The Most Dangerous Phrase in Rare Disease: “You Look Fine.”
I’m Aware That I’m Rare: the phaware® podcast
Episode 566 - Lala Juarez
Diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension in her early 20s after years of being dismissed, Lala Juarez knows what it’s like to be told “you look fine” while fighting for breath. In this deeply honest conversation, she shares her journey from misdiagnosis and IV therapy to the shock of being told it was finally “time” for a double lung transplant. Now four years post-transplant, Lala reflects on rediscovering everyday joys, navigating loss and trauma, and why support groups became a lifeline that made her feel seen, validated, and never alone.
The Daily Discipline of PH: Living by the Liter and Label
I’m Aware That I’m Rare: the phaware® podcast
Episode 565 - Angela Brown
Most people don’t count every sip of water or every grain of salt. Angela Brown does. This episode dives into the daily discipline required to live with pulmonary hypertension — from navigating restaurant menus to surviving a exotic vacations in sweltering heat with strict fluid and sodium limits.
The Loneliness of Pulmonary Hypertension
I’m Aware That I’m Rare: the phaware® podcast
Episode 556 - Lenise Whitley
After years of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and told nothing was wrong, Lenise Whitley finally got an answer - pulmonary hypertension. In this powerful episode, she shares her journey through cardiac arrest, loss, faith, and isolation, and how support groups, advocacy, and self-belief helped her reclaim her voice. A raw, honest reminder of why being heard can be lifesaving.
One Teacher’s Unexpected Battle with a Silent Killer
I’m Aware That I’m Rare: the phaware® podcast
Episode 555 - Nicole Fitzgerald
Nicole Fitzgerald was a full-time special ed teacher juggling work, family, and a big move — until breathlessness and fatigue nearly took her life. What started as stress turned into a life-threatening diagnosis. This is the story of how she faced pulmonary hypertension head-on and redefined her purpose.