What would you do if a sudden medical emergency changed your life overnight?
If you survived… but walked out of the hospital feeling completely alone?
Where do you turn when your diagnosis is rare — and no one around you understands it?
In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Ben Munoz — stroke survivor, entrepreneur, angel investor, and founder of Ben’s Friends, one of the largest online networks of patient support communities for rare diseases.
Ben’s journey began in 2006 with a sudden, life-threatening AVM-related brain hemorrhage at just 29 years old. What started as nausea and a headache turned into emergency brain surgery within minutes. He survived — but like so many patients with rare conditions — he left the hospital with more questions than answers.
No roadmap.
No community.
No clear “what’s next.”
So he built one.
Drawing on his background in software and entrepreneurship, Ben created an online community for AVM survivors. What began with a handful of members quickly grew into thousands. Today, Ben’s Friends supports dozens of rare disease communities and has helped countless patients feel seen, informed, and less alone.
In this episode, we explore:
• What it feels like to survive a rare medical crisis
• The emotional isolation that often follows hospital discharge
• Why peer support can be just as powerful as medical treatment
• The evolving role of AI and democratized medical information
• How patients can responsibly fact-check and advocate for themselves
• Why asking questions in healthcare is no longer optional — it’s essential
If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.
For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395.
Connect with Ben Munoz:
https://www.instagram.com/bensfriendsorg/
https://www.facebook.com/bensfriendsorg
https://www.youtube.com/@BensfriendsOrg
Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:
Instagram: @pathwaypadvocates
Facebook: Pathway Patient Advocates
Youtube: Pathway Patient Advocates
Tiktok: Pathway Patient Advocates
LinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocates
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