Welcome to HippraConnects where we give a voice to those battling complex illnesses, challenging medical conditions or rare diseases and the healthcare providers who treat them as well as the support system that nurtures and sustains them.

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This episode is a fascinating conversation with Corben Parker, US Army veteran, nurse, and patient. In 2021, Corben was diagnosed with a rare neurological disease called complex regional pain syndrome and has since become involved with the Everylife Foundation for Rare Diseases. In his story, Corben discusses his advocacy and commitment to treatment modalities that are outside conventional medicine for those with rare or difficult to treat illnesses. We thank him for his service, for his advocacy and for sharing his journey!

21. A Chat with Corben Parker, U.S. Army Veteran, Nurse, and Rare Disease Patient

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/2/26/16/f518bbf1-f41c-4575-ad08-967dcfd66e22_everylife_foundation_02-2026.mp3

Join us for this fascinating look at the Everylife Foundation for Rare Diseases. In this episode, we are pleased to welcome Stephanie Riordan, Senior Director of Patient Programs at EveryLife Foundation as she shares information about how this program functions at the intersection of art and health. Through creative expression, the community translates lived rare disease experience into advocacy, storytelling, and public impact. For more information, <a href="https://everylifefoundation.org/rare-artist/" rel="nofollow">please click here.</a>

20. Stephanie Riordan and the Everylife Foundation for Rare Diseases

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/11/26/18/d931f5fd-5e9b-4649-8a75-3e1525090791_laura_b_2_holiday.mp3

Join Laura Byer, Program Manager of the Alzheimer&#39;s Association of the National Capital Area for an informative discussion aimed at those supporting individuals with Alzheimer&#39;s with tips for helping dementia and Alzheimer&#39;s patients when traveling during the holiday season. Learn about the resources offered by the Alzheimer&#39;s Association of the National Capital Area and valuable tips for engaging with someone with this progressive disease that not only impacts the individual, but the family and friends who care for them. Contact the Alzheimer&#39;s Association: https://www.alz.org/ or call their helpline: 800.272.3900.

19. Laura Byer of the Alzheimer's Association of the National Capital Area - Part II Holiday Travel with Alzheimer's Patients

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/3/14/35643493-f0e8-4180-b760-2df2f2db2456_laura_b_alz_assoc.mp3

Join Laura Byer, Program Manager of the Alzheimer&#39;s Association of the National Capital Area for an informative discussion aimed at those supporting individuals with Alzheimer&#39;s. Learn about the resources offered by the Alzheimer&#39;s Association of the National Capital Area and valuable tips for engaging with someone with this progressive disease that not only impacts the individual, but the family and friends who care for them. Contact the Alzheimer&#39;s Association: https://www.alz.org/ or call their helpline: 800.272.3900.

18. Laura Byer of the Alzheimer's Association of the National Capital Area

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Dr. Tammy Smith serves as the Regional Epidemiologist with the Communicable Disease Branch at the Department of Public Health in Raleigh, NC. Dr. Smith is also the CEO and President of Inspired Now Networks, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on health awareness, education, and research.Dr. Smith has a Doctorate of Public Health and an extensive background in research and public health. She has worked at Duke University Medical Center, where she co-authored multiple publications. She brings to HippraConnects important information and awareness of infectious diseases, prevention and important public health intitiatives.

17. A Chat with Epidemiologist, Dr. Tammy Smith

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In this episode, we chat with two individuals committed to the study and practice of Orthopedic Medicine, Dr. Oluwadamilola Kolade an Ortho resident at Howard University and Ms. Moriah Martindale, a medical student at the University of Buffalo. Their focus is on sharing important information about orthopedics and addressing healthcare disparities/barriers to treatment in underserved communities.

16. An Informative Conversation on Orthopedics, Healthcare Disparities and Treatment Challenges in Underserved Communities.

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Rev. Deneen Robinson discusses Reproductive Health (RH) Impact and the Collaborative for Equity &amp; Justice, a fiscally sponsored program of The Praxis Project, a 501(c)(3) public charity. RH Impact is one of the nation’s leading experts and an advocate for change in the Black maternal health and infant mortality crises. RH Impact works to create transnational solutions that optimize Black maternal, infant, sexual, and reproductive wellbeing. RH shifts systems and culture through training, research, technical assistance, policy, advocacy, and community-centered collaboration. To learn more visit <a href="http://www.rhimpact.org/" rel="nofollow">www.rhimpact.org</a> for more information. <ul><li>Follow them on these social media channels:</li><li>FB/Meta: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ReproductiveHealthImpact?mibextid=9R9pXO" rel="nofollow">rhimpact_</a></li><li>YouTube:  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@rhimpact_" rel="nofollow">rhimpact_</a></li><li>IG:  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rhimpact_/" rel="nofollow">rhimpact_</a></li><li>TikTok:  <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@rhimpact_?_r=1&_t=8fnqkcbRfgY" rel="nofollow">rhimpact_</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/reproductivehealthimpact/mycompany/" rel="nofollow">Reproductive Health Impact</a></li><li>Subscribe to their Newsletter: <a href="http://www.rhimpact.org/" rel="nofollow">www.rhimpact.org</a></li></ul>

15. Reproductive Health Impact with Rev. Deneen Robinson

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In this podcast, we welcome Miranda Klassen, Executive Director of the Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation (AFE), for an enlightening and valuable discussion of a condition that may severely impact the health of pregnant women. Amniotic Fluid Embolisms occur when a mother has an allergic-like immune response to amniotic fluid or fetal material that enters her bloodstream during labor or after. This birth complication can be life-threatening to both mother and baby. The Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation (AFE) works to spread awareness, provide resources, support impacted families, and educate medical professionals. You can learn more about the AFE Foundation at <a href="http://afesupport.org/" rel="nofollow">afesupport.org</a>.

14. Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation with Executive Director, Miranda Klassen.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/8/7/16/cf631084-8ff7-471e-9d04-69aa1d81bdd2_fetal_hope_foundation.mp3

We are so pleased to have with us, Lonnie Somers, Co-Founder of The Fetal Health Foundation. The Fetal Health (or Hope) Foundation’s mission is to support families receiving a fetal syndrome diagnosis. <a href="http://fetalhealthfoundation.org/" rel="nofollow">fetalhealthfoundation.org</a>. The foundation provides life-saving research, increases the awareness of fetal syndrome and shares leading medical information on this disorder. Learn more about the fascinating story of Lonnie and his wife, Michelle’s journey and discovery as parents of twin girls diagnosed with a fetal syndrome disorder. The parents went on to become founders of the Fetal Health Foundation to help other parents experiencing similar circumstances. https://www.fetalhealthfoundation.org/story/our-founder-s-story/.

13. Fetal Health Foundation with Co-Founder, Lonnie Somers

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/6/1/17/70993573-46f1-46b4-86ea-0dda655fe89e_5-p-society_interview.mp3

We are quite pleased to present Laura Castillo, Executive Director of the 5 P Minus Society. The 5 P Minus Syndrome is a disorder of chromosome deletion that impacts a small number of children in this country (50-60). Also known as Cri du Chat Syndrome, it is typically accompanied by physical and developmental delays often requiring life-time support for those impacted. The 5 P Minus Society provides crucial education, information and support for these families. Please support their efforts: <a href="https://fivepminus.org/" rel="nofollow">https://fivepminus.org/</a>.

12. 5 P Minus Society Interview with Executive Director, Laura Castillo

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Join this enlightening conversation with Dr. McCamey, the Founder and President of Doctors of Nursing Practice of Color (DNPs of Color) and her journey to enhance the medical profession by supporting and encouraging those working in advanced nursing or seeking degrees in advanced nursing. DNPs of Color is a non-profit organization and their mission is to serve DNPs of Color through networking, mentorship and advocacy to increase diversity in doctoral studies, clinical practice and leadership: <a href="https://www.dnpsofcolor.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.dnpsofcolor.org/</a>.

11. DNPs of Color - Founder, Dr. Danielle McCamey

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/3/29/17/8dd8cc20-39c9-4189-86e0-f10e81b4a657_louise_vetter_huntingtons_disease.mp3

An informative discussion with Louise Vetter, President and CEO of the Huntington&#39;s Disease Society of American. Learn more about this rare disease and how this non-profit organization offers support through community service, advocacy, research and education. https://hdsa.org/

10. Interview with Louise Vetter of the Huntington's Disease Society of America

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/3/24/15/20c52016-7e5a-4307-8f20-b4f0bc0f6ed6_orphanet.mp3

Ana Rath, Director of Orphanet shares how this valuable resource gathers information on rare diseases to improve the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients who are diagnosed with these challenging medical conditions. The goal of Orphanet, with a global outreach, is to provide high-quality information on rare diseases and ensure equal access to knowledge for all stakeholders. For more information contact Orphanet: https://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/index.php.

9. Interview with Ana Rath, Director of Orphanet

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/2/28/17/5d7f3551-12b7-49d2-97b1-e088798f0bdd_use_melissa_bryce_interview_1.mp3

We welcome Melissa Bryce, Executive Director, The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders. Join us to hear about these rare genetic disorders and how they impact the lives of many children and families. The Foundation&#39;s mission is to improve the lives of individuals with Peroxisomal Disorders by funding research, championing scientific collaboration and empowering families and professionals through educational support services.

8. Interview with Melissa Bryce, Executive Director, The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/1/25/19/a346a23c-80c0-456d-b263-e778b9a16977_diane_gray_pres_ceo_hydrocephalus_assoc_1.mp3

Join us for this fascinating interview with Diana Gray, the President and CEO of an amazing organization, the Hydrocephalus Association whose mission is to find a cure for hydrocephalus and support those living with this rare disease. Ms. Gray provides and informative overview of hydrocephalus and how it impacts patients and families. We urge you to support their efforts: https://www.hydroassoc.org/about-us/.

7. Interview with Diana Gray, President and CEO, the Hydrocephalus Association

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/11/28/18/2339d633-ad3c-4e64-87a2-f780579dcef5_rebecca_aune_hippraconnects1.mp3

This is an informative discussion with Rebecca Aune, Director of Education Programs for the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Ms. Aune shares how NORD supports the rare disease community, those struggling with orphan or rare disorders, their families and healthcare providers.

6. Interview with Rebecca Aune - National Organization for Rare Disorders

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/11/17/15/c93d4f7f-2775-4181-842f-9339bc8f2eee_rm_final.mp3

Learn how Renee Moten helps individuals minimize knee pain and increase activity levels to maximize quality of life for those bothered by ongoing knee discomfort.

5. Interview with Renee Moten, Founder of Functional Fitness

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/9/17/12/a6ff34a8-85fc-471a-bdce-68f7a0f4f3cc_hc_youmbi_3.mp3

Join us in learning about the world of pharmacy, its impact on our lives and ways in which this profession has become frontline in healthcare to help us overcome challenges from personal medical needs to community disease prevention.

4 - Interview with Dr. Gisele Youmbi, Pharmacist and Entrepreneur

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/3/18/17/f37b4546-c821-43b0-82e4-c62cc0381ae1_1_-_interview_with_mehreen.mp3

In this episode of HippraConnects, Eesha Imam interviews her cousin Mehreen about her journey of living and growing up with Microphthalmia. Mehreen talks about some small challenges living with the condition, overcoming mental barriers, not letting Microphthalmia hold her back, doing what makes you happy, finding a support group and much more! Thank you to Mehreen for coming on the show and take care! For more information on Hippra Check us out on:<a href="https://linktr.ee/hippra" rel="nofollow">https://linktr.ee/hippra</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hippraapp/" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/hippraapp/</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hippra1" rel="nofollow">https://twitter.com/hippra1</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/hippra" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/company/hippra</a>

3 - Interview with Mehreen – The Journey of Living with Microphthalmia

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/2/24/16/e146372e-4580-4a66-97a5-1046255fc14f_podcast_healthcare_future.mp3

Hippra&#39;s vision on the future of healthcare. For more information on Hippra Check us out on:https://linktr.ee/hipprahttps://www.facebook.com/hippraapp/https://twitter.com/hippra1https://www.linkedin.com/company/hippra

2 - The Future of Healthcare

Sharing Healthcare Knowledge

HippraConnects helps to facilitate community awareness and medical knowledge-sharing to give a voice to those helping patients with rare diseases and challenging medical conditions.