GRATITUDE CITY // EP. 3 - Kaitlyn O'Brien

Welcome to episode 3 of GRATITUDE CITY! My guest on this episode is Kaitlyn O’Brien, a 24 rockstar, SickKids alum, runner, and big time SickKids fundraiser who has had 50 surgeries, and has not let them slow her down one bit!
In this episode, Kait and I discuss, amongst other things:
-- VACTERL syndrome, Kait’s experiences, and impacting and inspiring other youngsters going through similar experiences.
-- How SickKids goes above and beyond to make kids and their families feel as safe and comfortable as possible.
-- Kait’s love of running, not being limited by her condition, and using the power of emotions as a cheat code.
-- And obviously, Kait’s Superbowl commercial
I’m super excited for you guys to listen and I truly hope that this chat brings you value in some way, shape, or form.
Thank you, and enjoy!
For convenience, we've identified specific areas to make it easier to find exactly what you're interested in:
8:45 - VACTERL syndrome and Kait’s experiences
12:13 - Breakdown of the reconfigurations of Kaitlyn’s body systems to get her to where she is today
23:35 - How SickKids goes above and beyond to make kids and their families feel as safe and comfortable as possible.
25:56 - Juggling family, work, and caring for a child in the hospital.
32:47 - The transition from adolescent care to adult care, and leaving the comfy safety blanket of SickKids.
38:40 - Is there a cure for VACTERL syndrome? What’s the 5-15 year outlook, and how treatment looks now compare to treatment 24 years ago.
39:57 - The importance of participating in research studies, and the benefit on the kids coming up behind you.
43:13 - Impacting and inspiring other youngsters going through similar experiences.
45:16 - Kait’s love of running, not being limited by her condition, and using the power of emotions as a cheat code.
54:25 - How past experiences shape our behaviours, mindset, and how we view the world and inspire others.
1:02:40 - The importance of supportive parents, and their impact on they people their kids grow up to become.
1:07:22 - G tube pool story
1:11:06 - Congrats to Kait’s parents and shoutout to my parents
1:12:10 - Why Kait raises money for SickKids
1:16:23 - Kait’s Superbowl commercial
1:22:46 - The secret sauce to remaining positive, optimistic, and vibrant in the face of life struggles.
1:24:57 - The choice we face when faced with challenging times
1:27:47 - Bravery Beads
1:35:34 - What Kait is most grateful for?
1:36:56 - Kait’s Babe Ruth moment!
Intro music by Vodovo Music Productions - • Urban Traffic - Hip Ho...

[@bjorkstrand7773]

thanks

[@glenyg6284]

Great video dude. Keep it up

[@kristofercacciotti6279]

Thanks so much, Glen! Appreciate you my guy!