In this Calling in Sick x Ask Alex, I’m joined by Shamekka Marty to discuss the deeply personal and often invisible impact of living with chronic illnesses… how the diagnosis and disease ripples through every aspect of life and relationships. From the way your children see you to the difficult conversations you have with your employer regarding your health.

We cover:

💜 Parenting with chronic illness: how to educate your children without passing on trauma or fear

🤝 The "Village" Effect: how the diagnosis hits the patient and the entire support system

👨‍👧 Chronic Illness Guilt: navigating complex family dynamics and the heavy emotional toll on parents of sick children

🛑 Stop the Flake: how to communicate with friends when your body and mind aren't in sync

🏢 Chronic Illness in the Workplace: the urgent need for empathy training and why you shouldn't be afraid to ask for accommodations

Living with a chronic illness means balancing the roles of parent, professional, and patient all at once. Whether you're struggling with "the guilt of being sick" or trying to build a workplace that understands your value, this conversation offers the validation and tools you need to lead a "big life" while managing a disease

xx,
Alex

💬 Comment: What was the hardest "village" conversation you’ve had to have regarding your health?

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Connect with our guest, Shamekka Marty!

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prettysicklupuschick/

• Book her for an event - https://www.shamekkamarty.com/

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Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/

Alex’s Picks of the Week:

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✨Healthnix — https://healthnix.io/

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