Diagnosed at 19: Living with Aplastic Anemia, PNH

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In this powerful episode, Teresa Baglietto sits down with Brandi Lewis, TEDx speaker, nonprofit founder, and host of The Life We’re Given podcast, to talk about resilience, career transitions, and the life-altering reality of facing two rare blood disorders: aplastic anemia and PNH (paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria).

At just 19 years old, Brandi was diagnosed with a life-threatening blood disorder that required chemotherapy treatment, hospitalization, and years of monitoring. After reaching remission, she was diagnosed again, this time with a second rare condition. What followed was not just a physical battle, but a mental and emotional one.

Together, Teresa and Brandi explore:

• How chronic illness impacts ambition and career goals
• Choosing mental health over a high-pressure corporate career
• Life after remission and medical trauma
• The fear of recurrence and learning to live fully again
• Advocating for yourself in the healthcare system
• Redefining success after a health crisis
• Finding purpose through nonprofit work and podcasting

This conversation is about more than illness. It’s about resilience, personal growth, career pivots, and the courage to slow down when your body demands it.

If you’ve ever questioned your career path, struggled with burnout, faced a health scare, or wondered if success is worth the stress — this episode will remind you that you are not alone.

Guest name: Brandi Lewis
Title: TEDx Speaker, Nonprofit Founder, Host of The Life We’re Given Podcast
Website: 🌐 www.brandilewis.com

Bio: Brandi Lewis is a TEDx speaker, nonprofit founder, and podcast host who shares her journey navigating rare blood disorders, career transitions, and resilience.

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