On this week's show we are speaking once again with Kristine Hoestermann, the founder of "FindYourRare" and she will be explaining how difficult it has been to get a diagnosis for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and where that diagnosis took her (Brittle Cornea Syndrome & the BRCA Gene for Breast Cancer are the latest two)  During our discussion I mentioned how I picture complex diagnoses as being like an over-spooled fishing reel, you don't know where to start to unravel the different aspects of the condition, but you know it's all connected! ​ ​ ​Heeeeere's Kristine! Allow me to introduce myselfMy name is Kristine (kk). I am the CEO of RARE.™ A brand that was born from my own frustrations following the onset of my symptoms in 2016. It never occurred to me I could wake up sick and never get better. That I would lose everything I knew without noticing.   In the beginning of getting sick I experienced extreme isolation. I felt like I didn't fit in anywhere. Among symptoms that have yet to have to be attributed to a known diseaseI have been diagnosed with EDS , POTS, and Autoimmune Small Fiber Neuropathy Secondary to Unknown Connective Tissue Disease That feels like a lot right? but I didn't look sick and that made it really hard for not only me to accept but also the world around me   I created RARE.™ as a safe space for myself until I realized so many other rare disease fighters, chronic illness, chronic pain, invisible disease or any human needed that same thing. So I got to work and here we are. Together we can start to bridge the gap   More about the RARE. Girl behind the brand;  I  am a fierce lover of Grey's Anatomy. Meredith Grey is my person. You can be sure that I'll be either listening to Taylor Swift or True Crime.  My favorite book is a Thesaurus I am a loyal Ticondaroga Pencil user I love to create & I am a huge nerd  My Wardrobe can easily be mistaken for your grandmas & I love it   Change Starts Here. Connect With RARE.™   Share With Us @findyour rare on all social platforms #findyourrare Shop your purpose  www.findyourrare.com Because We Are Strong Podcast  www.bwspod.com VPR Membership Club  findyourrare.info/vrp  ✉️ Reach Out  info@findyourrare.com