The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune

017 Helping Someone End Well: Faith, Caregiving, and Letting Go with Rachel K. Schneider

This episode dives into Rachel’s story of loving and losing her husband to ALS and how she helped him “end well” with dignity, faith, and joy. We talk about invisible illness, caregiving, grief, honoring someone’s choices in their final days, and what it really means to live abundantly even when life hurts. Rachel also opens up about her ministry, Spirited Prosperity, and her mission to help women over 45 reclaim their stories and connect with the Holy Spirit. Whether you’re a caregiver, someone who’s grieving, or a woman wrestling with what’s next—this one will speak to you right where you are.
 
⚠️ Trigger Warning:
This episode contains discussion of terminal illness, grief, caregiving, and the death of a spouse.
 
⏱️ Timestamped Highlights + Quotes:
00:00 – Rachel’s backstory and how Spirited Prosperity began
03:20 – “We were both diagnosed with his disease.”
06:40 – The power of helping someone ‘end well’
11:50 – Why she wore red to her husband’s funeral
16:30 – The mental toll of ALS and chronic illness
21:10 – “Let them think what they want. You do what works for you.”
26:00 – How social media changed the way we share stories (and hide from them)
29:40 – On grief, change, and letting go of the plan you thought you had
33:15 – John 10:10, gratitude, and finding abundance in suffering
36:45 – “Until you’re not breathing, your story’s not over.”
🛠️ Tools, Resources & Mentions:
Rachel’s website: spiritedprosperity.com
The Widow Chose Red by Rachel K. Schneider
Instagram: @spiritedprosperity
Facebook & LinkedIn: Rachel K. Schneider
The Dash poem mentioned during the funeral
Quote referenced: “Let them.” —Mel Robbins

016 I'm too young for mobility aids

If you’ve ever felt embarrassed to use a cane, walker, or scooter because of your age or how “healthy” you look—you are not alone. This week, we’re breaking down the shame, judgment, and internalized ableism around mobility aids. I share my own experience using a rollator for the first time, plus tips and encouragement for anyone on the edge of making that decision. Because choosing support isn’t giving up—it’s choosing more life.
Memorable Quotes:
"Would you rather suffer in silence—or show up for your life?”
“You are allowed to prioritize your joy, even if it makes others uncomfortable.”
“Using a mobility aid isn’t giving up. It’s choosing more presence, more experiences, more life.”
Links:
The Unseen Sisterhood newsletter – Join for weekly encouragement and real talk.
Contact Page – To share your story or first mobility aid moment.
My Favorite Mobility Aids:
Cane
Rollator
Follow me at:
Instagram: instagram.com/the_invisibleillnessclub
TikTok: tiktok.com/@theinvisibleillnessclub
Facebook: facebook.com/theinvisibleillnessclub
Website: www.theinvisibleillnessclub.com

015 Finding Purpose Through Pain: Melissa Smith on Chronic Illness, Faith, and Supporting Women

⚠️ Trigger Warning:
This episode contains discussion of medical trauma, near-death experiences, and infertility
 
Summary
Melissa Smith was born with cerebral palsy, lives with multiple chronic conditions, and has survived a life-threatening surgery. But her story isn’t about staying stuck in the pain—it’s about how she turned that pain into purpose. In this episode, Melissa shares the heart behind her business, Grace and Glory Virtual Services, and how God used her hardest moments to equip her to serve other women. We talk about grief, burnout, spiritual dry spells, and the importance of community. She also opens up about the power of prayer, her Renew & Uplift Sessions, and what keeps her going on the toughest days. This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever felt like they were barely holding on.
 
⏱️ Timestamped Highlights:
 
00:00 – Melissa shares the origins of Grace and Glory Virtual Services
05:40 – “I want others to know they’re not alone. I’ve walked that road.”
10:30 – The critical role of community for Christian women with chronic illness
15:50 – Grieving what your body can’t do and finding new ways to serve
20:00 – Supporting online entrepreneurs and caregivers with virtual services
23:45 – Near-death experience after surgery and how God showed up
32:00 – “I wouldn’t want to walk through this life without my Lord.”
35:00 – What are Renew & Uplift Sessions and who they’re for
40:00 – Final encouragement: “Even if all you can do is say His name, that’s enough.”
44:00 – Chronic illness comfort kit: tea, Tolkien, and baking shows

014 What Chronic Illness Is Teaching Me About God

Faith isn’t always easy when your body won’t cooperate and your plans constantly fall apart. In this raw and personal episode, I’m sharing how chronic illness is teaching me to stop performing and start trusting. From years of self-reliance to finally learning how to rest in God’s strength, this is for anyone who’s ever whispered, “God, I can’t do this.” Spoiler: You don’t have to do it alone.
Memorable Quotes:
“I’ve known God since I was ten—but chronic illness is teaching me how to actually trust Him.”
“God isn’t waiting for you to prove yourself. He’s just asking you to come—exhausted, overwhelmed, and fully loved.”
“When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. That verse isn’t about climbing. It’s about being carried.”
Links: 
Psalm 61:2 – “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
Follow me at:
Instagram: instagram.com/the_invisibleillnessclub
TikTok: tiktok.com/@theinvisibleillnessclub
Facebook: facebook.com/theinvisibleillnessclub
Website: www.theinvisibleillnessclub.com

013 High-Functioning Depression, Motherhood, and Mental Health with Kristen Van Horn

What does depression really look like? For Kristen Van Horn, it didn’t mean crying in bed or skipping daily routines—it meant anger, irritability, and feeling disconnected from a life that “should” have made her happy. In this honest conversation, Kristen shares how she finally got the support she needed, what it looks like to maintain her mental health 10 years later, and why rest is actually productive. Whether you’re in the thick of it or figuring out what healing looks like, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and it can get better.
Memorable Quotes:
Depression doesn’t always look like crying in bed. Sometimes it looks like anger and irritability.” – Kristen Van Horn
“I was with my favorite person in the world, doing what I loved, and I wasn’t happy. That’s when I knew something was wrong.” – Kristen Van Horn
“Your schedule should fit your life the way your medication fits your diagnosis.” – April Aramanda
“It sounds so cliché, but it does get better. I’ve been at rock bottom, and I’m still here.” – Kristen Van Horn
Links:
Postpartum Progress
Kristen’s Website
Kristen's Instagram
Kristen's TikTok

012 Is Traveling Off the Table Now? (Traveling with Chronic Illness Doesn’t Have to Mean Giving Up)

Thinking of canceling travel plans because of chronic illness? In this episode, we talk about how travel can still be possible—just differently. From pacing tools to packing smart, this one’s full of real talk, tips, and encouragement to help you see the world again—on your terms.
Memorable Quotes:
“You’re not broken. You’re just navigating life with a different map. And that map still leads to beautiful places.”
“Travel isn’t off the table. It just might look different now. And that’s okay.”
“Comfort is queen—so it’s all about soft clothes, supportive shoes, my favorite travel pillow, and noise-canceling headphones.”
Links:
Free Travel Guide + Chronic Illness Checklist https://the-invisible-illness-club.kit.com/travelguide
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_invisibleillnessclub
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theinvisibleillnessclub 
Follow me at:
Instagram: instagram.com/the_invisibleillnessclub
TikTok: tiktok.com/@theinvisibleillnessclub
Facebook: facebook.com/theinvisibleillnessclub
Website: www.theinvisibleillnessclub.com

011 Grieving the Life You Thought You’d Have (with JoBeth Polley)

I’m joined by JoBeth Polley, a certified grief recovery specialist who shares her own heartbreaking story and offers hope and healing for those grieving lives they didn’t choose.
⚠️ Trigger Warning:This episode contains discussion of terminal illness, infertility, and grief.
In this raw and deeply moving episode, JoBeth Polley and I talk about the kind of grief no one prepares you for—the grief that comes with chronic illness, infertility, and lost futures. JoBeth shares her personal story of losing her husband to brain cancer and how it led her to help others through grief. We discuss how chronic illness brings its own brand of silent suffering, how to deal with guilt and spiritual doubt, and what it looks like to reconnect with hope. Whether you’re in a dark season, feeling misunderstood, or searching for God in your suffering, this episode reminds you that you’re not alone—and there’s still more to your story.
Links:
JoBeth’s grief support resources: https://nwagriefspecialists.com
Instagram: @nwa.grief.specialists
Facebook: NWA Grief Specialists
YouTube: NWA Grief Specialists Channel
Ebooks by JoBeth https://nwagriefspecialists.com/ebooks/

010 What to Do When You’re Sick on Top of a Chronic Illness

In this episode of The Invisible Illness Club, we’re talking about the absolute worst combo—getting sick on top of your chronic illness. I’m sharing what it felt like when I got COVID this past February (spoiler: it was brutal), why being “extra sick” hits so much harder when you already live with limited energy, and what to actually do when you’re stuck in survival mode. We’re talking real rest, low-energy self-care, and the emotional toll no one talks about. Plus, I’m pointing you to my free Self-Care Toolkit—because sometimes brushing your teeth is the win.
Memorable Quotes:
“Rest isn’t giving up. Rest is resisting the pressure to perform when your body is screaming for help.”
“Rest is my sport. I’m excellent at it. But this? This was emergency-response rest. Don’t-move-unless-the-house-is-on-fire rest.”
“Being sick on top of chronic illness is hard in a way that most people just don’t get. But I do.”
Links:
Grab your copy of the Self Care Toolkit here
Purchase my favorite grabber tool here
Follow me at:
Instagram: instagram.com/the_invisibleillnessclub
TikTok: tiktok.com/@theinvisibleillnessclub
Facebook: facebook.com/theinvisibleillnessclub
Website: www.theinvisibleillnessclub.com

009 Pilates for Chronic Pain and Recovery: Jessica McGarvey’s Journey from Injury to Empowerment

What happens when the body you’ve always relied on breaks down? Jessica McGarvey knows this journey intimately. A former professional dancer turned Pilates instructor, Jessica opens up about her herniated disc injury, the long road to recovery, and how that season deepened her empathy for clients navigating invisible illness and postpartum healing.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or struggling to find a movement practice that feels safe, this episode is packed with grace-filled wisdom, practical encouragement, and hope that healing is possible—even if it looks different than you planned.
Memorable Quotes:
I want each client to have a positive body movement experience when they come in to see me.
I had very grandiose ideas of what recovery would look like—then I had to have a reality check.
Pilates meets you where you are. I feel like my body’s had therapy after every session.
Links:
Jessica's website https://movewellfitness.co
Her FB https://www.facebook.com/jessicamcgarveypilates
Her Insta https://www.instagram.com/jessicamcgarveypilates
Book a Discovery Call https://movewellfitnessllc.as.me/schedule/87161cd1 

008 Chronic Illness is a Full-Time Job (And That’s Why I Said No)

If you’ve ever felt guilty for saying no, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about why living with chronic illness is a full-time job—and how setting boundaries can save your energy (and your sanity). Plus, I’ve got a brand-new resource to help: The Boundaries Reset Workbook.
Memorable Quotes:
“Chronic illness is a full-time job—with no PTO, no weekends, and no cupcakes in the break room.”
“You don’t need to justify your no. Protecting your energy is reason enough.”
“Your boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re survival. Especially when your body is already doing the most.
Links:
 📘 The Boundaries Reset Workbook – Download Now👉 Your 5 star review helps us shine!: Apple Podcast or Spotify📲 Come say hi on Instagram @the_invisibleillnessclub
 
Follow me at:
Instagram: instagram.com/the_invisibleillnessclub
TikTok: tiktok.com/@theinvisibleillnessclub
Facebook: facebook.com/theinvisibleillnessclub
Website: www.theinvisibleillnessclub.com