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What happens when you are handed a rare, low-survival cancer diagnosis and told there are no options left? How do you transition from the overwhelming shock of a devastating prognosis to actively taking control of your medical journey? What if the key to unlocking years of quality life lies in exploring clinical trials long before they are offered as a last resort? In this powerful episode of the Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, host Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Melinda Bachini, a 16-year survivor of cholangiocarcinoma—a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer. After her initial diagnosis offered little hope, Melinda took charge of her care, leading her to a pioneering clinical trial at the National Cancer Institute. Today, she serves as the Chief Patient Officer at the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, sitting on national research committees to ensure patient advocacy remains at the forefront of medical research and policy. Tune in to discover how using your voice can unlock hope, extend quality of life, and transform the future of cancer care. Take the Next Step in Your Healthcare Journey Mastering self-advocacy can save lives. If you are ready to gain the tools, confidence, and knowledge to navigate complex medical diagnoses for yourself or your loved ones, explore our comprehensive Self-Advocacy Course. Need personalized support? If you are looking for a dedicated private patient advocate to walk alongside you, call us today at 947-517-8395 to learn how we can help. If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity. Connect with Melinda: https://www.facebook.com/melinda.bachini https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-bachini-b04b8b100/ https://www.instagram.com/mebachini/?hl=en https://x.com/melinda_bachini https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/ TikTok @melindabachini Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli: Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates pathwaypa.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered what happens after your doctor leaves the hospital room? Why do tests, imaging, and treatment decisions sometimes take hours—or even days? And who is actually coordinating all the moving parts of your hospital stay? Hospitals are complex, fast-moving environments, and patients often see only a small portion of the work happening behind the scenes. In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine pull back the curtain on hospital operations and explain how physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, case managers, laboratory teams, and other professionals work together to coordinate care. You’ll learn why hospital wait times happen, how emergencies and staffing affect schedules, what takes place during shift changes, and why communication between departments is essential for patient safety and continuity of care. The conversation also highlights how understanding the hospital care team can help patients and caregivers feel less confused and more involved in medical decisions. If you need help understanding what’s happening during a hospital stay, a private patient advocate can help you navigate the process. Call 947-517-8395 to learn more. Want to become a stronger advocate for yourself or a loved one? Explore our Self-Advocacy Course and learn more here: https://pathwaypa.com/pathwaycourses/ Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli: Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates pathwaypa.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever left a medical appointment feeling unheard or dismissed? How can you ask difficult questions without damaging your relationship with your healthcare provider? And when should you escalate a concern or seek a second opinion? Self-advocacy in healthcare doesn’t mean being confrontational—it means becoming an informed, active member of your care team. In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine discuss how patients can communicate concerns respectfully, prepare for appointments, and confidently ask for the care they need. Whether you’re managing a chronic illness, facing a confusing diagnosis, or simply want to feel more confident during medical appointments, this episode offers practical tools to help you speak up without fear. Need help navigating a complex hospital discharge or advocating for safer care? If you’re looking for a private patient advocate, call us at 947-517-8395. Want to become a stronger advocate for yourself or a loved one? Explore our Self-Advocacy Course and learn more here: https://pathwaypa.com/pathwaycourses/ Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli: Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates pathwaypa.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when your healthcare journey crosses international borders? How do you know whether medical care abroad is safe, trustworthy, and worth the cost? And who can help coordinate treatment when healthcare systems, languages, and regulations differ? International medical advocacy is becoming increasingly important for patients seeking specialized expertise, shorter wait times, clinical trials, advanced technology, second opinions, or more affordable treatment in another country. But accessing care abroad involves much more than booking an appointment or crossing a border. In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine explore what international medical advocacy really means and why patients may need support when navigating healthcare across countries. They discuss medical record coordination, language and communication barriers, provider credentials, differences in medical standards, insurance coverage, travel logistics, follow-up care, and the hidden costs that patients should consider before making a decision. If you’re looking for a private patient advocate, call 947-517-8395.  To strengthen your self-advocacy skills, explore our Self-Advocacy Course: https://pathwaypa.com/pathwaycourses/ Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli: Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates pathwaypa.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you know how to advocate for yourself when you’re sick, overwhelmed, or facing a difficult medical decision? Are you confident asking questions, understanding your medical records, or speaking up when something doesn’t seem right? And what if you don’t know where to begin? Self-patient advocacy isn’t about arguing with doctors or navigating the healthcare system alone. It’s about becoming an informed, prepared, and active participant in your own care. In this special video episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine take a deep dive into the skills that can transform the healthcare experience. They explore how to organize medical records, prepare for appointments, ask better questions, understand basic health insurance terminology, seek second opinions, build a healthcare support team, and regularly reassess your treatment plan and quality of life. Ready to strengthen your self-advocacy skills? Explore the Pathway Patient Advocates Self-Advocacy Course for practical tools, worksheets, and strategies you can use at your own pace: https://pathwaypa.com/pathwaycourses/ If you’re looking for personalized support from a private patient advocate, call 947-517-8395. Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli: Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates pathwaypa.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really mean to be well while living with cancer? How do you find hope when a diagnosis changes everything? And how can a difficult health journey become a source of purpose for others? In this powerful episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Brelli sits down with Shawn Elizabeth George, wellness educator, writer, speaker, rare cancer advocate, and two-time marathon runner, to explore resilience, wellness, and patient advocacy after a life-changing diagnosis. Shawn shares her deeply personal journey through anxiety and depression, her diagnosis with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC)—a rare salivary gland cancer—and the realities of treatment, recovery, and life beyond cancer. She opens up about undergoing surgery, proton beam radiation, and chemotherapy while raising a young family, and why the support of family, friends, healthcare providers, and community can make such a profound difference. If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity. For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395  Connect with Shawn Elizabeth George: Pause. Breathe. Pray. https://www.shawnelizabethgeorge.com/ https://www.instagram.com/shawnelizabethgeorge https://www.facebook.com/shawnelizabethgeorge Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli: Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates pathwaypa.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens after your child receives an autism diagnosis? How do you know which therapies and recommendations are truly right for your child? And how can parents become confident advocates without feeling overwhelmed? In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli speaks with Dr. Theresa Lyons, a Yale-trained scientist, autism parent, and founder of Navigating Autism, about turning uncertainty into informed action. Dr. Lyons shares how her daughter’s diagnosis transformed her scientific curiosity into a mission to help families understand autism and make thoughtful, personalized healthcare decisions. The conversation explores why autism can look so different from child to child, how parents can identify the challenges affecting quality of life, and why treatment should be tailored rather than one-size-fits-all. If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity. For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395  Connect with Dr. Theresa Lyons: https://awetism.co/work-together https://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingAWEtism https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresamlyonsphd https://www.facebook.com/NavigatingAWEtism/ Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli: Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates pathwaypa.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever felt unheard during a medical appointment? What if the most valuable source of healthcare improvement has been overlooked all along? How can patients become stronger advocates for their own care? In this powerful episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Matt Torresco, nationally recognized patient advocate, founder of Arco Advocacy, TEDx speaker, and creator of the Empowered Patient Framework. After suffering a devastating cervical spine injury that led to years of chronic pain, multiple surgeries, opioid dependence, and countless healthcare encounters, Matt transformed his personal struggle into a mission to elevate the patient voice across healthcare, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries. Whether you're living with a chronic illness, managing chronic pain, supporting a loved one, or simply striving to make informed healthcare decisions, this conversation offers actionable tools and a fresh perspective on patient advocacy. You'll leave inspired to recognize that your lived experience is not just important—it's essential. Because when patients are empowered to speak up and healthcare truly listens, better care becomes possible for everyone. If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity. For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395  Connect with Matt Toresco: https://matttoresco.com/media https://www.tiktok.com/@matttoresco https://www.instagram.com/matttoresco/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matttoresco Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli: Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates pathwaypa.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could your child have a rare disease that doesn't appear on newborn screening? What happens when a parent's instincts don't match the initial diagnosis? How can patient advocacy change the future for other families? When a child faces a rare genetic disorder, every minute matters—and every voice counts. In this deeply moving episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Jordan Kruse, founder of the Brave Little One Foundation, to share the heartbreaking yet inspiring story of her son, Pruitt, who was diagnosed with ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, a rare metabolic disorder that causes life-threatening ammonia buildup. After losing Pruitt at just six months old, Jordan transformed unimaginable grief into a mission to improve rare disease awareness, patient advocacy, and support for families navigating medically complex diagnoses. Together, they discuss why rare conditions are often mistaken for more common illnesses, the importance of trusting parental instincts, gaps in newborn screening, and why the message "Think Rare, Act Fast" has the power to save lives. If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity. For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395  Connect with Jordan Kruse: https://sites.google.com/view/thebravelittleone https://www.instagram.com/brave.littleone/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563127591766 Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli: Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates pathwaypa.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really mean to live with cystic fibrosis beyond the diagnosis? How can nutrition, self-advocacy, and resilience transform the journey through chronic illness? And what can every patient learn about navigating today's healthcare system with confidence? In this inspiring episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Nicholas Kelly, RD—registered dietitian, author, speaker, artist, and nationally recognized advocate living with cystic fibrosis (CF). Diagnosed as an infant, Nick has faced decades of hospitalizations, surgeries, and medical challenges, yet he has built a life fueled by purpose. Whether you're living with cystic fibrosis, caring for someone with a chronic medical condition, or simply looking to become a stronger advocate during your own healthcare journey, this conversation offers practical insights, encouragement, and hope. If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity. For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395  Connect with Nicholas Kelly MS, RD: https://nicholaskellyrd.com/ https://www.facebook.com/NicholasKellyRD https://www.instagram.com/NicholasKellyRD https://www.tiktok.com/@nicholaskellyrd https://nicholaskellyrd.com/contact/ Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli: Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates pathwaypa.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens after your cancer treatment ends? Why do so many cancer survivors still struggle long after remission? Who helps patients navigate the emotional, physical, and mental challenges of life after cancer? In this inspiring episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli welcomes Mariana Arnaut, Co-Founder and CEO of The After Cancer, an innovative organization transforming cancer survivorship care through personalized, evidence-based digital support. After witnessing the challenges faced by loved ones recovering from cancer, Mariana set out to address one of the biggest gaps in modern oncology: helping survivors thrive—not just survive. Together, they explore why the transition from active treatment to survivorship can feel overwhelming, despite successful cancer outcomes. Mariana explains what cancer survivorship truly means, why so many survivors experience ongoing fatigue, anxiety, fear of recurrence, pain, cognitive changes, and emotional distress, and how healthcare systems often struggle to provide the long-term support patients need. If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity. For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395  Connect with Mariana Arnaut: https://www.theaftercancer.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theaftercancer/ https://www.instagram.com/theaftercancer Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli: Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates pathwaypa.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the person auditing healthcare systems suddenly becomes a patient? Why do communication failures, delayed follow-up, and broken trust continue to impact patient outcomes every day? Could stronger patient advocacy actually save lives? In this thought-provoking episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Dale Atkinson, founder of Clear Signal Partners and creator of the Patient Trust Audit. After nearly two decades designing governance and trust frameworks for major financial institutions, Dale's life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Experiencing healthcare from the patient's perspective exposed critical gaps in communication, accountability, and continuity of care that many patients face every day. Whether you're living with cancer, managing a chronic illness, caring for a loved one, or simply trying to navigate today's healthcare system with greater confidence, this episode offers valuable perspective and actionable advice. If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity. For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395  Connect with Dale Atkinson: https://www.guestsonair.com/profile/dale-atkinson https://clearsignalpartners.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Life-Organic/61579269482177/# https://www.instagram.com/the_lifeorganic/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalejatkinson/ Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli: Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates pathwaypa.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you struggling to stay emotionally strong while navigating a medical diagnosis? Have stress, anxiety, or overwhelm made it harder to advocate for yourself or a loved one? What role does mental health play in achieving better healthcare outcomes? In this thoughtful episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Kate Zera Kray, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals build resilience, improve mental health, and navigate life's most difficult transitions. Drawing from her extensive work in hospitals, child welfare, psychotherapy, and caregiving, Kate shares practical strategies for managing the emotional challenges that often accompany chronic illness, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and complex medical journeys. Whether you're living with a chronic condition, caring for a family member, or simply feeling burned out by the demands of healthcare, this conversation offers reassurance, practical tools, and hope. You'll leave with a deeper understanding that caring for your mental health isn't separate from your medical care—it's one of the most powerful ways to advocate for yourself and move forward with strength, resilience, and confidence. If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity. For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395  Connect with Kate Zera Kray, LCSW, LLC: https://katezerakray.com/ Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli: Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates pathwaypa.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you treating symptoms without ever finding the root cause? Could small lifestyle changes make a bigger difference than you realize? What if your health journey is only one chapter—not the whole story? For many people living with chronic illness, the search for answers doesn't end with a diagnosis. It often sparks deeper questions about nutrition, lifestyle, environmental factors, and how the body heals as a whole. In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Karen Zuzu, holistic health educator, speaker, and founder of Holistic Health Educators. After being diagnosed with epilepsy as a child, Karen spent decades researching natural health approaches that ultimately transformed her own life and inspired her mission to educate others about whole-body wellness. Whether you're navigating a chronic condition, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for a more holistic perspective on wellness, this conversation offers thoughtful insights, practical tools, and hope for the road ahead. If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity. For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395  Connect with Karen Zuzu Ziemer Armes  www.lillyfieldscenter.com  www.zuzuunleashed.com https://www.facebook.com/karen.ziemer.8 https://www.facebook.com/LillyFieldsWC https://www.instagram.com/zuzu_unleashed/ https://www.youtube.com/@holistichealtheducators Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli: Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates pathwaypa.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if chronic pain isn't something you simply have to live with? Could aging without decline actually be possible? And what if small, intentional changes could help you regain strength, function, and hope? In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Eileen Kapsaftis, a chronic pain consultant with more than 30 years of experience helping people reduce—and often eliminate—chronic pain while restoring function and improving long-term health. Her whole-person approach challenges many of the common beliefs surrounding aging, pain, and recovery. Together, they explore why so many people remain stuck despite seeking treatment, how conventional healthcare often overlooks the bigger picture, and why movement, nutrition, and personalized care play a critical role in healing. Eileen also shares the surprising myth behind "age-related decline," explains her unique four-pronged approach to chronic pain, and offers simple, practical strategies that listeners can begin using today. Whether you're living with chronic pain, pelvic pain, endometriosis, mobility challenges, or simply want to stay healthier as you age, this conversation offers actionable insights, encouragement, and a refreshing perspective on what's possible. Healing isn't always about finding another procedure or prescription. Sometimes, it's about understanding your body differently, taking the first small step forward, and realizing that a healthier, stronger future may be more achievable than you ever imagined. If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity. For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395 Connect with Eileen Kopsaftis https://havelifelongwellbeing.com/ https://www.facebook.com/EileenKopsaftisOfficial https://www.youtube.com/@EileenKopsaftis Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli: Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates pathwaypa.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.