Brandon shares a deeply personal and grounded account of living with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), a rare and potentially life-threatening autoimmune vasculitis. Brandon walks us through his diagnosis as a young Division I athlete, the long road to remission, and the physical and emotional toll of repeated relapses, impacting his lungs, kidneys, and identity as a runner.

Beyond the medical realities, this conversation gently explores grief, mental health, and the quiet isolation that often accompanies rare disease, especially in a sport environment when there is a pressure – external or self-inflicted – to “push through”.  Brandon reflects on learning to listen to his body, manage stress, and redefine success away from constant striving.

The episode also highlights the power of community, advocacy, and shared stories through Brandon’s work with the Vasculitis Foundation, a reminder that inspiration doesn’t always come from extraordinary achievements; sometimes it comes from showing up, telling the truth, and helping others feel less alone.

The song that Brandon chose is Father’s Son by Steven Wilson Jr.

Episode 79: Brandon Hudgins - GPA

Sylvain speaks with Gay Grossman about life with ADCY5, a rare genetic movement disorder, and the journey she and her daughter Lilly have travelled together. Gay shares the long and often lonely road to diagnosis, the physical realities of a condition that affects the body but not the mind, and the quiet resilience Lilly has shown since childhood. The conversation moves through years of misdiagnosis, advocacy in schools, sleepless nights, and relentless problem-solving, before arriving at a moment of transformation: a treatment discovered through community, research, and lived experience that has profoundly changed Lilly’s quality of life. Above all, this episode is a story about perseverance, parental advocacy, and the belief that understanding the root cause can change everything, not just for one family, but for many.

The piece of music that Gay chose is Canon by Johann Pachelbel.

Episode 78: Gay Grossman - ADCY5

Marguerite shares the story of her son Louis and their life with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a complex rare disease. Marguerite speaks with honesty, warmth and clarity about the medical, emotional and practical realities of raising a child with a rare genetic condition, from Louis’s fragile start in neonatal intensive care to adulthood in a specialist supported living environment. She explores complex themes such as food security, anxiety, autism, and the invisible labour of caregiving, while challenging societal assumptions about success, independence and what a “good life” looks like. Marguerite is a strong advocate for the PWS community, and the importance of social care for children and families dealing with a rare condition. This episode is ultimately a powerful reminder that with understanding, routine, community and the right support, people with Prader-Willi syndrome can live happy, meaningful lives – and that listening to those with lived experience is essential.

The song that Louis chose is Say Something by Justin Timberlake featuring Chris Stapleton.

Episode 77: Marguerite Hughes - PWS

This is the story of Yiannis, nicknamed “Mr. Sunshine”, told by his mother Angela. Yiannis is a 5-year-old boy who lives with the ultra-rare IRF2BPL-related disorder, which has affected his development in many ways. Angela describes the profound ways in which this condition has reshaped their lives, and how hope is their drive to make a difference for Yiannis and other children affected by IRF2BPL.

Angela’s story is one of fierce advocacy and unconditional love. After Yiannis’ diagnosis, she and her husband founded Yellow for Yiannis, a foundation devoted to advancing research into the condition and supporting other families facing similar diagnoses. Angela balances the day-to-day joy of raising her son, with her fight to be heard by the scientific community to find a suitable treatment for Yannis.

Music, especially “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, plays a central role in their lives. Angela naturally selected this song for this episode.

Episode 76: Angela Papazoglou - IRF2BPL

Kayleigh opens up about living with Addison’s disease, a rare condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol. Diagnosed at just 15, Kayleigh describes the medical journey that led to her diagnosis, the daily routines that keep her well, and the emotional resilience she’s built along the way. Despite the challenges of balancing chronic illness with study and performance dreams in musical theatre, she radiates optimism and determination.

Kayleigh’s story is one of strength, self-awareness, and adaptability – from planning university choices around nearby endocrinology hospitals to managing stress and illness triggers with remarkable maturity. Her openness about wanting more chronic illness representation in theatre is inspiring, as she reminds listeners of the importance of visibility and empathy.

The song that Kayleigh chose is The Chain by Fleetwood Mac.

Episode 75: Kayleigh Berkoski - Addison's Disease

Erika shares her family’s seven-year journey to find a diagnosis for her son, Urban, who was eventually found to have SATB2-associated syndrome. With warmth and candour, Erika explains what it’s like to live through years of uncertainty, to celebrate small milestones, and to help build a global community.

Erika reflects on motherhood, advocacy, and balance – from the early fears of losing her child to the hope and purpose she found through founding the SATB2 Europe Foundation. Her story is one of resilience, love, and an unshakable belief in community and connection.

The song that Erika chose is Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

Episode 74: Erika Stariha - SATB2-associated Syndrome

Acromegaly is a rare condition caused by a pituitary tumour that leads to excess growth hormone. In this episode, Carolyn shares candidly how her symptoms, which developed slowly and over a long period of time, were mistaken for menopause or normal aging, until a series of unusual infections led to her diagnosis.

She reflects on the shock of being told she had a brain tumour, the challenges of undergoing major surgery, and the ongoing reality of living with residual tumour and long-term treatment. We also talk about the importance of listening to your body, and the progressive journey to recovery and feeling your own self again. Carolyn’s story is one of resilience and hope: she has run marathons, completed triathlons, and learned to manage her energy carefully while still embracing life fully.

The song that Carolyn chose is Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield.

Episode 73: Carolyn McNamara - Acromegaly

Giselle shares her journey with Cushing syndrome, a rare and often misunderstood condition caused by an overproduction of cortisol. For years, Giselle’s symptoms were dismissed by doctors as lifestyle-related issues, despite her insistence that something deeper was wrong. She describes the frustration of being unheard, the relief of finally receiving a diagnosis, and the resilience it took to advocate for herself. Giselle’s story is not only about overcoming medical challenges but also about learning to trust her intuition, seek second opinions, and embrace recovery with hope and gratitude. Her message is one of strength, persistence, and encouragement for others who may be questioning their own health.

The song that Giselle chose is Rise Up by Andra Day.

Episode 72: Giselle Cortes - Cushing Syndrome

Dariya’s rare autoimmune kidney condition, HSP Nephritis, has shaped much of her childhood and continues to affect her life today. Diagnosed as a child after a long and difficult journey to recognition, Dariya opens up about the physical struggles, hospital experiences, and the lasting impact of her condition. She describes how it affected her mental well-being, leading to PTSD, OCD, and borderline personality disorder. Yet, Dariya speaks with honesty and resilience about how therapy, persistence, and the support of her loved ones have helped her find stability and strength. Today, she works in healthcare herself, bringing compassion and understanding to patients with complex needs.

The song that Dariya chose is Hold My Girl by George Ezra.

Episode 71: Dariya Butcher - HSP Nephritis

Kelly speaks with openness and wisdom about living with a condition that is not life-threatening, but deeply life-altering – wet age-related macular degeneration (Wet MD). From the shock of her first diagnosis to the reality of ongoing eye injections, she offers a candid look into the emotional, physical, and practical challenges of losing central vision. She shares a down-to-earth approach to adapting to her new condition, reflecting on the balance between what we can and cannot control, the importance of medical research, and the need for more compassionate health insurance systems. Her story is not just about vision loss – it is about perspective and finding peace in the journey.

The song that Kelly selected is Time by Lauren Daigle and Aodhan King.

Episode 70: Kelly Forester - Wet MD

On One Condition is a podcast for anyone who wants to learn about a specific health condition. Hear from people who live with a condition, how it affects them and how they manage it. Sylvain Berthelot has worked in the clinical trial industry for over a decade. He is naturally curious and passionate about how the body functions. Through his interviews, he aims to give fellow human beings a voice, spreading the word about the multitude of medical conditions that affect us.

Sylvain Berthelot

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