Beyond the Defects: Amber’s Journey

Childhood Reflections: Growing Up with Birth Defects - Amber & Suzie's Journey | Beyond The Defects Podcast Episode 9

In Episode 9 of Beyond The Defects: Amber's Journey, host Amber sits down with her lifelong friend Suzie to share their heartfelt and inspiring stories of growing up with birth defects. Join us as we delve into their childhood experiences, exploring the challenges they faced and the strength they found in their unbreakable friendship. This episode is a candid conversation about resilience, support, and the power of community. Whether you're navigating similar challenges or simply looking for a touching and uplifting story, Amber and Suzie's journey will leave you feeling inspired and connected. Don't miss this special episode! #ChildhoodExperiences #BirthDefects #Resilience #Support #Community #InspiringStories #UnbreakableFriendship #AmbersJourney #BeyondTheDefects

Unveiling Hidden Truths: The Ultimate Fact Sheets for Families Impacted by Disabilities

In today's podcast, Amber will walk you through the invaluable resources provided by the Amber Garrelts Foundation (AGF) for families dealing with disabilities and birth defects. Enjoy

Beyond The Defects: Heartfelt Stories of Resilience and Family Strength| EPISODE 7

Join us for the concluding segment of our special family interview in Episode 7 of the Amber Garrelts Foundation podcast, "Beyond The Defects." In this heartfelt episode, Amber continues her intimate conversation with her mum, Christine, and her grandma, Betty, which began in Episode 6. Hear powerful stories of resilience, love, and family strength that provide hope and encouragement to those facing similar challenges. Don't miss the inspiring finale of this touching family narrative. Visit ambergarreltsfoundation.com for more resources and information, and email us at info@ambergarreltsfoundation.com to learn how you can get involved and support our mission. Listen now to experience the warmth and inspiration of this remarkable family story.

Overcoming Challenges: Amber Garrelts' Heartfelt Conversation with Her Mom and Grandma

In Episode 6 of the Amber Garrelts Foundation podcast, Amber sits down for an emotional and inspiring conversation with her mother, Christine, and her grandmother, Betty. This deeply personal episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of Amber's childhood, as her family recounts the difficulties they faced and the resilience they developed while navigating life with birth defects. Christine and Betty share their perspectives on the emotional, physical, and social hurdles they encountered, providing listeners with an intimate look at their journey. This episode is a testament to the strength of familial bonds and the power of perseverance, offering hope and encouragement to those facing similar challenges. Tune in for a touching story of love, support, and overcoming adversity.

Amber's Memoir: Grandpa, Lawn Mowers, and Butter Knives|EPISODE 5

Welcome back to "Beyond The Defects: Amber's Journey." I'm your host, Amber, and I'm thrilled to have you here for Episode 5. Today, I'm sharing some cherished childhood memories that have shaped me into who I am today.
First, a big thank you to my amazing listeners for your overwhelming support. Your messages and stories inspire me to keep going. I also want to thank my family and the incredible producers of this podcast for their unwavering support and guidance.
Today, I reflect on the memories of my grandpa, who taught me to find joy in simple pleasures, and the dedicated professionals who helped me overcome my medical challenges. These stories are a testament to the power of love and community.
I invite you all to join our efforts in making a difference for those with birth defects and disabilities. Your support is invaluable. So, sit back and enjoy as I take you on a journey down memory lane, filled with laughter, love, and resilience.
Thank you for being a part of my journey. Let's get started!
The sun shone brightly on that summer day, and the scent of freshly cut grass filled the air. My memories revolve around my grandpa, his love for John Wayne movies, and the hum of lawnmowers. Watching him tinker with lawnmowers, especially the riding ones, brought me immense joy and made me forget about doctors and hospitals.
Grandpa showed me that life wasn't just about medical appointments. It could be as simple as a lawnmower ride or a spontaneous road trip. The thrill of not knowing our destination was always exciting, often leading to spectacular places with Grandpa pointing out buffalo and deer.
My family ensured I did what other kids did, despite my casts. I never felt different. A story my mom told me makes me giggle: I once stuck a butter knife into a wall socket, even with casts on my foot and hand. This story brings back memories of my curious and fearless nature.
One profound memory is of my first surgeon, who had just returned from Africa. He and the team at Easter Seals played crucial roles in my journey, helping me walk with braces. I was also a Girl Scout, with my mom as a troop leader. The Girl Scouts taught me to do things my way, leading to many achievements, including traveling to Canada.
Despite not having many friends, I was never alone. My family and community supported me, ensuring I never walked this path alone. Grandpa's influence was profound, teaching me that life was full of joy and simple pleasures, far beyond hospital rooms.
As I share these memories, I feel the rumble of the lawnmower and hear the distant call of buffalo. My childhood was marked by love, laughter, and freedom, thanks to everyone who was part of my journey. With a little courage and a lot of support, anything is possible.
Thank you for listening. Remember to visit our website, ambergaretsfoundation.com, or email us at info@ambergaretsfoundation.com for more information about our upcoming support group event. Until next time, this is Amber, signing off.

Guardian of Neurodevelopment|How New Technology is Helping Detection and Prevention of Birth Defects.

In Episode 4 of "Beyond The Defects," we delve into the fascinating world of nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) and its crucial role in neurodevelopmental disorders as the concluding segment of a two-part mini-series. NMD is an essential evolutionary mechanism that degrades potentially defective messenger RNAs (mRNAs), maintaining cellular health by preventing the accumulation of faulty proteins.
We explore groundbreaking research led by Professor Sika Zheng at the University of California, Riverside, which reveals the intricate relationship between NMD and neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism, intellectual disability, and microcephaly—a condition characterized by an abnormally small head size in infants. This study underscores the importance of proper neuronal NMD function during early brain development and its potential implications for cancer.
Discover how NMD regulation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 links mRNA decay to brain size control, offering promising therapeutic avenues for treating neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. By understanding the molecular mechanisms that connect NMD to brain size and neuronal health, we gain critical insights into the genetic underpinnings of these conditions.
Join us as we uncover the potential of targeting NMD pathways to develop treatments for microcephaly and related disorders, and the novel connection between NMD and cancer biology. This episode provides a comprehensive understanding of NMD's role in brain development and its broader implications for human health.
Stay tuned to learn more about the latest advancements in neurodevelopmental research and the ongoing efforts to improve the lives of those affected by these conditions. Remember, at the Amber Garrelts Foundation, we are here to support you with the latest information and resources. Tune in, stay informed, and continue to make a difference!
Don't forget to mark your calendars for our support group meeting on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 12 PM. Visit our website, ambergarreltsfoundation.com, or email us at info@ambergarreltsfoundation.com for more information. Thank you for your support, and until next time, stay healthy and remember, You Can and We Care. Amber Garrelts, Garland, Texas, signing off.

Advancements in Prenatal Care and Birth Defect Prevention | Beyond The Defect: Amber's Journey Episode 3

In Episode 3 of "Beyond The Defect: Amber's Journey," host Amber Garrelts explores the latest advancements in prenatal care and birth defect prevention. Join us as we delve into cutting-edge technologies such as enhanced newborn screening, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), and groundbreaking genetic research. Learn how these innovations are transforming early detection, providing new hope for expectant parents, and improving health outcomes for newborns. Whether you're expecting, planning to have a baby, or simply interested in medical breakthroughs, this episode is packed with valuable information you won't want to miss. Tune in to stay informed, stay healthy, and make a difference!

Exploring the Amber Garrelts Foundation: Mission, Resources, and Community Support

Welcome to Episode 2 of "Beyond The Defects: Amber's Journey," hosted by Amber Garrelts. In this episode, Amber takes you on a comprehensive tour of the Amber Garrelts Foundation, highlighting its mission, resources, and the incredible support it offers to individuals and families affected by birth defects and disabilities. Discover how this foundation is dedicated to raising awareness, breaking down social stigmas, and fostering a compassionate community.
Amber shares detailed insights into the foundation's wide range of resources, including educational materials, support services, medical resources, and financial assistance. Learn how these resources empower individuals to navigate their daily lives with confidence and hope. Amber also discusses the foundation's community and advocacy efforts, emphasizing the importance of parent and family support, disability rights, and inspirational stories.
Tune in to hear about volunteer opportunities, donation options, and upcoming events, and find out how you can get involved and make a difference. Stay connected with the Amber Garrelts Foundation by signing up for their newsletter and following them on social media. Join Amber in this heartfelt episode as she shares her vision for a more inclusive and supportive world.

Introduction to Amber's Podcast and Her Triumphant Journey

In Amber's first podcast episode, she introduces "Beyond the Defect: Amber's Journey" and shares her vision for the series. Amber discusses her plans to interview medical experts in subsequent episodes to provide valuable insights and professional advice. She explains what birth defects are, their causes, and how they can be managed. Additionally, Amber opens up about her personal journey, detailing the challenges and triumphs she has experienced as an individual born with a birth defect. Join Amber as she sets the stage for a podcast dedicated to fostering understanding, breaking down social stigmas, and offering support to those affected by birth defects.