
Content Rating: Parental guidance is suggested for the designated age range (7-13 yrs); some material may not be suitable for all children due to coarse language.
Host: Jessica Samuels
Guest: Alyssa Sundstrom
Season 1 - Episode: 07
On this episode of Voices Unheard, Jessica Samuels is joined by Alyssa Sundstrom (she/her/hers). Alyssa is a 16-yr old Okanagan Indigenous female who was diagnosed with a very rare but serious illness called Behcet's Disease when she was 18 months old. Behcet's Disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes blood vessel inflammation throughout the body; the disease can lead to numerous symptoms including mouth sores, eye inflammation, skin rashes and lesions, along with other ailments. Her illness also caused painful Juvenile Arthritis in 4 sets of her joints. Alyssa’s wish is to discuss how she’s experienced a very different world than most others while overcoming many challenges, and hopes to bring awareness to what Behcet's Disease is and the battles people of all ages fight.