Tag

cancer

Apr 08
Love41

Neal K. Shah

By Caregiving, Podcast No Comments

Some conversations make you lean in… and some conversations make you uncomfortable because you realize just how much you don’t know, and this is one of those.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome Neal K. Shah, who went from a successful career as a $250 million hedge fund manager in New York to becoming a caregiver for loved ones facing dementia and cancer, and ended up uncovering just how broken parts of our healthcare system really are.

We’ll talk about what happens when healthcare says “no” in real life. Real people, real families, and real consequences. 

We get into the rising number of denied claims, the strain on families who are already stretched thin, and the uncomfortable truth that the system we depend on is not always built to take care of us the way we expect.

This episode is about paying attention, asking better questions, and understanding that you have more power than you think, especially when you’re willing to fight for it.

If you’ve ever assumed the system would work when you needed it… this episode might change the way you see things.

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

In this episode:

  • How Caregiving Changes Your Perspective on Life and Work
  • The Hidden Reality of Dementia, Cancer, and Family Impact
  • Healthspan vs lifespan and the growing aging population crisis
  • The Future of Healthcare Costs and Insurance Pressure
  • Why the Healthcare System Feels Broken
  • Health Insurance Explained: Where Your Money Really Goes
  • Understanding premiums, subsidies, and the illusion of “free” healthcare
  • The Rise of Claim Denials in Healthcare
  • Is There a Better Way? Direct Pay Healthcare Explained
  • Free Market vs Government Healthcare Debate
  • Why Most People Don’t Appeal Denied Claims
  • Using AI to Fight Insurance Denials (Counterforce Health)
  • Real Story: Beating a $40,000 Denial
  • Why We Must Pay Attention to Healthcare Now

Quotations:

“I think when major life experiences happen to you, it really makes you question, why am I doing what I’m doing?” – Neal K. Shah

“I think dementia and cancer, both, you know, I’ve gone through these experiences. People think it just strikes the patient, but I think, like, the whole family gets dementia. When that one diagnosis happens, it’s going to change everyone’s life. Same with cancer, you know, like somebody gets cancer, their whole family is now going to be dealing with it.” – Neal K. Shah

Bio:

Neal K. Shah is a healthcare innovator, entrepreneur, and former hedge fund manager who turned personal caregiving experiences into a mission to improve the healthcare system. After supporting family members through dementia and cancer, he founded CareYaya, a fast-growing platform connecting healthcare students with families in need of care, and Counterforce Health, which uses AI to help patients fight denied insurance claims. Neal’s work sits at the intersection of caregiving, technology, and healthcare reform, with a focus on empowering patients and improving access to care.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.careyaya.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-shah-careyaya/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nealkshah/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearecareyaya

May 08
Love12

Ann Gustafson

By Author, Caregiving, Faith No Comments
 

This week on the Here’s What We Know Podcast, hear an inspiring conversation with Ann Gustafson, author of the book “Seeds Sown, A Walk of Faith with the Intention of Restoration.” Anne shares her unexpected journey from being a nurse for 29 years to becoming an author following her diagnosis and battle with colon cancer at age 49. Despite living a healthy lifestyle and having no risk factors typically associated with the disease, Ann faced what many cancer patients experience—a sense that their body has betrayed them.

Don’t miss this powerful story that could offer comfort or guidance for people facing similar battles or seeking comfort from someone who has walked that path before—to spread hope and knowledge that can make all the difference during challenging times! Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)

In this Episode:

    • The transformative power of adversity and how unexpected life events can lead to growth and self-discovery.
    • Ann’s background as a nurse with 29 years under her belt, who faced her own health crisis when diagnosed with colon cancer at age 49.
    • The surprising revelation that despite leading a healthy lifestyle, she was not immune to illness challenged the misconception that disease always follows rules.
    • Insights into navigating healthcare systems during COVID times; from patient advocacy to questioning medical practices amidst pandemic protocols.
    • How faith played an integral role in coping with her diagnosis and treatment. Discover how spiritual beliefs can provide solace and strength even when confronting mortality.
    • Personal anecdotes related to farming life lessons which influenced Ann’s resilience and perspective on life challenges.

Ann has a special treat for the first 100 listeners of this episode: order her book “Seeds Sown, A Walk of Faith with the Intention of Restoration,” and receive an exclusive 15% discount with a special Andy “paw-dograff” bookmark! To claim your discounted copy, simply email Ann at rootedwisdomfromthefields@gmail.com to place your order!

Quotations:

“I didn’t ever anticipate being an author. I’m a nurse by trade and have done that for 29 years and so when this little pivot point happened I was called to write the book and tell my story.”  ~ Ann Gustafson

“I’m a nurse. We are horrible patients.”  ~ Ann Gustafson

“If I’m healed here on Earth because that means God has a plan for me. And I’ve got a purpose to fulfill. But if the healing is going to be on heaven’s side now, that’s okay, because I’ll be healed and perfect. I’ll be up in heaven. So I know it’s going to be healed either way. And that’s when I started to calm down.”  ~ Ann Gustafson

“As nurses, our job is to educate and be an advocate for patients, but also let the patients make their decisions.”  ~ Ann Gustafson

“I’m only doing this because I think I know you want me to do it. And this is not about me. It’s about reaching out and hopefully touching a couple of people.”  ~ Ann Gustafson

Bio:

Ann Gustafson was raised on a family farm in Northwest Iowa, where she was blessed to be nurtured by her parents and tolerated by her older siblings. She attended the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Before Ann’s life-changing health experience, she spent many years as a Registered Nurse in Labor/Delivery. Her career path led her to serve as a nurse consultant in a corporate wellness company, where she provided positive health plans for clients.

After learning of her colon polyp diagnosis and the steps needed to remove it, Ann had a pivotal moment in her surgeon’s office. She turned her colon cancer journey from a quiet chapter to writing her story to help others navigate and overcome various obstacles they may experience far beyond colon cancer. Ann now enjoys sharing her story to help equip others to be prepared for a possible crisis moment/diagnosis in their life journey.

Guest Contact Info:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamagustafson/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-gustafson-573242a/

Book Amazon Purchase Link: Click here