Summer Series Webinar: Session 4: Living with Peripheral Neuropathy: Real Stories of Resilience and Hope
“Living with Peripheral Neuropathy: Real Stories of Resilience and Hope,” features two incredible PN patients, Will Schwalbe and Randy Lavinghouse. This heartfelt webinar highlighted their personal journeys of resilience, as Will and Randy shared their experiences, challenges, and triumphs living with peripheral neuropathy. Gain valuable insights, encouragement, and hope from their stories. Connect with a community that understands and be inspired by real-life examples of courage and perseverance!
Will Schwalbe is the author of “The End of Your Life Book Club,” which was a #1 Indie Next pick and spent nine weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. He has worked in digital media; in book publishing; and as a journalist, writing for various publications, including the New York Times and the South China Morning Post. He is also the author of “Send” (co-written with David Shipley), “Books for Living,” and “We Should Not Be Friends: The Story of a Friendship.” He was diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy in 2017.
Randy Lavinghouse grew up in Philadelphia and graduated from Boston University with a degree in Physical Therapy, later earning an advanced Masters in PT. She has lived in Washington DC, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, and has traveled extensively in Europe, the US, Canada, Thailand, Japan, and Latin America. Since 1977, Randy has resided in San Francisco with her spouse, two adult children, and a grandchild. With a 43-year career as a Physical Therapist, specializing in neuro and cardiopulmonary issues, Randy retired after being diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in 2012. Her neuropathy, initially thought to be idiopathic, was later attributed to MGUS (idiopathic gammopathy of unknown significance), an IgG MGUS variant. Regular blood work helps manage her condition, and Randy applies her PT training to treat herself and manage her neuropathy’s progression. She feels fortunate to have a supportive medical team and values her PT background.
Webinar held live July 25, 2024.
Books mentioned during webinar:
- Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Table for Two by Amor Towles
- Margo’s got Money Problems by Rufi Thorpe
- We Should not be Friends by Will Schwalbe