Unpacking the Gift of Life Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:01 -0400 https://unpackingthegiftoflife.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Unpacking the Gift of Life yes fcc41b49-f2a4-5b28-8ff4-62ba706a00e2 Valen Keefer episodic false Our experiences shape more than our health. They shape our relationships, our identity, and the way we move through the world. In Season 3, Unpacking the Gift of Life explores the intersection of health, humanity, and connection—with hope, honesty, and hard-won insight to navigate care, find purpose, and live well alongside chronic illness.


Hosted by patient advocacy leader and two-time transplant recipient Valen Keefer, every episode is a reminder that none of us are navigating it alone. Through real stories from patients, transplant survivors, healthcare providers, researchers, and advocates, we share heartfelt conversations about building resilience, finding connection, and discovering the perspectives that make life so beautiful.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Valen Keefer https://storage.buzzsprout.com/aa0txgrm0cpio3llpohguuxn4koy?.jpg Unpacking the Gift of Life https://unpackingthegiftoflife.buzzsprout.com Now What? Finding Your Path Through Kidney Care Now What? Finding Your Path Through Kidney Care "Now what?" It's the question Valen asked 25 years ago as an 18-year-old newly under the care of nephrologist Dr. Terry Watnick, and it's the same question she's answering in this episode for anyone facing a new kidney disease diagnosis today. Valen reunites with Dr. Watnick, a nephrologist and PKD researcher at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, to cover the fundamentals of kidney care for newly diagnosed patients, from building a healthcare team to understanding the different types of nephrology care available. Walk away knowing how to build a healthcare team you trust, how to know what type of care is right for you, and how to find your community along the way.  

 

About Your Host 

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant,  

www.valenkeefer.com 

 

Additional Resources 

 

 

]]> "Now what?" It's the question Valen asked 25 years ago as an 18-year-old newly under the care of nephrologist Dr. Terry Watnick, and it's the same question she's answering in this episode for anyone facing a new kidney disease diagnosis today. Valen reunites with Dr. Watnick, a nephrologist and PKD researcher at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, to cover the fundamentals of kidney care for newly diagnosed patients, from building a healthcare team to understanding the different types of nephrology care available. Walk away knowing how to build a healthcare team you trust, how to know what type of care is right for you, and how to find your community along the way.  

 

About Your Host 

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant,  

www.valenkeefer.com 

 

Additional Resources 

 

 

]]> Valen Keefer Buzzsprout-19929794 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 -0400 2684 3 3 full false Don't You Know, KDIGO?: Clinical Guidelines and Why They Matter Don't You Know, KDIGO?: Clinical Guidelines and Why They Matter In recent years, new KDIGO guidelines for both IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and PKD have been released – but what does this mean for patients and their loved ones? In this episode, Valen talks with Mike Spigler, Chief Program Officer and Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Research and Education at the American Kidney Fund, about the KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) guidelines that shape care for kidney disease around the world. They discuss where these guidelines come from, what they look like in practice, and how advocacy groups are helping to translate them into plain language so patients can be empowered with knowledge. 

Tune in to learn more about the guidelines shaping clinical care and what they mean day-to-day for patients and caregivers.

About Your Host

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader & Strategic Healthcare Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com 

Additional Resources

]]> In recent years, new KDIGO guidelines for both IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and PKD have been released – but what does this mean for patients and their loved ones? In this episode, Valen talks with Mike Spigler, Chief Program Officer and Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Research and Education at the American Kidney Fund, about the KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) guidelines that shape care for kidney disease around the world. They discuss where these guidelines come from, what they look like in practice, and how advocacy groups are helping to translate them into plain language so patients can be empowered with knowledge. 

Tune in to learn more about the guidelines shaping clinical care and what they mean day-to-day for patients and caregivers.

About Your Host

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader & Strategic Healthcare Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com 

Additional Resources

]]> Valen Keefer Buzzsprout-19853382 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:00:00 -0400 2210 3 2 full false Walking a Different Path: John Fluevog’s Story of Creativity, Transplant, and Purpose Walking a Different Path: John Fluevog’s Story of Creativity, Transplant, and Purpose Behind John Fluevog's decades of iconic shoe design is a personal story of kidney disease, transplant, and gratitude. Valen talks with John about his creative journey, his diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease, and the transplant that changed his outlook and inspired him to create shoes carrying a message of love and generosity. Through it all, he continues to "walk in the creative," offering advice along the way to others hoping to do the same. Discover how art can be a vehicle for advocacy, awareness, and self-expression. 

 

About Your Host: 

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader & Strategic Healthcare Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com  

 

Additional Resources 

]]> Behind John Fluevog's decades of iconic shoe design is a personal story of kidney disease, transplant, and gratitude. Valen talks with John about his creative journey, his diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease, and the transplant that changed his outlook and inspired him to create shoes carrying a message of love and generosity. Through it all, he continues to "walk in the creative," offering advice along the way to others hoping to do the same. Discover how art can be a vehicle for advocacy, awareness, and self-expression. 

 

About Your Host: 

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader & Strategic Healthcare Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com  

 

Additional Resources 

]]> Unpacking the Gift of Life Buzzsprout-19741848 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:00:00 -0400 2620 3 1 full false Hope on the Horizon: How Every Voice Shapes Research Innovation Hope on the Horizon: How Every Voice Shapes Research Innovation The future of rare kidney disease treatment is full of hope and innovation. Valen chats with Dr. Jill Green and Dr. Pranav Garimella about groundbreaking research and why the patient voice matters when working with advocacy groups and industry to shape future treatments. Leave feeling inspired and informed about the innovations driving change in rare kidney disease care. 


About Your Host

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com


Additional Resources

Dr. Pranav Garimella - Pranav Garimella, MBBS, MPH, FASN - Nephrology (Kidney) | UC San Diego Health

Dr. Jill Green - Jill A. Green

PKD Centers of Excellence - Centers of Excellence - Polycystic kidney disease | PKD treatment research | PKD Foundation

UC San Diego PKD Center of Excellence - Polycystic Kidney Disease Care | UC San Diego Health

American Kidney Fund - Join us in fighting kidney disease on all fronts | American Kidney Fund

Rare Kidney Disease Action Network

https://www.kidneyfund.org/rare-kidney-disease-action-network

Unknown Causes of CKD Program

https://www.kidneyfund.org/professionals-and-research/unknown-causes-kidney-disease-project

]]> The future of rare kidney disease treatment is full of hope and innovation. Valen chats with Dr. Jill Green and Dr. Pranav Garimella about groundbreaking research and why the patient voice matters when working with advocacy groups and industry to shape future treatments. Leave feeling inspired and informed about the innovations driving change in rare kidney disease care. 


About Your Host

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com


Additional Resources

Dr. Pranav Garimella - Pranav Garimella, MBBS, MPH, FASN - Nephrology (Kidney) | UC San Diego Health

Dr. Jill Green - Jill A. Green

PKD Centers of Excellence - Centers of Excellence - Polycystic kidney disease | PKD treatment research | PKD Foundation

UC San Diego PKD Center of Excellence - Polycystic Kidney Disease Care | UC San Diego Health

American Kidney Fund - Join us in fighting kidney disease on all fronts | American Kidney Fund

Rare Kidney Disease Action Network

https://www.kidneyfund.org/rare-kidney-disease-action-network

Unknown Causes of CKD Program

https://www.kidneyfund.org/professionals-and-research/unknown-causes-kidney-disease-project

]]> Valen Keefer Buzzsprout-18254077 Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500 2816 2 6 full false On the Cutting Edge: Engaging in Rare Disease Research On the Cutting Edge: Engaging in Rare Disease Research Patients are key to advancing rare disease treatment. IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patient Russ Roberts and his nephrologist Dr. Arnold Silva discuss the role of clinical trials in rare kidney disease research and how patients and providers can work together to shape the future of treatment. Get practical advice on how to get involved in clinical research and make a difference. 

 

About Your Host 

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com  

 

Additional Resources 

]]> Patients are key to advancing rare disease treatment. IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patient Russ Roberts and his nephrologist Dr. Arnold Silva discuss the role of clinical trials in rare kidney disease research and how patients and providers can work together to shape the future of treatment. Get practical advice on how to get involved in clinical research and make a difference. 

 

About Your Host 

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com  

 

Additional Resources 

]]> Valen Keefer Buzzsprout-18104609 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400 2533 2 5 full true Patient-Provider Partnership: The Ins and Outs of Building Your Care Team (Part 2) Patient-Provider Partnership: The Ins and Outs of Building Your Care Team (Part 2) Strong relationships with your healthcare team are essential for managing complex care. Valen and her nephrologist, Dr. Adarsh Bhat, explore how patients and providers can collaborate, while transplant recipient Tristan Mace shares tips on managing a complex care team. Discover valuable tips on building effective, supportive relationships with your healthcare providers. 


About Your Host 

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com  

 

Additional Resources 

]]> Strong relationships with your healthcare team are essential for managing complex care. Valen and her nephrologist, Dr. Adarsh Bhat, explore how patients and providers can collaborate, while transplant recipient Tristan Mace shares tips on managing a complex care team. Discover valuable tips on building effective, supportive relationships with your healthcare providers. 


About Your Host 

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com  

 

Additional Resources 

]]> Valen Keefer Buzzsprout-18023123 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400 2162 2 4 full false Patient-Provider Partnership: The Ins and Outs of Building Your Care Team (Part 1) Patient-Provider Partnership: The Ins and Outs of Building Your Care Team (Part 1) Strong relationships with your healthcare team are essential for managing complex care. Valen and her nephrologist, Dr. Adarsh Bhat, explore how patients and providers can collaborate, while transplant recipient Tristan Mace shares tips on managing a complex care team. Discover valuable tips on building effective, supportive relationships with your healthcare providers. 

 

About Your Host 

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com  

 

Additional Resources 

]]> Strong relationships with your healthcare team are essential for managing complex care. Valen and her nephrologist, Dr. Adarsh Bhat, explore how patients and providers can collaborate, while transplant recipient Tristan Mace shares tips on managing a complex care team. Discover valuable tips on building effective, supportive relationships with your healthcare providers. 

 

About Your Host 

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com  

 

Additional Resources 

]]> Valen Keefer Buzzsprout-18023139 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400 2577 2 4 full false Care for the Rare: Real Caregivers Share Support Strategies for Rare Kidney Disease (Part 2) Care for the Rare: Real Caregivers Share Support Strategies for Rare Kidney Disease (Part 2) Caregiving is a shared journey. Valen is joined by mother-daughter duo Linda and Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease and Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis (ARPKD/CHF) patient Claire Bevec, along with Valen’s husband Noah, to talk about the evolving dynamics of caregiving. Hear advice and strategies for navigating the caregiving journey and transition from pediatric to adult care with compassion and resilience. 

 

About Your Host 

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com  

 

Additional Resources 

]]> Caregiving is a shared journey. Valen is joined by mother-daughter duo Linda and Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease and Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis (ARPKD/CHF) patient Claire Bevec, along with Valen’s husband Noah, to talk about the evolving dynamics of caregiving. Hear advice and strategies for navigating the caregiving journey and transition from pediatric to adult care with compassion and resilience. 

 

About Your Host 

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com  

 

Additional Resources 

]]> Valen Keefer Buzzsprout-17934102 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400 1776 2 3 full false Care for the Rare: Real Caregivers Share Support Strategies for Rare Kidney Disease (Part 1) Care for the Rare: Real Caregivers Share Support Strategies for Rare Kidney Disease (Part 1) Caregiving is a shared journey. Valen is joined by mother-daughter duo Linda and Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease and Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis (ARPKD/CHF) patient Claire Bevec, along with Valen’s husband Noah, to talk about the evolving dynamics of caregiving. Hear advice and strategies for navigating the caregiving journey and transition from pediatric to adult care with compassion and resilience. 

 

About Your Host 

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com  

 

Additional Resources 

]]> Caregiving is a shared journey. Valen is joined by mother-daughter duo Linda and Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease and Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis (ARPKD/CHF) patient Claire Bevec, along with Valen’s husband Noah, to talk about the evolving dynamics of caregiving. Hear advice and strategies for navigating the caregiving journey and transition from pediatric to adult care with compassion and resilience. 

 

About Your Host 

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com  

 

Additional Resources 

]]> Valen Keefer Buzzsprout-17931962 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400 2376 2 3 full false Action in Advocacy: The Patient’s Guide to Finding Your Voice Action in Advocacy: The Patient’s Guide to Finding Your Voice Advocacy starts with finding your voice. Valen and chronic rare disease patient advocate Swapna Kakani discuss how they discovered their purpose in patient advocacy and offer practical tips for anyone wanting to make a difference. Learn how to use your voice to drive change and support the rare disease community. 

 

About Your Host 

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com  

 

Additional Resources 

]]> Advocacy starts with finding your voice. Valen and chronic rare disease patient advocate Swapna Kakani discuss how they discovered their purpose in patient advocacy and offer practical tips for anyone wanting to make a difference. Learn how to use your voice to drive change and support the rare disease community. 

 

About Your Host 

Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com  

 

Additional Resources 

]]> Valen Keefer Buzzsprout-17854016 Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400 2043 2 2 full false Let’s Walk Together: Our Journeys with Rare Kidney Disease Let’s Walk Together: Our Journeys with Rare Kidney Disease Living with rare disease is a journey of challenges and triumphs. Valen and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patient advocate Malkia White share their personal stories, exploring what makes the rare disease experience unique and the strength that comes from shared experiences. Tune in to hear about the power of connection in the rare disease community.

About Your Host
Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com

Additional Resources
#ThatGirlNeedsAKidney, https://facebook.com/thatgirlneedsakidney
#ThatGirlNeedsAKidney, https://instagram.com/ThatGirlNeedsAKidneyResources
IgA Nephropathy Foundation, https://igan.org/
National Organization for Rare Disorders, https://rarediseases.org/
Mental Health America, https://mhanational.org/
Learn More about Living Donation – National Kidney Donation Organization, https://www.nkdo.org/

]]> Living with rare disease is a journey of challenges and triumphs. Valen and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patient advocate Malkia White share their personal stories, exploring what makes the rare disease experience unique and the strength that comes from shared experiences. Tune in to hear about the power of connection in the rare disease community.

About Your Host
Valen Keefer – Patient Advocacy Leader, Health Educator, & Strategic Consultant, www.valenkeefer.com

Additional Resources
#ThatGirlNeedsAKidney, https://facebook.com/thatgirlneedsakidney
#ThatGirlNeedsAKidney, https://instagram.com/ThatGirlNeedsAKidneyResources
IgA Nephropathy Foundation, https://igan.org/
National Organization for Rare Disorders, https://rarediseases.org/
Mental Health America, https://mhanational.org/
Learn More about Living Donation – National Kidney Donation Organization, https://www.nkdo.org/

]]> Buzzsprout-17748902 Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400 2261 2 1 full false Ask Us Anything Ask Us Anything In the final episode of Season 1 of Unpacking the Gift of Life, Valen and Cristen invite you into an open conversation where no question is off-limits. In this “Ask Us Anything” special, they tackle topics that resonate deeply within the transplant community: coping with post-transplant depression, navigating the nuances of family and friend support, managing sun exposure, staying vigilant against COVID, and safeguarding your kidneys when surrounded by children. As they reflect on the season's journey, Valen and Cristen explore the inspiration that has fueled each episode, highlighting the resilience, hope, and community that have made this season so impactful. Join them for an honest and heartfelt discussion that wraps up the season by celebrating the strength and spirit of those living with the extraordinary gift of life.

Learn more about your hosts:

Additional resources:

]]> In the final episode of Season 1 of Unpacking the Gift of Life, Valen and Cristen invite you into an open conversation where no question is off-limits. In this “Ask Us Anything” special, they tackle topics that resonate deeply within the transplant community: coping with post-transplant depression, navigating the nuances of family and friend support, managing sun exposure, staying vigilant against COVID, and safeguarding your kidneys when surrounded by children. As they reflect on the season's journey, Valen and Cristen explore the inspiration that has fueled each episode, highlighting the resilience, hope, and community that have made this season so impactful. Join them for an honest and heartfelt discussion that wraps up the season by celebrating the strength and spirit of those living with the extraordinary gift of life.

Learn more about your hosts:

Additional resources:

]]> Valen Keefer, Cristen Wathen Buzzsprout-15657911 Wed, 04 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0400 1781 1 6 full false Advocating for Ourselves in Social and Healthcare Relationships Advocating for Ourselves in Social and Healthcare Relationships Communication and speaking up for ourselves is so important, yet can feel exhausting. Valen, Cristen, and their friend, Noelia, dig deep into three aspects of communication as it relates to patient advocacy. First, experiences of advocating for ourselves in our social relationships with partners, loved ones, friends, and the community at large. Second, the meaning, purpose, and value of a trusting relationship with our healthcare teams. And third, they share conversations about internal dialogue, being kind to ourselves, and emotional honesty. Tune in to learn ways to advocate for yourself, be empowered to have honest conversations, and live a meaningful life in the midst of chronic illness. 

 

Learn more about your hosts:

 

Additional resources: 

]]> Communication and speaking up for ourselves is so important, yet can feel exhausting. Valen, Cristen, and their friend, Noelia, dig deep into three aspects of communication as it relates to patient advocacy. First, experiences of advocating for ourselves in our social relationships with partners, loved ones, friends, and the community at large. Second, the meaning, purpose, and value of a trusting relationship with our healthcare teams. And third, they share conversations about internal dialogue, being kind to ourselves, and emotional honesty. Tune in to learn ways to advocate for yourself, be empowered to have honest conversations, and live a meaningful life in the midst of chronic illness. 

 

Learn more about your hosts:

 

Additional resources: 

]]> Valen Keefer, Cristen Wathen Buzzsprout-15605306 Mon, 19 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0400 2628 1 5 full false Three Unique Perspectives on Having Children: Pre- and Post-Transplant Three Unique Perspectives on Having Children: Pre- and Post-Transplant Valen, Cristen, and their friend, Elizabeth, share their individual paths of whether to have children, what led to their choices, and how ADPKD and transplant shaped their decision-making. They acknowledge the emotions surrounding their difficult decisions, share personal stories on how they navigated and embraced having or not having a child, and how they moved forward in a positive way. Listen in to be inspired and empowered by their vulnerability and determination.

Learn more about your hosts:


Additional resources:

]]> Valen, Cristen, and their friend, Elizabeth, share their individual paths of whether to have children, what led to their choices, and how ADPKD and transplant shaped their decision-making. They acknowledge the emotions surrounding their difficult decisions, share personal stories on how they navigated and embraced having or not having a child, and how they moved forward in a positive way. Listen in to be inspired and empowered by their vulnerability and determination.

Learn more about your hosts:


Additional resources:

]]> Buzzsprout-15386007 Tue, 09 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0400 2871 1 4 full false Living Well Alongside Chronic Illness Living Well Alongside Chronic Illness We never forget the day we receive a life-altering diagnosis. Valen and Cristen share their pivotal moments of being diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). With Valen being diagnosed as a child, they discuss the lessons learned from living with ADPKD from youth to adulthood. Through the challenges surrounding a lifelong health journey, they discovered a wellspring of resilience, strength, and above all, hope. Listen in to hear how they learned to live well alongside PKD and be inspired on how you can too. 

 

Learn more about your hosts:

 

Additional resources: 

]]> We never forget the day we receive a life-altering diagnosis. Valen and Cristen share their pivotal moments of being diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). With Valen being diagnosed as a child, they discuss the lessons learned from living with ADPKD from youth to adulthood. Through the challenges surrounding a lifelong health journey, they discovered a wellspring of resilience, strength, and above all, hope. Listen in to hear how they learned to live well alongside PKD and be inspired on how you can too. 

 

Learn more about your hosts:

 

Additional resources: 

]]> Buzzsprout-15171130 Mon, 03 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400 1928 1 3 full false The Importance of Being Proactive with Our Emotional Wellbeing The Importance of Being Proactive with Our Emotional Wellbeing Valen and Cristen delve into the profound world of emotions surrounding chronic illness. They discuss mental health stigma, the lack of support and resources, and why being proactive with our mental health is so important. You’ll learn insights into how to become an advocate for your emotional wellbeing and strategies for accessing and working with mental health professionals.

Hosted by:
Valen Keefer - Patient Advocate, Consultant, Educator, Motivational Speaker
Cristen Wathen - Licensed Counselor and Associate Professor at Palo Alto University

www.valenkeefer.com
www.paloaltou.edu/faculty/cristen-wathen-phd-lcpc-ncc

Additional resources:
About Kate Bowler: www.katebowler.com/about/
American Counseling Association’s “What is Counseling?” : www.counseling.org/mental-health-counseling/what-is-counseling
Psychology Today: www.psychologytoday.com/us
PKD Foundation’s Resources: www.connect.pkdcure.org/
PKD Foundation’s Peer Mentor Program: www.connect.pkdcure.org/p2p-mentoring/

This podcast is sponsored by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., and is not intended to provide medical advice.

]]> Valen and Cristen delve into the profound world of emotions surrounding chronic illness. They discuss mental health stigma, the lack of support and resources, and why being proactive with our mental health is so important. You’ll learn insights into how to become an advocate for your emotional wellbeing and strategies for accessing and working with mental health professionals.

Hosted by:
Valen Keefer - Patient Advocate, Consultant, Educator, Motivational Speaker
Cristen Wathen - Licensed Counselor and Associate Professor at Palo Alto University

www.valenkeefer.com
www.paloaltou.edu/faculty/cristen-wathen-phd-lcpc-ncc

Additional resources:
About Kate Bowler: www.katebowler.com/about/
American Counseling Association’s “What is Counseling?” : www.counseling.org/mental-health-counseling/what-is-counseling
Psychology Today: www.psychologytoday.com/us
PKD Foundation’s Resources: www.connect.pkdcure.org/
PKD Foundation’s Peer Mentor Program: www.connect.pkdcure.org/p2p-mentoring/

This podcast is sponsored by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., and is not intended to provide medical advice.

]]> Valen Keefer, Cristen Wathen Buzzsprout-14997553 Mon, 06 May 2024 12:00:00 -0400 1805 1 2 full false Meet Your Hosts and Learn the Meaning Behind Unpacking the Gift of Life Meet Your Hosts and Learn the Meaning Behind Unpacking the Gift of Life Hosts Valen and Cristen share how their unique yet parallel experiences of living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) led to their serendipitous friendship and passion for patient advocacy. This episode introduces the two women and how they inspired the power of hope in each other before meeting. Valen and Cristen also explore how their PKD and transplant journeys motivate them to provide an honest perspective of the physical and emotional complexities of living with chronic illness. 

By offering the support and resources they wish they had, Valen and Cristen aspire to connect with others who are not alone in their health journey – and whose experiences resonate with their own. Told through a conversation between friends, Valen and Cristen navigate the real stories, thoughts, and feelings that come with unpacking the extraordinary gift of life.

Hosted by:
Valen Keefer – Patient Advocate, Consultant, Educator, Motivational Speaker
Cristen Wathen – Licensed Counselor and Associate Professor at Palo Alto University

www.valenkeefer.com
https://www.paloaltou.edu/faculty/cristen-wathen-phd-lcpc-ncc

This podcast is sponsored by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., and is not intended to provide medical advice.

]]> Hosts Valen and Cristen share how their unique yet parallel experiences of living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) led to their serendipitous friendship and passion for patient advocacy. This episode introduces the two women and how they inspired the power of hope in each other before meeting. Valen and Cristen also explore how their PKD and transplant journeys motivate them to provide an honest perspective of the physical and emotional complexities of living with chronic illness. 

By offering the support and resources they wish they had, Valen and Cristen aspire to connect with others who are not alone in their health journey – and whose experiences resonate with their own. Told through a conversation between friends, Valen and Cristen navigate the real stories, thoughts, and feelings that come with unpacking the extraordinary gift of life.

Hosted by:
Valen Keefer – Patient Advocate, Consultant, Educator, Motivational Speaker
Cristen Wathen – Licensed Counselor and Associate Professor at Palo Alto University

www.valenkeefer.com
https://www.paloaltou.edu/faculty/cristen-wathen-phd-lcpc-ncc

This podcast is sponsored by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., and is not intended to provide medical advice.

]]> Valen Keefer, Cristen Wathen Buzzsprout-14792046 Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0400 1590 1 1 full false