The MEN1 Mosaic

When Cesca was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2008, she was given the standard medical outlook—no known cure, disease-modifying drugs, and an uncertain future. But instead of accepting a path of inevitable decline, she took matters into her own hands. In this episode, Cesca shares how she turned to functional medicine, diet, and stress management to transform her health, despite neurolo...

For years, Holly was exhausted—so tired she could barely get through the day. Like so many others, she was told it was just the reality of being a busy mum. But deep down, she knew something wasn’t right. When a routine blood test revealed high calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, everything changed. What followed was a whirlwind of tests, miscommunication, and self-advocacy that ultimately led...

Are your symptoms a direct result of MEN1, or could something else be at play? It’s a question so many of us face, and in this solo episode, I’m breaking it down. After more than a decade of living with MEN1, I’ve learned that not every ache, fatigue, or issue can—or should—be blamed on the condition. But how do you know what’s what? I’m sharing: - What top MEN1 specialists say about distinguishin...

Is there a difference between fighting MEN1 and managing it? Tori, a fifth-generation MEN1 patient, shares her incredible journey of balancing proactive healthcare with living a full life. From navigating aggressive treatments to learning when to step back, she opens up about what it means to take control without letting MEN1 define her. In this episode, we discuss: - Growing up with MEN1 and lear...

Why do some people stay stuck in cycles of illness while others find ways to regain control of their health?  In this episode, I sit down with Anitha, a healthcare professional and patient advocate, to explore the powerful impact of diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors on chronic conditions. We discuss: - The key lifestyle changes that helped Anitha reduce inflammation and improve her health...

We’re often told that healing starts with food, but what if diet alone isn’t enough?  In this episode, I sit down with Teresa to explore the powerful, yet often overlooked, role of the mind, emotions, and nervous system in chronic illness recovery. She shares how her journey with rheumatoid arthritis led her beyond food restrictions and into deep inner healing—transforming her health in ways she n...

Managing MEN1 is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, I sit down with Jane McCourt to talk about the power of building a strong support network—both medical and personal. We discuss: - How to choose the right people for your team - Communicating effectively with doctors and health professionals - The importance of patient communities and peer support - Why trusting yourself i...

Ever felt like a fraud when it comes to your health? Like you’re not “sick enough” to ask for help, or that others have it worse? In this episode, I sit down with Simon, a MEN1 patient advocate and NCUK ambassador, to unpack "the fraudulent feeling"—the struggle of living with an invisible illness while looking "fine" on the outside.  We discuss:  - How Simon went from a **diag...

Managing MEN1 can feel overwhelming, but are you approaching it the right way? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ruth Casey, a leading consultant endocrinologist and endocrine genetics expert, to uncover the key insights every patient needs to know.   - How to build a strong relationship with your healthcare team   - The biggest challenges doctors face in MEN1 care   - Why being an active parti...

For decades, Neil endured surgery for kidney stones & unexplained symptoms without knowing the real cause. With no family history to guide doctors, his MEN1 diagnosis remained hidden for years. In this episode, Neil shares his extraordinary journey, the relief of finally getting answers, and how he took control of his health: - The first signs of MEN1 that went unnoticed   - Why his diagnosis...

What happens when a life-changing diagnosis turns your world upside down? Hannah shares her MEN1 journey—from fear and uncertainty to empowerment and strength: - How she transformed her mindset, found the right support, and took control of her health.   - The role of meditation, research, and humor in navigating MEN1.   - Practical strategies to build confidence and self-advocate with doctors. Are...

What happens when MEN1 isn’t just your diagnosis—but a reality for your entire family? In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with my incredible mother, Amanda, to explore her journey as a wife, mother, and caregiver navigating MEN1.   - The emotional impact of learning MEN1 runs in the family   - Balancing care for a spouse and children with the condition   - Facing her own health challenges...

For over two decades, Tracy battled unexplained health issues, constant hospital visits, and misdiagnoses—until a single genetic test changed everything. In this raw and eye-opening episode, she shares:  - The years of medical confusion and misdiagnosis  - The unexpected way she finally discovered she had MEN1  - The reality of living with multiple tumors and ongoing health challenges  - How she s...

What if one small genetic change could alter your entire health journey? In this episode, I sit down with Brad, a genetics student with a personal connection to MEN1, to explore: - How MEN1 mutations impact the body at a molecular level - The surprising link between MEN1 and cancer development - Why genetics is shaping the future of rare disease research - What the latest scientific advancements m...

When Claire was diagnosed with a fibroid, doctors told her surgery was the only real solution. But something inside her told her there had to be another way. In this episode, Claire shares her deeply personal journey of self-healing, how she took back her power, and the unexpected lessons she learned about her body, mind, and energy along the way. What if your body is speaking to you? Are you list...

Is Big Pharma really helping us heal—or just keeping us dependent? In this episode, I speak with Cass, a former strategist in global pharma and biotech, who’s now mentoring leadership teams across the industry. She brings a rare, honest perspective from the inside—one that challenged how I think about conventional medicine, drug pricing, and rare disease treatment. We cover: What’s really driving...

What would you do if life kept throwing one health crisis after another your way? For Jane, it started with an undiagnosed burst appendix that nearly killed her—only to be followed by an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis. But instead of following the conventional route, Jane took matters into her own hands. In this episode, she shares her powerful story of healing, the radical changes she made, a...

"You’ve got 20 years to live." That’s what Brad was told after major pancreatic surgery. But instead of giving up, he chose to live—with intention, grit, and his own version of hope. In this deeply personal conversation, Brad shares his MEN1 journey from childhood diagnosis through multiple surgeries, isolation, and unexpected setbacks. With honesty and warmth, he opens up about how he r...

What if your symptoms weren’t just physical? In this episode, Dylan Ayaloo and I explore how stress, emotions and inner beliefs can show up in the body. We talk breathwork, movement, nervous system healing and the power of story work to shift your health from the inside out. We cover: The link between stress, emotions and disease How movement and breath can unlock healing A simple practice to regu...

What if the key to healing wasn’t just medical advice—but trusting yourself?  In this episode, Kate shares how she navigated her complex health journey, the power of intuition, and how community helped her detect her condition early.   Key Takeaways: ✔️ Why listening to your intuition is crucial in rare disease care   ✔️ How community support can lead to life-changing discoveries   ✔️ The mindset...

What happens when doctors dismiss your symptoms—until an MRI reveals a golf-ball-sized tumor? In this episode, Kate shares her shocking MEN2A diagnosis, the unexpected discovery of multiple tumors, and how she’s navigating life after a whirlwind of surgeries and genetic testing. Key Takeaways: ✔️ The subtle symptoms that led to a life-changing diagnosis ✔️ The emotional impact of finding out her c...

Doctors told Teresa she had no choice but to take medication for her autoimmune disease—but she chose a different path.  In this episode, she shares how she reversed her rheumatoid arthritis naturally, the mindset shifts that changed everything, and why true healing goes beyond just diet and lifestyle. CONNECT WITH TERESA here EPISODE RESOURCES Brandy Gilmore Are you sure MEN1 can’t be influenced?...

Many MEN1 patients don’t realise how much high calcium is draining their energy—until after surgery. In this episode, Stella shares her journey with MEN1, from her family history in Greece to navigating healthcare in the UK. She opens up about her recent parathyroid surgery, the unexpected boost in energy, and how her work in cell therapy research has shaped her perspective on cancer and MEN1.   W...

When do you take action with MEN1, and when do you wait? In this episode, we dive into the tough decisions MEN1 patients face—balancing symptoms, surgery, and long-term health. Justin shares his personal journey, the challenges of navigating uncertainty, and the mindset shifts that changed everything. Are you sure MEN1 can’t be influenced? Join my community to learn how better quality conversation...

"On my birthday, I ended up in the hospital, barely conscious. Doctors assumed I was drunk—but the truth was far more serious." In this episode, MEN1 Patient, Kinga, shares: 🔹 The unexpected symptoms that led to her diagnosis 🔹 The biggest mistakes she made at the start 🔹 How she found support & learned to advocate for herself 🔹 What she wishes she knew back in 2019 If you or a l...