Asian Women for Health

Subscribe

Asian Women For Health is a peer-led, community-based network dedicated to advancing Asian women’s health and wellness through education, advocacy, and support. We envision a world where Asian women are well-informed, have access to care that is culturally appropriate and high quality, and inspired to live happy, healthy lives. AWFH first launched its podcast series “Pathways from Resilience to Radiance,” in January of 2019. This program continues to amplify the voices of Asian women as they boldly share their lived experiences and health journeys, and serve as a source of insight, inspiration, and empowerment for others. Tune in monthly with to hear from these dynamic change makers, who challenge the way we think about our own health, resilience, and self-care.

Available episodes



Newest first

Oldest first

Dec 8, 2022

Episode #28: The Healing Power of Personal Narrative & Kidney Health Advocacy

Do you know Asians are at higher risk for kidney disease? At the age of 17, Sabrina Lu Qiao was diagnosed with a rare, autoimmune kidney disorder called Minimal Change Disease (MCD), which affects the filtering capacity of the kidneys and can increase one’s risk of developing Nephrotic Syndrome.* In this episode, Sabrina recounts how common teenage angst was exacerbated by the side effects of steroid treatment, including water weight gain, body dysmorphia, and emotional distress. She tapped into the healing power of personal narrative and testimony that led her to advocate and share her story with fellow patients and communities. As a passionate writer and journalist, Sabrina draws on her lived experience to inform and empower others along their health journeys. She also reflects on the ways her cultural identity continues to inform her personal growth and resilience. * Source: https://nephcure.org/livingwithkidneydisease/ns-and-other-glomerular-diseases/understanding-minimal-change-disease/ (Dec 2022) MORE ABOUT SABRINA: Sabrina Lu Qiao is an alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied English with a concentration in creative writing and a minor in journalism. She is currently pursuing an MFA in nonfiction writing at Columbia University, where she also teaches creative nonfiction writing. Her reporting often focuses on subcultures, while her personal writing explores patient identity within Chinese culture and feminism within East Asian culture. She is at work on a manuscript about the Chinese Cultural Revolution and is an avid proponent of the Manhattan ferry system. RESOURCES: Nephcure - https://nephcure.org/connect/ (a supportive community of patients, their loved ones, doctors, researchers and other medical professionals bound by a common goal: discovering better treatments and a cure for rare, kidney diseases caused by Nephrotic Syndrome) Inspire – https://www.inspire.com (a resource hub with information on specific diseases as well as access to experts and patient stories for anyone seeking to learn more) National Kidney Foundation - https://www.kidney.org/treatment-support SABRINA’S SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Website - https://sabrinaluqiao.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sabqiao/ *DISCLAIMER* The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized health care, professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.