
Infusion Hero: Stylish Hoodies for Young Patients Featuring Rachel Bee
About IBD
04/08/25
•33m
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IBD patients are innovative, resilient, and powerful. My guest, Rachel Bee, is an incredible example of all these virtues. Rachel is a remarkable 17-year-old entrepreneur who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at just 13 years old. She turned her experiences with IBD into a mission to help others by founding Infusion Hero, a company that designs innovative hoodies specifically for young patients receiving infusions. Infusion Hero hoodies provide comfort and feature a unique design that allows for easy access during medical treatments. Rachel shares her story of navigating the challenges of her diagnosis, balancing high school, and running a business—all while maintaining her health and staying connected with friends. Don't miss Rachel's insights on how to turn personal challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. Discussion points include:
- Personal health journeys related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Experiences of living with Crohn's disease as a teenager
- The impact of chronic illness on daily life and activities
- The importance of education and support for young patients with IBD
- The creation and purpose of Infusion Hero, a clothing line for infusion patients
- Balancing health, school, and entrepreneurial endeavors
- The role of mentorship and resources for young entrepreneurs
- Emotional aspects of managing chronic illness during adolescence
- The significance of community support and relationships with peers and teachers
- Future aspirations and educational goals for young patients and entrepreneurs
- Web: https://www.infusionhero.com/
- LinkedIn: Rachel Bee
- Facebook: Infusion Hero
- Instagram: @infusion_hero
- Tik Tok: @infusion.hero
- AboutIBD.com: About IBD
- Verywell: Verywell Health
- Facebook: @aboutIBD
- Twitter: @aboutIBD
- Pinterest: @aboutibd
- Instagram: @about_IBD
- YouTube: @AboutIBD
- Threads: @about_IBD
- Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
- Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
- Web: Cooney Studio
- YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
- Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.
Previous Episode

Freelancing Freedom: Crafting Your Career While Caring for Your Health
March 25, 2025
•46m
It's not easy to manage both a career and chronic illness like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis). We need tools and tips in order to keep everything moving and succeed at work while caring for ourselves. I talk with Jen Hubley Luckwaldt about how freelancing can be a valid way of meeting both goals. Jen shares her journey from traditional employment to freelancing, including how it offers her flexibility in balancing work, health, and family. We talk about the importance of setting boundaries with clients, how to identify your marketable skills, and building a supportive community. Jen emphasizes the value of an abundance mindset in freelancing and offers practical tips for finding work and managing time effectively. If you've ever wondered how you can manage to work while still making it to infusions and appointments: we have a roadmap for you. Episode highlights:
- Managing a career while living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Challenges of maintaining traditional full-time employment with chronic illness
- Advantages of freelancing, including flexibility and work-life balance
- Importance of setting boundaries with clients
- Identifying marketable skills for freelancing
- The role of community and support in a freelance career
- Strategies for effective communication and feedback in professional settings
- Tools and resources for freelancers to enhance productivity
- The concept of an abundance mindset in freelancing
- The Job Hopper: https://thejobhopper.substack.com
- Bluesky: @jenlucky.bsky.social
- Old Mom Things: https://oldmomthings.substack.com/
- LinkedIn: @jen-hubley-luckwaldt
- AboutIBD.com: About IBD
- Verywell: Verywell Health
- Facebook: @aboutIBD
- Twitter: @aboutIBD
- Pinterest: @aboutibd
- Instagram: @about_IBD
- YouTube: @AboutIBD
- Threads: @about_IBD
- Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
- Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
- Web: Cooney Studio
- YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
- Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.
Next Episode

Reclaiming Joy in Eating with IBD Featuring Stacey Collins, MA, RDN/LDN
April 22, 2025
•57m
People with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (forms of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD) were told for many decades that diet didn't affect the disease. Even today, some patients are still told this, even though there is now significant evidence that diet absolutely matters in IBD. Stacey Collins, MA, RDN/LDN describes how her journey with ulcerative colitis led to j-pouch surgery. Her philosophy as a registered dietician is one of "nutrition by addition" rather than by dietary restriction. Stacey also focuses on the emotional aspects of eating with IBD, including the understandable fear and anxiety around food. Topics discussed:
- The role of diet in managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Personal experiences with ulcerative colitis and dietary management.
- The misconception that diet does not impact IBD management.
- The philosophy of "nutrition by addition" versus dietary restrictions.
- The importance of individualized dietary approaches for IBD patients.
- The impact of food on gut health and bacterial diversity.
- Emotional aspects of eating with IBD, including fear and anxiety around food.
- The significance of finding joy in cooking and eating.
- Practical dietary recommendations for IBD patients, including the Mediterranean diet.
- The importance of community support and connection in managing IBD.
- Stacey Collins Nutrition: https://www.staceycollinsnutrition.com/
- Twitter: @staceynellc_rd
- Instagram: @staceynellc_rd
- LinkedIn: @stacey-cutler-collins
- Scarlata K, Zickgraf HF, Satherley RM, et al. A Call to Action: Unraveling the Nuance of Adapted Eating Behaviors in Individuals with GI Conditions. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. Published online December 14, 2024. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2024.11.010
- Collins S, DIGID Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Workgroup. Iron in GI conditions. Patient.Gastro.org. 2024. https://patient.gastro.org/iron-in-gi-conditions/
- Collins S, Castelan VC, Wernick R, et al. Effects of nutrition status and perioperative nutrition supplement completion on postoperative outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease undergoing surgery. Gastroenterology. 2024;166(3):S22-S23. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2023.11.081
- Collins S. Surgery and Nutrition. Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. 2024. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/patientsandcaregivers/diet-and-nutrition/surgery-and-nutrition.
- Nishioka H, Hasegawa Y. Addressing sarcopenia in people with disabilities: definition, assessment, and nutritional care. Medical Nutrition Matters. Reviewed by Collins S. October 1, 2024. https://www.eatrightstore.org/dpg-and-mig-products/dmnt/addressing-sarcopenia-in-people-with-disabilities-definition-assessment-and-nutritional-care.
- AboutIBD.com: About IBD
- Verywell: Verywell Health
- Facebook: @aboutIBD
- Twitter: @aboutIBD
- Pinterest: @aboutibd
- Instagram: @about_IBD
- YouTube: @AboutIBD
- Threads: @about_IBD
- Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
- Instagram: @maccooneycomposer
- Web: Cooney Studio
- YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
- Theme music, IBD ...
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