
(21:46):
transparent and forming thoserelationships with your teachers.
And then, you know, when you getto college with your professors,
that can really go a long way becausethey want to know what you're up to.
And, you know, obviously they'reteachers. They like kids, right?
Otherwise they wouldn't be teachinghigh school. I would hope so.
They're going to want to yeah,they're going to want to support you.
Um, so if you let them know what'sgoing on, that goes a long way.
(22:08):
And it sounds like that's theapproach that you've taken as well.
Definitely. All right.So I have to ask you about, uh,
the Infusion Hero Instagram a littlebit because I'm, I'm really into this
series that you're doing that youcalled cooking with Crohn's. Yes.
I'm so I'm so interested because.All right.
(22:30):
So one of your recent ones wasyou posted a recipe for these
crispy carrot fries. Okay.And so I have to tell you, Rachel,
I 100% saw your post and then thatnight totally made those for dinner
because, like, we're we're in winter.Something about like making some root
(22:53):
vegetables in the oven in the winter.I just like, really wanted it.
And it was just it was just sofunny that it worked out that way.
So I want to know a little bitmore about this,
about how you thought about doing it.Well, how you come up with the time
to make these recipes and thenpost it all on your Instagram.
I know that that's not easy.And and what kind of watch how do
(23:14):
you decide the recipes to make?So the Crohn's and Colitis website
has a gut friendly recipe list.There's like 500 or something
various recipes on there.And so Sunday is when I kind of
sit down and plan everything out.And that's when I spend most of
that day just making content andscheduling it out for the week.
And so I'll sit down and I'll justkind of scroll through the recipes.
And mainly it's whateveringredients I have at my house
(23:36):
really is what I'll make. Um, yeah.Then every Sunday I typically
all film it, and if I don't havetime that day, then I'll find
some sort of wiggle room in myschedule to make those videos.
It typically takes like an hourfrom start to finish to film
everything and then edit it,and then of course, taste test the
food that I make and everything.But yeah,
I really I love that food series.I just kind of had the idea one
(23:56):
day and I'm like, well, you know,I can I'm very fortunate.
I can pretty much eat whatever Iwant.
But I still kind of tend to eatsuper healthy, especially, you know,
with wrestling and everything and,you know, being so active, I want to
make sure that I'm eating right, butI luckily can eat anything I want.
And so I've been kind of curiousbecause I've had friends that
have Crohn's disease that canbasically eat cardboard, right.
Pretty much nothing out there.And so looking at these different
(24:16):
recipes kind of gave me a chanceto see what different types of
food they can have.And also, you know, I love to cook,
I love to explore different hobbies.And so it's been kind of a fun
way to experiment a little bitmore and have some new recipes
that I'm able to cook.And you know,
Crohn's and Colitis cons websitehas some great resources on it.
Honestly, all the recipes I'vecooked have been pretty good.
I think the crispy carrot frieshave been my favorite that I've
made so far. Really.I was going to ask you what your
(24:39):
favorite was. That's so funny, I did.I did really like them too,
and it was just, uh,kind of inspiration, you know,
it was like kind of, oh, I don'tknow what I'm going to do tonight.
And then I saw what you did with it,and, uh, it gave me the idea.
And, uh, I do love a carrot,so luckily I can eat them as well.
(24:59):
Um, all right, I have to ask yousomething else, because real briefly,
you mentioned that you go out tothe barn and do your chores.
Take me through this.What kind of animals do you have?
What are your chores?Are you doing this every day in
addition to everything else thatyou're doing?
So unfortunately, last year wasmy last year showing livestock.
I started showing when I waseight years old and then at the
(25:23):
fair in August this August.That was my last time showing,
just because I wasn't sure what I'mgoing to do for college or my plans
after high school, and so I wasn'tsure if I was going to be around for
senior year to show one more year.But I've shown lambs, hogs and
steers for the past nine years.I've shown lambs for the full nine
hogs I only showed for two years,but I didn't show them for super
long. And then for eight years.I've shown them for about six years.
(25:44):
And so what that would entail issteers, you get them in the beginning
of September is kind of into October,and then you'll have them all year
round until August at the fair.And so you get them when they're
about £500. Go.We typically buy them from pat
rent show cattle which anybodythat shows livestock know they
have some phenomenal steersformal cattle there.
And so we'd go pick them up and thenhalter break them throughout the
(26:06):
next couple of months, take them todifferent jackpots throughout the
state of Utah and some in Idaho andWyoming and different locations.
And then, you know, get them readyto show at the fair and then sell
them at the share at the fair.And then same for lambs purchase
lambs that they kind of aroundspring break time,
kind of in April ish and thenraise them throughout the summer.
And then you sell them at the fair.And that's kind of been classified
as my summer job, really.That's where I've earned money.
(26:28):
And actually, I've been able totake that money and invest it
into starting Infusion Hero.But typically a day out in the barn,
like get up at 5 or 6,depending on the schedule,
go out there, feed them and then,you know, go to school,
have things after school.And then whenever I get home, go
out there and practice showmanship.So when you're showing livestock,
there's two different ways thatyou're judged.
You're judged in market, which isfor the quality of the animal.
(26:49):
And then you're judged inshowmanship, which is how will
you and the animal work togetherif you can get them to set up and
do what you want and make surethey're presentable for the judge?
And so showmanship is just kindof practicing, like for lambs,
teaching them how to set up andhow to brace, which is essentially
just flexing their muscles.And for steers, once again teaching
them how to set up, make suretheir feet placement is correct.
And so just go out there and practicethat for 30 minutes to an hour.
(27:10):
Make sure to clean the barn,you know, have hay and grain out
there. Feed them again.When it gets warm in summer, we're
able to wash them more frequently,you know, don't typically don't
want to wash them as much in winterbecause we don't have an indoor barn.
We just kind of have a half openenclosure there.
So just want to make sure they don'tget pneumonia or anything like that.
So it's something that I've loved.You know, basically raised me,
did it for nine years of my life.And honestly, I really do miss it
(27:32):
this year. It's been a great thing.It's taught me so many important
lessons.And really, I think it's been the
foundation for how we got startedwith what I learned through that.
Yeah, it sounds like it. Absolutely.Um, Rachel, you're fascinating.
I just have to say that you area fascinating person.
Um, I do, though,before we tell everybody where we can
(27:53):
find you and find Infusion Hero.You for, uh, anyone who's just
listening and not watching,Rachel has, uh,
two of her hoodies behind her.Could you just briefly describe
them for me?Tell me the colors, for instance.
And, uh, and, uh, the charactersthat you have on them? Absolutely.
So my main hoodie, it's a Carolinablue hoodie, says infusion here,
(28:15):
embroidery across the chest withthe little butterfly logo on it.
And then the kangaroo pocket forthat is it's a white background
for the kangaroo pocket.And then it has different purple
butterflies across it.And then I have the two zippers
in each of this,like one zipper per sleeve.
And then above that zipper,there's embroidery of the little
butterfly on the Infusion Heraldbutterfly hoodie design.
(28:36):
And then the other one behind meis the Infusion Ninja design.
So I actually have that one in ared and a black colorway.
But the one behind me today isjust red right now.
So it's a red base and it saysInfusion Ninja embroidery across
the front with a little ninja logonext to it, and the kangaroo pocket
is black and it has differentthrowing stars and a ninja across it,
and the same one with the blackInfusion Ninja design.
(28:58):
It's a black hoodie,and then it has a red background
for the kangaroo pocket.And then the same thing with
throwing stars and the ninja onthere as well. It is very cool.
I'm so glad that you're doing this.You're going to help so many kids
who are living through things likeCrohn's disease or other, uh,
conditions for which they need toreceive infusions or have an IV,
(29:18):
and they can have these great,these great hoodies.
So I want to make sure that peoplecan find you can connect with you
can learn more about Infusion Hero.Can you tell me how can the IBD
community support you support yourbusiness, and how can we spread
the word about Infusion Hero?So my website is Infusion Hero,
(29:42):
and there's links on that website toall of my social media accounts.
I'm on Instagram, on Facebook and onTikTok, and my handle for Instagram
is at infusion underscore hero.And so ways to support.
If you just want to follow alongany of those social media accounts.
If you repost any content thatresonates with you, if you have
any ideas, please DM me or sendme a message and let me know for
(30:04):
you know future hoodies I can makeor future designs that you have,
or just if you want to share yourstory with me, there's a site on
the website where you can submita picture of you and hopefully a
picture of you wearing an infusionhoodie so that I can post that
and kind of share your story.My pre-orders are open right now,
and I don't expect full inventoryto arrive until roughly April ish.
But you're more than welcome topre-order on the website at
(30:25):
Infusion Hero, and as soon as thatinventory gets here, I'll ship it
out as soon as I can. Oh my gosh.Uh, so college plans,
you have anything set forth yet?I'm not 100% sure with where I
want to go.There's a couple colleges I'm
still choosing between,but I want to double major in
economics and accounting.Just because economics seems
super interesting to me.And then accounting those two
(30:47):
skills just combined would besuper beneficial with Infusion
Hero helping to run it,and just an important skill to learn.
But yeah,I'm just I'm looking forward.
I love learning, love gaining newinformation. I'm excited for college.
Kind of a chance to get out there,see the world.
And I'm a little scared and alittle nervous,
but mainly excited and lookingforward to the future. Yeah, yeah.
My son is a senior also,and he's still, you know,
(31:10):
weighing his options a little bit as,as well in this, uh, yeah.
Late winter period before wefinally have to make a choice.
That's definitely.I remember it as being. Really?
Yes, as you described it.Uh, a little nerve wracking because
you are entering into somethingthat you've really you don't
have any framework for it yet,but super exciting, and you've
(31:34):
already got so much behind you withall of the work that you've done.
And clearly you know how to puttogether a schedule.
You are way more regimented thaneven than myself and many,
many adults that I know.So that is going to serve you
well in in the long term.And Rachel, it has been fantastic
to get to know you through workingwith you to create this episode.
(31:56):
And I am so excited that you havecreated Infusion Hero and that
you are finding success with it.And I really appreciate everything
that you're doing for the IBDcommunity because this, you know,
obviously, as you're finding out,this is truly, truly needed and it is
really so wonderful. So thank you.Thank you. I really appreciate it.
(32:17):
Hey super listener.Thanks to Rachel B of Infusion Hero
for creating this episode with me.The infusion hoodies she designed are
available for order at Infusion Hero.You can also follow her on Instagram,
Facebook,and the TikTok as Infusion Hero.
I didn't ask Rachel about thiswhen I had her on the line,
(32:37):
but maybe we can find out if she'llever offer a hoodie in purple.
If so, I'll be the first one inline to order one.
As always,links to a written transcript,
everyone's social media handles,and more information on the topics
we discussed is in the show notesand on my episode 172 page on about
ibd.com. Thanks for listening.And remember, until next time.
(33:00):
I want you to know more about IBD.About IBD is a production of Mal
and Tal enterprises.It is edited, written, produced
and directed by me, Amber Tresca.Mix and sound design is by Mac
Cooney.Theme music is from Cooney Studio.
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