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Stronger Every Day: For Parents of Children with Rare Diseases

You're a parent or caretaker of someone with a rare disease. It's crazy hard, but you can handle all the challenges that come your way, and Bo Bigelow will show you how.  Bo Bigelow is the father and primary caretaker of Tess, age 14, who has a rare genetic disorder that causes nonverbal autism, communication disorders, and epilepsy. Bo is an award-winning speaker, writer, filmmaker, and advocate for people with disabilities. He is also a practicing disability-rights attorney. Whether speaking up for Tess's education, navigating appointments and insurance coverage, or simply making Tess seen and known, he's developed tons of actionable tips to help you crush it and get it all done, without losing your own sanity and identity.   Bo is a co-founder of DISORDER: The Rare Disease Film Festival and The Disorder Channel. Over the years, he's told Tess's story to NPR, NBC News, ABC News, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic.
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Stronger Every Day: For Parents of Children with Rare Diseases
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Now displaying: 2022
Dec 28, 2022

The mud room. It's our point of departure when we leave our house. And in that room, post-Christmas, Tess unleashes a neat-o surprise.

Tess knows. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 200 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Dec 20, 2022

Certain handheld objects give Tess a sense of peace. They keep her from getting bored.

The wonderful world of fidgets. Where can I get more of these?

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 200 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Dec 13, 2022

The phenotyping study begins for our girl in Germany. How does Miss Tess do?

Wrapping up a three-part series about our recent trip. I share tips and tricks! #TravelingWithAutism

Special shout-out to Gretchen McCulloch and Lauren Gawne, hosts of the great linguistics podcast Lingthusiasm, which totally saved me while I was in the hospital with Tess. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 200 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K 

Dec 5, 2022

We explore Heidelberg, getting some z's but not a lot. And we finally meet up with the scientist who knows more about Hao-Fountain than anyone else. 

More about our recent trip to Germany for the USP7 phenotyping study. #TravelingWithAutism

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 200 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K 

Nov 30, 2022

Tess takes her first voyage across the Atlantic. At long last, we begin our trip to Germany for the phenotyping study.

Two words:  Jet. Lag.  

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 200 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K 

Nov 19, 2022

Germany, take two. Let's go see Dr. Schaaf.

Let's try this again.  

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 200 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Nov 15, 2022

Evaluations. They're a huge part of our life with Tess. They aren't really fun

If you're doing a questionnaire about your kid--to get services, Medicaid, IEP stuff--I'm with you

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Nov 8, 2022

We have a birthday girl in the house. This week, Tess turns the big one-three.

It's been quite a ride so far with this gal. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 200 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K 

Nov 1, 2022
Tess is such a talker. Not with words exactly, but a complex system of sounds and gestures. And one thing that can sometimes cause us a bit of concern is this:  when she clams up entirely.  
 
What does it mean when Tess is quiet
 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K 

Oct 25, 2022

A call for help. A bat-signal in the night sky of life with a rare disease. One man sees the signal. And he answers

Solving the toothbrush conundrum

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Oct 18, 2022

What is Tess's favorite item from the lavatory? Raise your hand if you think you know the answer.

An update on life with our new puppy Penny

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Oct 11, 2022

It's time once again for the great powwow among experts to work on Tess's education. I'm talking, of course, about her IEP

We've been through this a few times now. It helps that we have a dream team.

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

 

Oct 4, 2022

Gather round. I want to tell you a story about someone who really sees Tess.

Tess's cousin is deeply interested in helping her

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Sep 27, 2022

Apple picking. It's not just for people who need to get out of the house with their toddlers.

A fun surprise in the pumpkin patch. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Sep 20, 2022

Calendar invites. Rare parents get a lot of 'em. And we pretty much have to click yes every single time.

Mindset is key. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Sep 13, 2022

We've come a long way together, Tess Army.

Stay tuned through the end of this ep for an incredible surprise from my main man Daniel DeFabio

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Sep 6, 2022
Victory. Sometimes it's sweeter when you lose a whole bunch and almost give up hope and then finally prevail in the end.           
 
Tess joins her USP7 brothers and sisters in an important venture. 
 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Aug 30, 2022

Foundations often start small, with a few parents around a kitchen table. But they grow. And ours is growing now, thanks to a special tool. Do you want to know what the Matrix is?

This week:  I share three major pieces of news, including how to get involved. USP7 patient families, I'm looking at you on this. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Aug 23, 2022

There are no camps. No activities. No more summer school. What can we do in the last weeks of August, before school starts?

Tess is having herself a dynamite summer.

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Aug 16, 2022

Our family just took our first voyage in over three years, to Montreal and Quebec. We learned a ton. And I'm back this week with some more tips about traveling with autism, so you know what worked for us on the road with Tess.

Part two of two, with tips about what's been helpful for us as we travel with our Tess.

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Aug 9, 2022

Our family just took our first big trip in over three years, to Montreal and Quebec. We learned a lot. And I'm gonna give you some tips about traveling with autism, so you know what worked for us with our Tess.

Tess did great on this voyage. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

 

Jul 29, 2022

You may know that Tess didn't walk until she was five. She wore orthotics, or braces, for years. And now, at age 12, she's back in braces.

Working on helping Tess walk better

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Jul 26, 2022

We play a lot of music in our house. In the kitchen, in the car, wherever. Tess is making her opinions known about certain tunes.

What are Tess's current fave songs?

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Jul 19, 2022

Happy to tell you this week about the next phase of our search for a cure or treatment for Hao-Fountain Syndrome.

You, Tess Army, are helping us, and we're grateful. 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

Jul 12, 2022

This week, we say goodbye to a dear member of our family.

When is a service dog not a service dog? 

Stronger Every Day is sponsored by The Disorder Channel. It's dedicated to rare diseases and other types of disabilities. Over 100 film and video titles, including a few video versions of this podcast. Available for free right now on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The Disorder Channel. The most rare stories in the world. https://www.thedisordercollection.com/

Are you on our Discord server RARE & RELATABLE? It's a 24/7 chatroom for people dealing with rare diseases and other types of disabilities. We even have a closed channel for Hao-Fountain / USP7 families. Click here to join: discord.gg/7UFUPAFs8K

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