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About IBD - How Storytelling Fosters Compassion for Kids with Chronic Illness
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How Storytelling Fosters Compassion for Kids with Chronic Illness

About IBD

08/19/25

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35m

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A children's book leads to this conversation, which bridges the worlds of chronic illness, creativity, and connection. I talk with MB (Britt) Mooney, author of "The Mouse Who Couldn't Eat Cheese," a children's book inspired by a young woman named Alex who lived with severe Crohn's disease. MB, a science fiction and fantasy author, stepped outside his usual genre to create a story that helps kids and families understand invisible illnesses and the power of friendship. You'll hear behind-the-scenes insight on MB's creative process, the lessons learned from working with Alex's family, and the message he hopes every reader takes away—whether they live with inflammatory bowel disease or not. Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD181 Topics in this episode include: 🦉 Representation of chronic illness, specifically Crohn's disease, in children's literature. 🦉 The importance of empathy and understanding in friendships, especially for children with chronic illnesses. 🦉 The challenges faced by children with Crohn's disease and the need for social inclusion. 🦉 The creative process involved in writing a children's book and the balance required in storytelling. 🦉 The role of creativity in problem-solving and fostering community. 🦉 The significance of raising awareness about chronic illnesses through literature. 🦉 The broader themes of connection, support, and validation for children facing health challenges. Find MB Mooney at: Find Amber J Tresca at: Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

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Previous Episode

undefined - How Propel a Cure is Transforming Crohn's Disease Research
How Propel a Cure is Transforming Crohn's Disease Research

August 5, 2025

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39m

Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD180 Grassroots organizations are an important part of the IBD landscape, helping fill in the many gaps in our underserved community. Amber talks with Angela Clark, president and CEO of Propel a Cure, a grassroots nonprofit that funds research projects looking for the causes of Crohn's disease. They discuss the challenges of finding cures for IBD and the importance of supporting innovative, early-stage research. Angela explains their grant selection process, highlights current research they fund, and shares how the organization communicates complex science to the IBD community. Topics in this episode include:
  • Origins and mission of Propel a Cure, a nonprofit organization focused on Crohn's disease research.
  • Angela Clark's personal connection to Crohn's disease and her role in Propel a Cure.
  • The grassroots nature of Propel a Cure and its all-volunteer structure.
  • Challenges and rewards of running a nonprofit organization dedicated to IBD research.
  • Funding strategies for innovative research projects related to Crohn's disease.
  • Importance of raising awareness and combating misconceptions about Crohn's disease.
  • Overview of current research projects funded by Propel a Cure and their scientific approaches.
  • The role of a scientific advisory board in evaluating research proposals.
  • Communication strategies for making complex scientific research accessible to the IBD community.
  • Future goals for expanding funding capacity and building partnerships within the IBD space.
More information: Find Propel a Cure at: Find Amber J Tresca at: Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

Next Episode

undefined - Unlocking the Secrets to Stress Management Featuring Jin Lee, PhD
Unlocking the Secrets to Stress Management Featuring Jin Lee, PhD

August 30, 2025

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27m

Stress is a huge problem for people who live with immune-mediated conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. The condition causes tension in all the parts of our lives. We can't get rid of it, so we need to find ways to either minimize it or manage it. I talk to Dr. Jin Lee, neuropsychologist and CEO of IMIdeology, about managing stress while living with chronic inflammatory diseases like IBD and lupus. We discuss the impact of chronic stress on health, the challenges of fragmented care, and the benefits of a multidisciplinary, holistic approach. Dr. Lee shares practical, easy-to-implement stress management tips that you can do even when sitting at a stoplight! Plus, we tell you about the upcoming "Bridging Autoimmunity: Patient Forum" taking place on September 13th in Dobbs Ferry, NY. You'll come away from this episode understanding how integrated care, community support, and small daily habits can improve quality of life with chronic illness. Episode transcript and more: https://bit.ly/AIBD182 ***Register for the Bridging Autoimmunity: Patient Forum on September 13th, 2025!*** 0:04 Intro & Guest Background 2:55 Motivation & Clinic Model 4:53 Illness & Stress 5:16 Stress in Chronic Illness 7:28 Invisible Illness & Advocacy 8:38 Stress Management & Pilot Program 10:40 Wearables & Health Coaching 12:18 Research vs. Real Life 16:13 Building Habits 18:43 Autoimmunity Forum 22:34 About the Clinic 24:49 Connect & Learn More 26:20 Closing & Resources Topics in this episode include: ✨ Managing stress while living with chronic illness ✨ Impact of chronic inflammatory conditions on physical and emotional health ✨ Importance of a multidisciplinary care approach for chronic illnesses ✨ Challenges of fragmented healthcare and communication among specialists ✨ Stress management strategies for patients with chronic pain ✨ Role of small, manageable habits in building resilience ✨ Addressing the gap between research and real-life patient experiences ✨ Upcoming Bridging Autoimmunity Patient Forum and its offerings ✨ Integrated, patient-centered care for chronic inflammatory diseases ✨ Community support and resources for individuals with autoimmune conditions Find IMIDeology at: Find Amber J Tresca at: Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:
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