Welcome the PSC Mami podcast project. A collection of stories at the intersection of PSC and Parenthood. We explore the questions, possibilities and challenges of people living with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and how it reshapes our expectations of parenthood.
Laura realigned her life after her diagnosis of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. She refocused on family, friends, fun and her dream of becoming an author. Her writing served many purposes at different times, including as long letters to her three daughters, to escape from illness and as a tool for healing. Post-liver transplant, she and her family have focused on healing from the journey to and through transplant and intentionally creating new joyful memories together. You can find Laura’s memoirs, fiction and cookbook at her website: www.laurabradbury.com
Photo credit: Daisy Orser
Jennifer’s experience with organ transplantation comes full circle from agreeing to donate a loved ones organs to being the recipient of part of her husband’s liver through a living donor transplant. She shares her struggles with end-stage autoimmune liver disease and caring for her young son, and how her husband, family and community supported her through the worst of autoimmune liver disease.
Family is central to Nicola’s journey. Her younger brother was her living donor for her life saving liver transplant in her 20s. She now focuses on raising her two young sons and creating joyful memories with them. She also works to instill empathy and generosity in them through her personal and family advocacy in the Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and organ transplant communities.
Photo credit Michelle Kirkby
Alicia was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis almost 20 years ago. Her PSC has been relatively quiet until this last year. Alicia shares how she deals with her new reality as she cares for her 22-month old daughter.
Nika and Roberto discuss what it was like to discuss the risks and benefits of different options for becoming parents. Her diagnoses of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Chron's caused them to think carefully about pregnancy and parenting. They then share he process and emotions that have come along with their chosen route--surrogacy, and where they are in the journey toward parenthood.
