My Hero 360

In this episode, Kerri Fitzgerald sits down with Jahkori Dopwell Hall at The Glaucoma Foundation offices in New York City to talk about his experience with primary congenital glaucoma, a progressive vision condition he was diagnosed with at just 6 months old. Jahkori never let his vision challenges interrupt his dream of becoming an artist. Jahkori talks about a teacher who inspired him, the famil...

In this episode, Kerri Fitzgerald speaks with Dean Salmon and Stacey Carpenter-Salmon , parents to two children who were diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Alagille syndrome . Stacey later found out that she had Alagille syndrome , as well as some extended family members. Dean and Stacey give advice for other parents and families helping a loved one through a health journey and talk ab...

In this episode, Kerri Fitzgerald speaks with Dr. Megan Melody , an oncologist at Tampa General Hospital. Filmed at the 2025 Society of Hematologic Oncology (SOHO)  Annual Meeting, Dr. Melody talks about the types of rare cancers patients can have, how an accurate diagnosis is paramount, and how societies like SOHO advance the research and development of treatment and care for patients affected by...

In this episode, Kerri Fitzgerald sits down with Michelle Hammer, founder and creator of Schizophrenic. NYC. Michelle lives with schizophrenia and uses social media to educate others about mental illness and schizophrenia in particular. Michelle credits her support system, her participation in a college sports team, and a personalized treatment regimen for allowing her to live a full and successfu...

In this episode, Kerri Fitzgerald talks with Brittany Brinson , a PICU nurse whose son wound up in her hospital ward due to a rare genetic liver condition called progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis or PFIC. For 3 months after her son Corbin was born, Brittany searched for answers about her son’s health, often dismissed by others in the medical community. After his symptoms worsened and h...

In this episode of My Hero 360, Kerri Fitzgerald speaks with two heroes—first, Abbey Cook , the mother of two sons who were misdiagnosed for years, and second, Zach Cook , one of her sons who was just recently diagnosed with the rare genetic condition cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX). The Cook family went years without a proper diagnosis, but a new FDA-approved treatment option, coupled with t...

Kerri Fitzgerald talks with Steven Lopez Sr. , who was injured in a car accident, leading to a long health journey to discover he had Chiari malformation and syringomyelia, both of which put pressure on the spinal cord and result in severe pain and discomfort as well as other symptoms. Steven struggled to find a care team that was right for him and finally turned to social media to find a connecti...

On this special episode, Kerri Fitzgerald sits down with Jeffrey Allen , the winner of Amazon Prime Video’s Beast Games and $10 million, the largest prize in game-show history. Jeff’s goal for joining MrBeast's reality competition was to raise awareness and funds for a rare genetic condition that his young son has—creatine transporter deficiency (CTD). Jeff talks about the journey to understanding...

In this episode of My Hero 360, Kerri Fitzgerald talks with Hillary Golden , founder of Glaucoma Coach , who uses her voice to educate and advocate for individuals with glaucoma. Hillary went to the eye doctor for treatment for a stye but left the appointment with concerning news: she had normal tension glaucoma. Scared but determined, Hillary decided to use her knowledge and voice to help others...

In this episode of My Hero 360, Kerri Fitzgerald speaks with Scott , founder of 4Summers , who struggled to find a diagnosis for years for his newly developed visual disturbances. After seeing multiple doctors and receiving no answers, Scott took to YouTube and other online platforms to find an answer. Soon, he found out he had Visual Snow Syndrome , a rare, little-known neurological condition tha...

In another in-studio episode, Kerri Fitzgerald talks with Leigh Marino , founder of Encourage Thought , who talks about her mental health journey. Leigh talks about the childhood grief she experienced, which resurfaced when she developed a panic disorder. Leigh ultimately sought inpatient treatment for her mental health and used her experiences to help others deal with pain, grief, and other diffi...

In this episode, Kerri Fitzgerald had the incredible opportunity to travel to a flower farm in Annandale, New Jersey to interview Nicole Spadafora , owner of the botanical artistry firm Spadaflora . Nicole graciously shares her terrifying experience with a rare blood disorder: thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, also known as TTP. Nicole’s interest in spiritual teachings and love of the outdoors...

In this important interview, Kerri Fitzgerald talks with Eritrea Mussa who has lived with type 1 diabetes since she was 8 years old and had a subsequent frightening experience with diabetic macular edema (DME), a diabetes-related condition that impacts your eyesight. She feared she might lose her eyesight but with the help of her doctor and appropriate treatment, she was able to manage the conditi...

In this inspiring interview, Kerri Fitzgerald talks with Dr. Eric Saunders , an Ophthalmologist who was born without legs. Dr. Saunders shares how his faith helped him through tough times over the years, including a situation during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since started the process of rebuilding his practice and continuing to rely on faith and family in the face of tough times.  Throughout t...

In our first live interview for the My Hero 360 series, Kerri Fitzgerald sits down with Lauren Zalewski , who has started an online gratitude movement through her Facebook group Attitude of Gratitude with Chronic Pain . Lauren suffered with chronic illness and lupus-like symptoms for years, eventually turning to alcohol to cope with her pain. After a harrowing “rock bottom” experience, Lauren set...

In this informative interview, Kerri Fitzgerald talks with Craig Leppert , founder of Shadow Jumpers, who lives with a rare painful sun-related condition called erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). The genetic condition is marked by an intense reaction to sunlight and other lights, challenging this Los Angeles-based founder to live purposefully while remaining mindful of sun and light exposure. Th...

In this inspiring interview, Kerri Fitzgerald talks with Krista Webb , a wood-burning artist who has not let her Usher syndrome diagnosis define her life and abilities. Krista shares how turning a new hobby into a passion and career opportunity helped her get through the difficult times following her diagnosis. Throughout this we highlight: • How Krista Webb first became acquainted with the wood-b...

In this important interview, Kerri Fitzgerald sits down with Jerome Harper , a nonprofit CFO who speaks about his family’s experience with Marfan syndrome. The genetic condition has impacted at least 3 generations of Jerome’s family. The health challenges Jerome has faced and the community he has built helped him lean into his vulnerabilities and faith to consistently overcome his circumstances. T...

In this inspiring interview, Jillian Comstock sits down with Bérénice Magistretti who uses her writing prowess to advocate for and bring awareness to individuals with “invisible” disabilities. Bérénice shares her experience with retinitis pigmentosa and how she learned to not just be vocal about her condition but also purposely visible. Throughout this we highlight: • How Bérénice Magistretti beca...

In this important interview, Jillian Comstock sits down with Susanne White , founder of the Caregiver Warrior, a website dedicated to offering resources and support to those who are caring for loved ones dealing with health impacts. Inspired by her own journey as her parents’ caregiver, Susanne is an inspiration to anyone navigating the challenging yet rewarding journey as a caregiver. Throughout...

In this informative interview, Jillian Comstock sits down with Sam Seavey, creator of The Blind Life, the largest online resource dedicated to assistive technology. While grappling with his own vision impairment journey, Sam has created a digital community that connects those with vision loss with important technology and adaptive equipment and software. Throughout this we highlight: • How Sam Sea...

In this thoughtful interview, Jillian Comstock sits down with Stephanie Renberg , a digital content creator who is using her voice and platform to educate and inform others about blindness and other disabilities. Stephanie turned her passion for theater into a social media movement with her engaging and informative content. Throughout this we highlight: • How Stephanie Renberg gained inspiration f...

In this impactful interview, Jillian Comstock sits down with Eavan O’Neill , a marathon runner who was diagnosed with a form of vision impairment just months before the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the world. She shares how her diagnosis and the pandemic resulted in the hardest year of her life, but running eventually helped her heal and become an inspiration for so many with vision impairment. Throug...

In this insightful interview, Jillian Comstock sits down with Catarina Rivera , a dynamic public speaker, DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) consultant, and content creator known as "Blindish Latina." Catarina shares her powerful journey of living with both hearing and vision disabilities, her advocacy for disability inclusion, and her mission to smash disability stigmas throug...

In this compelling interview, Jillian Comstock sits down with Heather Hutchison , a talented content creator, author, and musician from British Columbia, Canada. Heather shares her inspiring journey of living with a visual impairment and advocating for disability and mental health awareness through her impactful social media presence and creative work. Throughout this we highlight: • How Heather H...