#55 Growing Up with a Childhood Autoimmune Disease with Beth Glassman

Co-host Cathy Gildenhorn takes on the interviewer role to explore the personal story of her co-host, Beth Glassman. Beth shares her journey of living with a childhood autoimmune disease, offering insights into her diagnosis, its impact on her early life, and how it shaped her perspective as an adult.

 

On Episode #54, Beth interviewed Cathy about her journey to parenthood through infertility and adoption. Now, the roles are reversed as Cathy delves into Beth’s experiences, highlighting the challenges, lessons, and resilience that come from growing up with an autoimmune condition called uveitis. 

 

Topics Covered:

• Diagnosis and Early Understanding: Beth’s initial diagnosis, symptoms, and how her healthcare providers and family explained the condition.
• Family and Social Dynamics: How her family responded to the diagnosis and whether Beth discussed her condition with friends, teachers, or counselors.
• Navigating Childhood and Adolescence: The impact of the disease on her education, sports, and ability to drive.
• Living with an Autoimmune Disease: Beth’s thoughts on the potential for passing the condition to her children and how her vision has changed over time.
• A Healthy Lifestyle: How her childhood experience influences her approach to health and wellness today.
• Advice for Parents: Beth’s guidance for parents raising children with health challenges.

 

Key Moments:

• Beth describes how her autoimmune disease affected her vision and how she explains it to others.
• The importance of open communication with family, friends, and educators about living with a chronic condition.
• Reflections on resilience and the power of support systems during childhood.

 

Connect with Us:

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”. 

 

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

 

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [e-mail].