Ask The Patient Advocate

Have you ever felt unheard during a medical appointment? What if the most valuable source of healthcare improvement has been overlooked all along? How can patients become stronger advocates for their own care?In this powerful episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Matt Torresco, nationally recognized patient advocate, founder of Arco Advocacy, TEDx speaker, and creator of the Empowered Patient Framework. After suffering a devastating cervical spine injury that led to years of chronic pain, multiple surgeries, opioid dependence, and countless healthcare encounters, Matt transformed his personal struggle into a mission to elevate the patient voice across healthcare, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries.Whether you're living with a chronic illness, managing chronic pain, supporting a loved one, or simply striving to make informed healthcare decisions, this conversation offers actionable tools and a fresh perspective on patient advocacy. You'll leave inspired to recognize that your lived experience is not just important—it's essential. Because when patients are empowered to speak up and healthcare truly listens, better care becomes possible for everyone.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 Matt Toresco:https://matttoresco.com/mediahttps://www.tiktok.com/@matttorescohttps://www.instagram.com/matttoresco/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matttorescoConnect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Could your child have a rare disease that doesn't appear on newborn screening? What happens when a parent's instincts don't match the initial diagnosis? How can patient advocacy change the future for other families?When a child faces a rare genetic disorder, every minute matters—and every voice counts. In this deeply moving episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Jordan Kruse, founder of the Brave Little One Foundation, to share the heartbreaking yet inspiring story of her son, Pruitt, who was diagnosed with ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, a rare metabolic disorder that causes life-threatening ammonia buildup.After losing Pruitt at just six months old, Jordan transformed unimaginable grief into a mission to improve rare disease awareness, patient advocacy, and support for families navigating medically complex diagnoses. Together, they discuss why rare conditions are often mistaken for more common illnesses, the importance of trusting parental instincts, gaps in newborn screening, and why the message "Think Rare, Act Fast" has the power to save lives.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 Jordan Kruse:https://sites.google.com/view/thebravelittleonehttps://www.instagram.com/brave.littleone/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563127591766Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

What does it really mean to live with cystic fibrosis beyond the diagnosis? How can nutrition, self-advocacy, and resilience transform the journey through chronic illness? And what can every patient learn about navigating today's healthcare system with confidence?In this inspiring episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Nicholas Kelly, RD—registered dietitian, author, speaker, artist, and nationally recognized advocate living with cystic fibrosis (CF). Diagnosed as an infant, Nick has faced decades of hospitalizations, surgeries, and medical challenges, yet he has built a life fueled by purpose.Whether you're living with cystic fibrosis, caring for someone with a chronic medical condition, or simply looking to become a stronger advocate during your own healthcare journey, this conversation offers practical insights, encouragement, and hope.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 Nicholas Kelly MS, RD:https://nicholaskellyrd.com/https://www.facebook.com/NicholasKellyRDhttps://www.instagram.com/NicholasKellyRDhttps://www.tiktok.com/@nicholaskellyrdhttps://nicholaskellyrd.com/contact/Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

What happens after your cancer treatment ends? Why do so many cancer survivors still struggle long after remission? Who helps patients navigate the emotional, physical, and mental challenges of life after cancer?In this inspiring episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli welcomes Mariana Arnaut, Co-Founder and CEO of The After Cancer, an innovative organization transforming cancer survivorship care through personalized, evidence-based digital support. After witnessing the challenges faced by loved ones recovering from cancer, Mariana set out to address one of the biggest gaps in modern oncology: helping survivors thrive—not just survive.Together, they explore why the transition from active treatment to survivorship can feel overwhelming, despite successful cancer outcomes. Mariana explains what cancer survivorship truly means, why so many survivors experience ongoing fatigue, anxiety, fear of recurrence, pain, cognitive changes, and emotional distress, and how healthcare systems often struggle to provide the long-term support patients need.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 Mariana Arnaut:https://www.theaftercancer.com/https://www.facebook.com/theaftercancer/https://www.instagram.com/theaftercancerConnect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

What happens when the person auditing healthcare systems suddenly becomes a patient? Why do communication failures, delayed follow-up, and broken trust continue to impact patient outcomes every day? Could stronger patient advocacy actually save lives?In this thought-provoking episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Dale Atkinson, founder of Clear Signal Partners and creator of the Patient Trust Audit. After nearly two decades designing governance and trust frameworks for major financial institutions, Dale's life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Experiencing healthcare from the patient's perspective exposed critical gaps in communication, accountability, and continuity of care that many patients face every day.Whether you're living with cancer, managing a chronic illness, caring for a loved one, or simply trying to navigate today's healthcare system with greater confidence, this episode offers valuable perspective and actionable advice.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 Dale Atkinson:https://www.guestsonair.com/profile/dale-atkinsonhttps://clearsignalpartners.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Life-Organic/61579269482177/#https://www.instagram.com/the_lifeorganic/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalejatkinson/Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Are you struggling to stay emotionally strong while navigating a medical diagnosis? Have stress, anxiety, or overwhelm made it harder to advocate for yourself or a loved one? What role does mental health play in achieving better healthcare outcomes?In this thoughtful episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Kate Zera Kray, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals build resilience, improve mental health, and navigate life's most difficult transitions. Drawing from her extensive work in hospitals, child welfare, psychotherapy, and caregiving, Kate shares practical strategies for managing the emotional challenges that often accompany chronic illness, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and complex medical journeys.Whether you're living with a chronic condition, caring for a family member, or simply feeling burned out by the demands of healthcare, this conversation offers reassurance, practical tools, and hope. You'll leave with a deeper understanding that caring for your mental health isn't separate from your medical care—it's one of the most powerful ways to advocate for yourself and move forward with strength, resilience, and confidence.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 Kate Zera Kray, LCSW, LLC:https://katezerakray.com/Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Are you treating symptoms without ever finding the root cause?Could small lifestyle changes make a bigger difference than you realize?What if your health journey is only one chapter—not the whole story?For many people living with chronic illness, the search for answers doesn't end with a diagnosis. It often sparks deeper questions about nutrition, lifestyle, environmental factors, and how the body heals as a whole.In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Karen Zuzu, holistic health educator, speaker, and founder of Holistic Health Educators. After being diagnosed with epilepsy as a child, Karen spent decades researching natural health approaches that ultimately transformed her own life and inspired her mission to educate others about whole-body wellness.Whether you're navigating a chronic condition, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for a more holistic perspective on wellness, this conversation offers thoughtful insights, practical tools, and hope for the road ahead.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 Karen Zuzu Ziemer Armes www.lillyfieldscenter.com www.zuzuunleashed.comhttps://www.facebook.com/karen.ziemer.8https://www.facebook.com/LillyFieldsWChttps://www.instagram.com/zuzu_unleashed/https://www.youtube.com/@holistichealtheducatorsConnect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

What if chronic pain isn't something you simply have to live with?Could aging without decline actually be possible?And what if small, intentional changes could help you regain strength, function, and hope?In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Eileen Kapsaftis, a chronic pain consultant with more than 30 years of experience helping people reduce—and often eliminate—chronic pain while restoring function and improving long-term health. Her whole-person approach challenges many of the common beliefs surrounding aging, pain, and recovery.Together, they explore why so many people remain stuck despite seeking treatment, how conventional healthcare often overlooks the bigger picture, and why movement, nutrition, and personalized care play a critical role in healing. Eileen also shares the surprising myth behind "age-related decline," explains her unique four-pronged approach to chronic pain, and offers simple, practical strategies that listeners can begin using today.Whether you're living with chronic pain, pelvic pain, endometriosis, mobility challenges, or simply want to stay healthier as you age, this conversation offers actionable insights, encouragement, and a refreshing perspective on what's possible.Healing isn't always about finding another procedure or prescription. Sometimes, it's about understanding your body differently, taking the first small step forward, and realizing that a healthier, stronger future may be more achievable than you ever imagined.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) 517-8395Connect with Eileen Kopsaftishttps://havelifelongwellbeing.com/https://www.facebook.com/EileenKopsaftisOfficialhttps://www.youtube.com/@EileenKopsaftisConnect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com