The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune

This week’s episode is different. April shares from a place of grief, prayer, and reflection after the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, the murder of a young woman on a train, ongoing school shootings, and other tragedies shaking our nation. Rather than diving into politics, this is a conversation about how Christians can process these events through the lens of faith. April talks about the weight of constant news, why our spirits were never meant to carry it all, and the importance of stepping back to listen for what God is calling us to do in these times. Whether that calling is prayer, teaching, showing mercy, or simply loving people we disagree with—this episode reminds us that the heart of our faith is love. If the world feels dark and heavy, may you walk away comforted, encouraged, and reminded that your hope is secure in Christ.
📖 Key Scriptures:
 
John 11:35 – Jesus wept.
Matthew 5:14–16 – You are the light of the world.
Romans 12:21 – Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 John 4:19 – We love because he first loved us.
Philippians 4:7 – The peace of God…will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
 
🎬 Episode Credits (end of show notes & YouTube description):
 
 
Podcast: The Invisible Illness Club Podcast
Host: April Aramanda
Editing & Production: April Aramanda
Transcription: Otter.ai
Music: Licensed through Envato
Resources & Community: The Unseen Sisterhood Newsletter

This conversation follows Aubree’s seven-year search for a diagnosis, the emotional toll of not being believed, and the day-after prayer moment that led—miraculously—to answers. She explains CIRS in plain language, why her family had to walk away from their home and most possessions, and what rebuilding practically and spiritually looked like in the middle of a pandemic. We explore DNRS brain rewiring, reframing guilt, and holding both hope and reality with chronic illness. Aubree also shares how Mom Intentional was born: from the gap between “getting better” and having the skills and systems to actually live well. If you’re in the thick of waiting, grieving, or starting over, this one offers honesty, tools, and a steady thread of faith.
🙋‍♀️ Guest Info:
Name: Aubree Felderhoff
Bio: Mom of three, CIRS survivor, host of Mom Intentional. She helps overwhelmed moms build intentional systems at home and reclaim their spark after hard seasons.
🛠️ Resources & Links
Website: momintentional.com
Podcast: Mom Intentional on Apple Podcasts
Instagram: @momintentional
Mom Personality Quiz: Take the quiz here
Contact Aubree: hello@momintentional.com
 
🎧 Credits
The Invisible Illness Club Podcast is hosted by April Aramanda.
Editing and production by April Aramanda.
Podcast music: licensed track.

This episode dives into the shame so many of us carry when we’re living with chronic illness and can’t do what others expect—or what we expect of ourselves. From the outside, it might look like we’re resting too much, avoiding responsibilities, or being inconsistent. But the truth? We’re fighting invisible battles every single day. April shares a personal story of internalized guilt, how she learned to reframe the idea of “laziness,” and what it means to offer ourselves grace on the hardest days. If you’ve ever felt like you had to explain or justify your rest, this one’s for you

What does it look like to navigate lupus, POTS, and motherhood—all while raising a medically complex child and building a platform to support others? In this conversation, I’m joined by Keyundra Thompson, author, advocate, and founder of Secrets to Serenity. Keyundra shares her powerful story of growing up with undiagnosed symptoms, walking through a difficult pregnancy, and eventually receiving her chronic illness diagnoses. Through her journey, she’s learned how to balance caring for her children, managing her own health, and leaning on her faith to carry her through.
She’s also created a space for authors and storytellers to share their voices and bring encouragement to others who may be walking a similar road. This is an honest, hope-filled conversation about resilience, community, and why it’s okay to rest when your body says “enough.”
 
💬 Memorable Quote:
“Even when it’s hard, keep going and be you.” – Keyundra Thompson
 
 
📌 What You’ll Learn:
 
Keyundra’s journey with lupus and POTS, from childhood symptoms to diagnosis
How she balances motherhood with chronic illness, including raising a medically complex child
The role of faith in her story and why it’s been her foundation
Why boundaries and learning to say “no” are essential for survival and peace
How Secrets to Serenity is giving authors and families a safe space to share their stories
 
 
 
📖 Key Scriptures (if applicable):
 
“From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” – Psalm 61:2
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22–23
 
 
 
📝 Reflection / Journal Prompts:
 
When was the last time you pushed past your body’s limits? What did you learn from that experience?
Where do you need to give yourself permission to rest right now?
Who could be part of your “village” if you reached out today?
 
 
 
✨ One Tiny Step for This Week:
Practice saying no without explanation. Protect your energy by honoring your body’s needs before it shuts down for you.
 
 
📚 Resources:
 
Connect with Keyundra: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Zire’s Big Feeling About Feeding by Keyundra Thompson – available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and her website
Secrets to Serenity Bookstore and Podcast: Secrets to Serenity
 
 
 
👩‍🎤 Credits:
Host: April Aramanda
Guest: Keyundra Thompson, author, advocate, and founder of Secrets to Serenity
Podcast: The Invisible Illness Club

This episode is for the ones holding faith in one hand and pain in the other. I share my honest journey of praying, believing, and still living with chronic illness—and the quiet shame, grief, and questions that come with it. Together, we’ll unpack the wrestle of faith when healing doesn’t come, the ways God still shows up in the waiting, and how to redefine miracles beyond physical healing. Whether you’re in a flare, walking through a diagnosis, or simply feeling forgotten, this conversation is an open door to breathe, to grieve, and to believe again—right here in the in-between.
📎 Resources & Mentions
 
The Unseen Sisterhood Newsletter – Weekly encouragement for living with chronic illness. Join here
Related Podcast Episode: What Chronic Illness is Teaching Me About God
Book Recommendation: Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering by Timothy Keller
Free Resource: The One-Minute Joy Journal

In this candid conversation, Shedrica opens up about her lupus diagnosis journey, the mental and emotional battles of living with an invisible illness, and how faith has been her foundation. She shares how using a physical planner transformed her daily life—helping her track symptoms, manage her household, and create space for both rest and joy. We talk about the importance of planning around your body instead of against it, using creativity as a source of healing, and finding hope when life looks different than you expected. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your chronic illness journey, this episode offers encouragement, practical tips, and a reminder that you get to decide what your “brighter day” looks like.
⏱️ Timestamped Highlights + Quotes
 
00:00 – Introduction and welcome to guest, Shedrica Holmes
01:45 – “Not waiting—just doing what you have to do.”
03:12 – What lupus SLE is and how it impacts the body
06:45 – “The hardest thing for me is the mental… staying in a good mindset when I don’t look sick but feel terrible.”
10:22 – Becoming a mom, weight gain from medication, and discovering the power of planning
13:10 – How a physical planner became her most powerful wellness tool
17:42 – “People ask, ‘How do stickers make you happy?’ And I say—mind your own business, I’ll mind mine.”
20:15 – Why writing things down can help with insomnia and mental clarity
23:35 – Faith as the foundation for business, healing, and resilience
27:48 – “Hold on—pain ends. Maybe not the way you expect, but there is a brighter day.”
30:55 – Favorite tools, gadgets, and the joy of cooking with chronic illness
🛠️ Tools, Resources & Mentions:
Chronically Planned Podcast – Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website
Shedrica: Instagram – @lupuspeaks | TikTok | Chronically Planned YouTube

This episode dives into the hidden emotional weight of starting over with chronic illness. What happens when you’ve finally made the leap—downsizing your home, embracing a new lifestyle—only to find that your body and heart haven’t caught up? I’m opening up about the day I broke down in our RV, what no one saw beneath the surface, and how guilt and grief can sneak into even the most “exciting” seasons. Whether you’re in a season of transition, feeling stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming, or simply tired of pushing through—it’s okay to not have it all figured out. Let this episode remind you: you’re allowed to release what no longer fits. And you don’t have to do it alone.
⏱️ Timestamps + Highlights
00:00 – Opening words
00:42 – When RV life stopped feeling exciting
01:18 – “I felt like I failed at both ends”
02:06 – Victor’s support and your internal guilt
02:45 – What people don’t see
03:30 – The reality of grief in transition
04:20 – “You’re allowed to release what no longer fits”
05:05 – The invisible grief of downsizing
06:00 – Gentle closing + invitation
📎 Resources & Mentions
– The One-Minute Gratitude Practice (That Won’t Drain Your Energy)
– Crazy Compression Socks – use code INVISIBLE for 10% off
 

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

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

⚠️ 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