Causes or Cures
Causes or Cures is a global health podcast hosted by Dr. Eeks. It is an independent, grassroots podcast rooted in curiosity and passion that tries to break down trending health topics into bits that everyone can understand. Dr. Eeks has an MD, MPH and is a West Point graduate who works as a public health consultant and does a lot of work around health communications. She is passionate about how science is communicated and has a penchant for using a blue-collar sense of humor as a health communications tool. On this podcast, she features experts from all over the world (doctors, scientific researchers, public health experts, and public figures) with the goal of discussing hot topics in health and scientific research in a down-to-earth kinda way. *If you SUBSCRIBE to Causes or Cures +, you will have access to the BONUS EPISODES where I do deep dives and share true, colorful stories related to public health.*
DISCLAIMER: Some topics are more controversial than others, so keep in mind that this is information only and not any kind of health advice. Dr. Eeks doesn't endorse any of her guests' views, and despite a strict health routine, nor does she endorse any products, supplements, oils, magic socks or potions. Causes or Cures is not a "news site." It's about having conversations, and Dr. Eeks is confident that she can have a respectful conversation with anyone, even people who think far differently than she does.(At least that's been her experience at hole-in-the-wall bars.) The point is to not take anything here as Gospel. Sometimes Dr. Eeks' dog Barnaby makes his opinion known, but the good news is that he's a smart dog. Most importantly, she hopes this podcast encourages folks to stay curious, empathic, hopeful, compassionate, honest, open-minded and engaged. Freedom of discussion is a beautiful thing, delightfully messy, and one that many take for granted. *The views on this podcast do not reflect the views of anyone she contracts with or consults for. **You can contact Dr. Eeks through her website, bloomingwellness.com.
Causes or Cures
Sharonza, Elijah, Art, Life and Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks chats with Sharonza Penson, a very talented artist and single mom in Texas. Sharonza is mom to Elijah, her beautiful four year old son.
When Elijah was born, Sharonza learned that Elijah had a rare genetic disorder called Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. The doctors told her that Elijah wouldn't be able to do much and in the podcast, Sharonza talks about that day and how that conversation made her feel.
While Elijah has many medical difficulties, has already undergone numerous surgeries, and is currently non-verbal, Sharonza is confident he will talk one day. Elijah has already found other ways to communicate though, including the keyboard and the drums. He has a peg tube to assist with feeding and though he's small for his age, Elijah has a larger-than-life personality. In the podcast, Sharonza discusses Elijah's medical issues and what her day-to-day looks like as Elijah's sole caretaker. In fact, she recorded the podcast from the hospital, because Elijah is there for a procedure.
Sharonza is also an incredibly talented artist, and you can see for yourself on her Instagram feed. In the podcast she discusses her art, what inspires her and her goals. When Elijah was born, Sharonza left a successful career to take care of him full time, though as you can imagine, that hasn't been easy. She talks about that transition and the financial difficulties it brought, especially after a car accident that totalled her car. In fact, she sells her art and raises funds with the hope of raising enough money to purchase a new car to take Elijah to his frequent doctor appointments.
After you listen to the episode, if you are interested in contacting Sharonza or seeing more of her art, you can contact her on Instagram or via email: sharonza@sharonza.com.
If you are interested in contributing to her and Elijah's cause, you can do so via GoFundMe or Zelle ( sharonza@sharonza.com), Paypal (smp3716@yahoo.com), or CashApp : ($Sharonza9)
Thanks for listening and hope you find her story inspiring!
To contact Dr. Eeks, do so through bloomingwellness.com
To read or listen to her new comedic parody on the sleazy side of the wellness industry, check out Yours in Wellness, Krystal Heeling on Amazon.
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