Kelly Gordon: The Captain Keeping Us All Safe At Sea 

Captain Kelly J. Gordon is an accomplished superyacht Captain, social media influencer, and public speaker. Her thirst for adventure has propelled her to become one of the busiest and most respected captains. Honored to have some time talking with her. 

 

My research tells me that there are about 10,000 plus super yachts afloat right now. What is the difference between a yacht and superyacht? 10,000 is an awful lot. Isn't that saturating things a little bit? 

 

Everybody these days is calling every size boat a yacht. It used to be, back in the day, that it had to be a minimum of eighty feet to be called a yacht. Now there are yachts, superyachts, megayachts, and gigayachts. I am in a superyacht now, as my boat is 142 feet. 

  

Apparently, this new fad is all the rage. The super yachts are doing something called anti-paparazzi designs. Have you heard of that yet? 

It is a thing. Superyachts attract attention, depending on where you are going and who is on board. So, they are like, how do we repel paparazzi? That is where the anti-paparazzi design comes into play. Lasers that can block cameras, anti-drone technology, and smart-tinting windows. 

 

Now, I saw that you grew up in Indiana – and I am also a Midwesterner. Do you still miss home? Are there things about the new life that aren't quite the same as when you were growing up back in the Midwest? 

 

I miss home, but I do love being in Florida for the sun and the sea. Let me tell you, seasonal affective disorder is a real thing. I can literally be flying in and just as we are approaching winter, (like coming home for Thanksgiving or Christmas), as excited as I am to come in, I feel this sadness come over me. I miss my family; the animals and the farm. I miss the openness of that. However, I now NEED sunshine and water around me. 

 

At one point, you used to be a chemistry professor. Why did you not stay in this cool specialty? 

 

In my senior year of undergrad, I took what was called physical chemistry. That is a combination of physics, chemistry, and calculus. I had this really good professor and used to say to myself that if I ever became a professor, I would want to be like her. 

As I was finishing grad school and writing my thesis, I needed a few extra bucks. There was an adjunct chemistry instructor position that opened up at the college, and I applied. I began to think the teaching thing was pretty cool and I was good at it. I took a lot of pride in this, as chemistry and physics are probably the two hardest subjects that you could possibly take in college. I always took teaching very seriously because you are literally changing people's lives. You shouldn’t do it just for a paycheck, but rather because it is your passion. 

Through teaching, I met someone who took me to a party on her friend’s yacht. I remember thinking how cool it was to be there, and I knew I wanted to try my hand at working in yachting, so I started to double dip for a while. Because the busy times for the yacht were when I was off as a teacher, it worked really well for me. 

Over time, my interest grew in yachting while my passion for teaching kind of slowed. I then said to myself, if you are not passionate about it anymore, you don't need to do it. I felt I would be doing a disservice to the kids, so I went into yachting full time. 

 

One of the things you used to do was host a podcast once a month. Are you still currently doing that now? What was the podcast about? 

 

I am not now, but people can still listen to past episodes. It was called Conversations with Captain Kelly Uncharted. It was really kind of a play on words, as it referred to how my uncharted path got me here. It was a means for me to be open and honest about the struggles and other stuff along the way. I would talk to people that I knew would be open and honest with me. They really were pretty raw, open and honest conversations about people's hardships. Pretty cool and interesting people too. You never know, I may come back with another season one day. 

 

I noticed that you have dogs, turtles, horses, and ex-husbands. When you have those sorts of responsibilities at home, balancing time is super important. So how do you balance that with you being out regularly? 

 

Well, I don’t have all that anymore! I have Captain Clark, my boat dog, and the ex-husbands are gone! There is one horse left that belongs to my niece on the farm, and mom has chickens and goats and such. It takes a village to keep it all going, but the people in my life are how it all balances. 

 

I also know that you are a public speaker. Are there specific main topics you usually address or is it just a potpourri of different things? 

 

I have spoken about travel, leadership, being a female leader, and a captain - but most of my talks now are on mental health. I remember the first title of my first talk was called “Mental Health and Yachting.” 

I was no stranger to public speaking because I had lectured for so many years. Therefore, I did not have stage fright. I went back to my teaching brain and I was like, okay, how am I going to get their attention? Well, I considered the industry’s main issues: drug and alcohol abuse, bullying and sexual harassment. Burnout and isolation, or being at sea with people that you don't know in the middle of the freaking Atlantic Ocean. So, I opened each of my talks with stories. They were all pretty drastic stories, such as the twenty-something year old female that was raped and murdered in the engine room. During one of my talks, one of the girls in the audience stood up and said she knew of five crew members that had gotten drunk and fallen in between the boat and the dock and were found the next day face up or face down. The mental health topic really resonated with people, and this has been my focus for the last few years. 

 

I know that it can be anywhere from five to seven days a week that you are yachting. I want to get a sense of your schedule at this point in time, so has your schedule slowed a bit? 

 

Oh, it is up and down, but I just got a little bit of rotation. This is one area where the industry is kind of changing, and it is about time. Even though you may have certain working hours on the boat, you are still always there. I was going to bust at the seams if I had not gotten some sort of time off on rotation. This is now my first month off. I work two months on and one month off, and these are sixteen to eighteen hour days. 

 

Have to ask – is it legal to work someone that long? 

 

In the maritime industry, everyone has work-rest hours. These are kept track of and if one works over so many hours, then you have to be given so many days off. The reality is that once you are at sea, there are a lot of hours and we don't always get the days off. It is a labor of love, but you are getting a lot of seafarers that are burnt out from this. The commercial industry does a much better job than the yachting industry at this because you will have gigs where you work two months on and two months off. During the two months that you are on, there are two complete crews on the boat. This is so that you will only work twelve hours a day. The yachting industry does not have the space to accommodate that type of arrangement. 

 

Because most of us obviously don't know what it's like to be captain of a super yacht, is there such a thing as a typical day? 

 

There are primary staples, such as a lot of phone calls and emails. I am camp counselor, therapist, mom, dad, and friend. The majority of my day is spent with people. Only about 10% of my job is actually driving or navigating a boat. 

 

 

While serving as captain, you have navigated vessels up to 160 feet. Would it be fair to say that the physicality portion of this job is easier suited to males, as that is a massive length to handle? Also, any idea on how many women today are serving as captains to yachts or superyachts? 

 

I don’t think it is gender specific. A woman can definitely do it, and there are a growing number of us doing it actively. Any society anywhere in the world has gender roles, and I think it is not a matter of whether they can do it, but rather have they been shown how to do it. I believe the statistic remains that only 2% of captains on the water are female. For whatever reason, I was always drawn to more male dominated roles, like being on the farm, and then I was a welder. I was also a weightlifter, scientist and now a yacht captain.  

 

Regardless of gender, is this a safe occupation? 

 

Overall yes. There are definitely some industry issues. One big safety issue people don’t think about though is weather. One big part of my job is repeatedly looking at the weather. You regularly hear about fires, sinking, or men and women getting lost at sea. I mean, you are in an ocean in the middle of nowhere. Mother Nature is going to do whatever she wants to do. There are risks and dangers, but you have to be diligent. Weather is forecasted for the most part. Yet, every now and again, you could go to sea and there could be a microburst pop up that was not forecasted. The owner that I work for now allows me to spend a little bit of money on a weather routing service. I actually get to talk to meteorologists now. Of course, in terms of other safety issues, there are background checks and things that would be helpful in having a safer industry, that is for sure. 

 

There are a total of four main issues that I saw when it comes to superyachting. First, I know that the overall cost to run this is super expensive. Next, there is crew recruitment. Finally, there are cybersecurity threats and regulatory updates. Have you found these to be problematic? 

 

Yachting is a business, but it is not typically profitable. It is a money pit. It is a hole in the water. You don't get in it to save money. You know that you are going to spend money.  

As for crews, it is weird. I have never had trouble getting good crews. If you did a deep dive into the industry, you would see that turnover is an issue. I believe that the way I run my program helps this to not be an issue. I run a dry boat. That means there is no alcohol, and that takes care of so many issues. Cybersecurity is a huge issue and we work with companies and specific technology to help protect owners and guests and our crew when onboard and online. Of course, the regulatory updates can become an issue. 

 

You must have regulatory officials who address drug and alcohol issues at sea? If not, who do you report this behavior to? 

  

Yes, the industry is supposed to be regulated, but there are no police on the high seas. There are flag states, the Maritime Labor Organization, and the Maritime Labor Convention, but there are no police pulling over the boats in the middle of the ocean. A lot of the younger crew are in their 20’s and are scared to death to report things for fear of losing their jobs. They fear that the captain will say, well, I am going to blackball you, and you are never going to get a job again in this industry. Hence, even with reporting systems in place, things are not always said. 

 

I read that the most famous captain right now is Kate McCue. Have you met her before? 

 

I am so excited to say that we are buddies. I freaking love that woman. She is just so freaking cool. I mean, everybody knows her. We had been Instagram buddies for a while, and then we finally got together in person in Monaco last year. We were just like two peas in a pod. It was funny. We unknowingly showed up dressed in the same color combination. We looked like twins and just had the best time.  

 

If somebody happens to read this article and they are thinking this sounds like a really cool life and wants to get into it, what would you say to them? 

 

I would say go for it, because for me, it has been life changing and I love what I do. If you think about it, a yacht is a floating home on the water. In some instances, it is like a floating city on the water. So, if you are a bartender, you can do it. If you're a housekeeper, you can do it. If you're a mechanic, you can do it. Every single person has, from their daily life or another job, a skill set that they can take to yachting. Just know, it is not like what you see on Below Deck.  

It is a real job, it is a HARD job, and you have to be prepared to work your butt off while balancing a lot of self-care and mental health care. If you are ready to do that, you will go far in the industry! 

To learn more about Kelly, go to: Captain Kelly Gordon | Superyacht Captain 

THE STORY OF STEPHANIE PENN’S SURVIVAL

As an entrepreneur and an author, I have always been driven and intentional about building a life that means something, not just for me but for the people connected to me. On July 7th, everything changed in a way I never could have imagined. I woke up unable to breathe and called 911. By the grace of God, I had unlocked my door before I passed out. I later learned that I had gone into cardiac arrest and my heart stopped for somewhere between 15 to 20 minutes. During that time, my kidneys failed, and to this day they have not fully recovered, and I am now on dialysis. Just being here to tell this story is nothing short of a miracle. 

What followed was one of the most difficult seasons of my life. I was placed in a medically induced coma and connected to more than ten machines, unable to breathe on my own. A major organ had already begun to shut down, and I experienced seizure like tremors that left doctors unsure of what my condition would be if I ever woke up. My body was severely swollen from fluid retention to the point where I was unrecognizable to some. My life was truly hanging in the balance. When I woke up in August, the fight was far from over. I had to relearn how to do the simplest things like walking, talking, writing, eating, and even holding objects without trembling. At one point I could not stand on my own, and eventually I was using a walker just to get around. It was frustrating and overwhelming at times, and I found myself asking why this had happened to me. But through every moment, God, my family, and my community carried me. Despite what doctors feared, I woke up mentally sharp and still myself. Day by day, I kept pushing forward. Not perfectly and not always gracefully, but faithfully. Today I am continuing my recovery with strength and gratitude, committed to living a healthier, fuller, and more purposeful life. This experience changed me, strengthened my faith, and reminded me that my story is bigger than me. I know there is purpose in what I have been through, and I intend to walk it out every single day.  

Dr. Robin Williams

Dr. Williams is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Williams cares for children, adolescents, and young adults with leukemia, lymphoma, and other more rare hematologic malignancies. Within this patient population and alongside Dr. Shane McAllister in Pediatric Infectious Disease, she co-founded a comprehensive clinic in 2020 for solid organ transplant (SOT) patients at risk for EBV related complications including the development of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). The goal of the clinic is to give uniform and data driven evaluation for EBV DNAemia and monitoring guidelines for diagnosing PTLD. The clinic regularly follows EBV positive SOT patients within the first two years of their transplant and any SOT patient with symptoms or imaging concerning for PTLD. Dr. Williams also heads a research laboratory focused on improving T cell immunotherapy against hematologic malignancies with an emphasis on refining T cell function in the central nervous system and developing new targets for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy.

I had the pleasure of speaking to Robin about her various accomplishments, as well as her experiences treating a patient with Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (IMCD). Truly moving and memorable interview.

To watch, go to: Interview with Dr. Robin Williams

Tony Jacobsen: A Man Defined by Determination, Not Disabilities 

Tony Jacobsen was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (O.I.), also known as brittle bone disease. He has fractured numerous bones throughout his life, but they did not stop him - the fear, the doubt, and the stillness that followed almost did. Everything changed when Tony discovered how to move the right way for his body. His mindset shifted and bone density increased by 70%. He found strength he didn’t know he had — and that is when The #UNBREAKABLE Way™ was born. See below to learn more about his path and plethora of achievements. 

1. You have many titles that you hold Tony. Author, personal trainer, motivational speaker, and DJ. Turning to the writer's side for a moment, you authored Disable Your Disability: Live the Healthy Life You Deserve! and Advice to Be #UNBREAKABLE. Through this endeavor, were you finding that you gained as much healing as your readers or even more so through these words?  

Writing has always been healing for me. Ever since a young age, I was writing short stories, plays, lyrics, and screenplays. It has always been an outlet for me, and through that, healing came. When it came time to write Disable Your Disability, which would be my first full-length book, I was trying to package and convey everything I had figured out for myself during the years prior as it pertained to the physical aspects of my disability. 

After my physical transformation, I learned so much of what to do and what not to do; I wanted to share it with others. Through the writing process, since I did go back to the beginning and covered my upbringing, I did end up uncovering some things I didn't expect; feelings I dealt with and experiences that changed me. So, once I was done writing the book, I realized I had healed more parts of me that I didn't realize needed healing. Then, with Advice to Be #UNBREAKABLE, I went a little deeper. The book came after so much healing in my life, so it is filled with lessons I learned through my challenges. Yet even so, through the writing process, I gained more insight into who I am and my mission here on earth. Every time I write, I heal a little more. I am writing to my past self and future readers all at once. Presently, I am working on my third book, so I know there will be healing along the way. 

2. You have been diagnosed with one of the nineteen different types of osteogenesis imperfecta. This is a genetic disorder characterized by bones that break easily, often from little or no apparent cause. These personal stats of yours are shocking - over 70 bone fractures, 12 surgeries and 4 steel rods. Of all of the potential dangers that this condition could bring you, which ones were the hardest for you to handle? Secondly, I realize that stimulation of collagen production could help with your condition. Have you been gradually using those techniques over time?

Having O.I. can cause a lot of pain, but that was not the hardest part. For me, it was fear. Living with O.I. means being constantly aware that one wrong move could change everything. I used to let that fear control me. I avoided movement because I always thought it would do more harm than good. This kept me from living life to the fullest. Once I learned how to move properly and safely for my body, the fear started to fade. Of course, I am always going to be on the lookout, but now it is more intentional and with a positive purpose. Going through the process of learning how movement can squash fear, especially for someone like me who has brittle bones, is the number one reason I pursued fitness as a profession. That mindset shift is a major part of what I teach in my coaching programs. 

As far as collagen production goes, it is still up in the air as far as how helpful it is for someone with O.I. to produce more collagen, simply because the collagen we are producing isn't good. Think of it this way: when you are building a house, if the foundation is weak or the framework is not built correctly, the overall structure is still fragile. With O.I., the DNA (genetic code framework) that tells the body how to build the collagen is 'imperfect.' So, no matter how much is built, it is not going to be as strong as it should be. Now, it doesn't mean that the building can't stand; it just means we have to care for it differently. That is where I have learned how nutrition, supplements, and consistent movement all support collagen and bone health. It is something I take very seriously. My entire routine is built around supporting my body and removing things that might cause damage. 

3. At this point, you are free from needing crutches and wheelchairs. This is amazing to hear. For those who have yet to accomplish this, what would you say to them so as to keep them from losing hope? 

The first thing I always say to someone who might feel hopeless is do not compare your journey to mine or others. We are all moving forward at different speeds in different ways. The main point to remember is to get and keep moving - both physically and mentally. It is a process, and it is progress. Nothing happens overnight and if you stay consistent, you will see results. Progress is going to look different for everyone. Maybe you are standing longer today than you did yesterday. Maybe you can transfer into your wheelchair easier now than you could a month ago. Maybe you have more energy and can last longer during a playdate with your grandchildren. Maybe your progress is seeing that you now believe that your body is capable of more than you give it credit for right now. It took me a long time to get to this point. Years of work. Years of challenges and setbacks. However, I have always focused on one thing - and that is making sure I do more of the things I can do instead of sulking about the things I can not do. That's what I want others to remember. Don't lose hope. You're not broken. You are #UNBREAKABLE. 

4. I know firsthand what it was like to watch my loved one suffer and struggle from his own sickness. May I ask the ways in which your wife has learned to cope with the various ups and downs that accompany this disorder? 

My wife, Teemaree, is incredible. She has been with me through some really tough times, and she handled it with patience and love. One of the biggest things she's learned is balance; when to help, when to step back, and when to just be there. She is really good at it! We talk a lot, we laugh a lot, and we both stay focused on gratitude. She's also always seen me for what I am capable of doing, even before I could see it myself. Throughout our twenty-five years together, she has always encouraged me to move more and push past barriers. Now that I have gotten to where I am physically and mentally, I believe it has brought her more peace too. We both live by the idea that life is as easy as how much we are willing to step out of our comfort zone to get it, and we keep showing up together - no matter what. 

5.  You were the host of the podcast, Unbreakable with Tony, and I note that you may have taken a hiatus from recording for a while. In what ways did you find podcasting to be a healthy and helpful outlet for both you and your listeners?

I love being on the mic! As a rapper/emcee, giving motivational talks, or speaking in YouTube videos. Whenever I get the mic, I just love it. So, creating a podcast was a no-brainer! That podcast in particular was definitely like therapy for me in the best way. Doing a podcast gave me space to share deeper thoughts, share stories, and talk through lessons out loud. I know that is why listeners connected with it too. The podcast format allowed it to be less scripted or polished. I could just be me. I took a break from it because I wanted to focus time on building new things, but I will always love podcasting, and I will be bringing it back in a new way soon. It is part of my bigger mission, which is to continue creating spaces where people can feel seen, heard, and motivated to be #UNBREAKABLE in their own lives. 

6. It is astounding to me that with all you have happening, you find time to volunteer. You are a Board Member of the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation and acted as President of the Toastmaster International for about a year. Have these experiences been enriching, and how does the Foundation hope to help patients in a bigger way?

I have always been one to help where and when I can, and volunteering is something that grounds me and brings me so much joy. I love seeing other people's missions become reality. Being on the board of directors of the O.I.F. gives me a chance to use my voice for the community I care about deeply. I've spent so many years connecting with my fellow O.I.er’s, and now I have a chance to connect their voice with one of the largest organizations in the world that are dedicated to supporting the O.I. community. I could not ask to be in a better position. For me, it is not just about raising money (which is always a good thing), but also raising awareness and helping people feel less alone. Toastmasters was huge for me, too. It helped me grow as a communicator and a leader. Being President of my club helped me learn about working with a community and seeing how everyone's needs can be met in different ways. Both experiences taught me that giving back is not just about helping others; it's about continuing your own growth. 

7. Alongside Mike Mitchell, you wrote a feature length documentary entitled "The Road to Eternity". Please offer the readers a synopsis and also, are we able to view this anywhere online?

The Road to Eternity was an amazing project that I was honored to produce with my good friend, Mike Mitchell, for a video game company that was creating a new game called "Pillars of Eternity." It was a behind-the-scenes look at how they were able to crowd-source the funding for their game after they had fallen into bad financial times. In fact, they were the first major game company to do it! Both Mike and I had worked in production for many years, but this was a major step for us because it was our first feature-length project; and there were only the two of us working on it! We did all of the filming, story production, editing, and sound on the film. It was a big learning experience, and we both loved the end product. I am not sure if it can be found online, but you can visit my IMDB listing to find out more:  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1396384/

8. I cannot forget to ask about the Unbreakable Mix Show. It is a proven fact that music does a great deal for one's mental and emotional wellbeing. How do you feel your show stands out from others and what can listeners expect upon your return?

Straight up... music is medicine. It has always been a big part of my life from a very early age to help me stay positive, and I have been a professional DJ since the mid-1990s. At the time I created the #UNBREAKABLE MIXSHOW, which was during the pandemic in 2020, I knew I wanted to do something different because there were so many DJs just spinning music online. So, I took everything I knew and combined it into one show: music, movement, and motivation! It's not just a DJ set, it's an experience. Every show is filled with upbeat music from every genre and decade to keep you moving. I then get on the mic and do a short motivational talk to uplift the listener/viewer. I talk about having confidence, staying positive, how to build awesome relationships, and so much more. Every show is about having fun! What makes it stand out is not just the fact that you have a motivational DJ as the host, but I also believe in not being perfect. No perfection, just connection. You will dance, laugh, heck, you might even cry. Right now, you can listen to replays of all the shows 24-7 on #UNBREAKABLE RADIO (http://www.unbreakableradio.com - some are NSFW). When I return with the live show, I am bringing more of the same energy! More awesome music, more encouraging messages, and more movement to make you feel #UNBREAKABLE. 

To learn more about Tony, visit:  Tony Jacobsen | Adaptive Fitness & The #UNBREAKABLE Way

Dr. Jawad Mustafa Is On A Mission To Help Females Stay Healthy 

Dr Jawad Mustafa is an OB-GYN Ultrasound Consultant and Breast Health Coach. He is also the Founder of Bebreastaware, which is a non-government, non-funded organization for breast health and cancer awareness. He has a strong desire to educate and motivate women to be proactive and learn methods, ways and tips to reduce the avoidable risk factors for breast cancer development. I feel fortunate to be given time to speak with him.  

 

1. I am aware that you work both in the area of obstetrics/gynecology and are a family physician. Talk to me a bit about the plus points, as well as a bit of the hardship, involved within each specialty. Moreover, at what point in your life did you decide that medicine was going to be your future? 

Merging obstetrics/gynecology with family medicine has enriched my practice with the ability to offer comprehensive care. In OB/GYN, the joy and complexity of guiding women through significant life stages is unparalleled, requiring a blend of technical skill and empathy. Family medicine, on the other hand, allows me to care for patients across all life stages, building lasting relationships and addressing a wide spectrum of health issues. Each specialty comes with its unique challenges. OB/GYN demands precision and emotional resilience, especially in high-stakes situations like childbirth and surgery. Family medicine requires a broad knowledge base to manage the diverse health needs of families over time. 

My journey towards medicine was inspired by a deep-rooted desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives, a decision solidified early on through my academic pursuits and personal experiences. Witnessing the profound difference healthcare can make reinforced my commitment to this path. 

 

2. While conducting some research, I saw that Pakistan females have had non-resolved reproductive and mental health issues for a number of years. In fact, the country has the highest incident rate of breast cancer in Asia. In order to properly accommodate the aforementioned needs of this population, what do you feel needs to happen? 

Addressing the reproductive and mental health issues, along with the high incidence of breast cancer among Pakistani women, requires a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, there needs to be an increase in public health awareness. Education plays a critical role in this regard, not just in disseminating information about these health concerns but also in breaking down the stigma associated with them. By educating women on the importance of regular health screenings, including mammograms, and providing information on reproductive health and mental well-being, we can empower them to take charge of their health. Secondly, access to affordable healthcare is paramount. This includes not just the availability of medical facilities but also ensuring that women have the means to reach these facilities and can afford the care they receive. Implementing community-based programs that offer free or low-cost screening and treatment options could significantly impact this issue. Furthermore, training healthcare professionals to specialize in women's health issues, especially in rural and underserved areas, is essential. This could be achieved through government initiatives and partnerships with private and non-profit organizations. Lastly, there needs to be a concerted effort to involve men and community leaders in these conversations. Gender norms and cultural practices often hinder women's access to healthcare; thus, engaging the whole community in dialogue and education efforts is crucial for change. 

 

3. I understand that the term breast cancer is relative to sexuality, which then can then make the subject taboo in this culture. Do you think that this has any impact on women's choices when treating this type of cancer? I also read another story where a cancer patient stated that members of her community actually said she was to blame for getting this disease. How would you address these critics? 

Certainly, cultural perceptions and taboos surrounding breast cancer can significantly impact women's decisions regarding its treatment. In societies where sexuality is a sensitive topic, diseases affecting sexual organs, like breast cancer, often become shrouded in stigma. This, unfortunately, can lead to delays in seeking treatment, reluctance to discuss symptoms openly, and even refusal of life-saving interventions due to fear of social ostracization or misunderstanding about the nature of the disease. 

The misconception that the patient is to blame for their illness is another profound barrier to effective care. This blame can stem from a lack of awareness about the causes of cancer, attributing the disease to moral or personal failings rather than biological and environmental factors. To address these challenges and critics, a multi-pronged approach is necessary: 

1. **Education and Awareness**: It's crucial to increase awareness about breast cancer's nature, emphasizing that it is a medical condition requiring professional treatment. Education campaigns should also debunk myths regarding the causes of breast cancer, highlighting that the disease can affect anyone, regardless of their moral standing or behavior. 

2. **Community Engagement**: Engaging community leaders and influencers in the conversation about breast cancer can help change perceptions at a grassroots level. When respected figures in the community speak openly about the importance of breast health and cancer screening, it can normalize the conversation and reduce stigma. 

3. **Support Networks**: Creating support networks for women affected by breast cancer can provide a safe space for them to share their experiences and receive emotional and practical support. Knowing they are not alone can be incredibly empowering for patients navigating their treatment journey. 

4. **Advocacy**: Advocating for policy changes that protect and support cancer patients is vital. This includes ensuring access to healthcare, protecting patients' rights, and implementing educational programs in schools and communities to foster a more compassionate and informed society. 

By addressing the cultural taboos and misconceptions head-on through education, community engagement, and advocacy, we can create an environment where women feel supported and empowered to seek treatment for breast cancer without fear of stigma or blame. 

 

4. Can you tell us some of the best ways that a woman can possibly prevent getting a fatal diagnosis, or even just live a healthier life? Have you heard of any substantial new advances in the area of breast cancer cures?  

Preventing a fatal diagnosis of breast cancer, or living a healthier life in general, involves a combination of lifestyle choices, regular screenings, and being informed about one's health. Here are some key strategies for women: 

1. **Regular Screenings**: Early detection of breast cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes. Women should follow recommended guidelines for mammograms and clinical breast exams. Those with a family history of breast cancer may need to start screenings earlier or have them more frequently. 

2. **Healthy Lifestyle**: Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking can reduce the risk of breast cancer and numerous other health conditions. 

3. **Breast Awareness**: Women should become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their breasts and report any changes (such as lumps, pain, or changes in size or shape) to a healthcare professional immediately. 

4. **Genetic Screening and Counseling**: For those with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, genetic screening for mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can provide valuable information for decision-making about preventive measures. 

Regarding advances in breast cancer treatment, there have been several promising developments: 

- **Targeted Therapy**: This form of treatment targets specific genetic changes in cancer cells. Drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin) target the HER2 protein, which is overexpressed in some breast cancer cells, offering a more effective and less toxic treatment option. 

- **Immunotherapy**: Treatments that harness the body’s immune system to fight cancer have shown promise in treating certain types of breast cancer. For example, pembrolizumab (Keytruda) has been approved for use in combination with chemotherapy for certain advanced breast cancers. 

- **Personalized Medicine**: Advances in genetic and molecular profiling of breast tumors are allowing for more personalized treatment plans. By understanding the specific characteristics of a patient's tumor, doctors can select treatments that are most likely to be effective, reducing the need for trial and error. 

- **Liquid Biopsies**: This emerging technology involves detecting cancer cells or DNA in the blood, offering a non-invasive way to monitor breast cancer progression or response to treatment. 

These strategies and advances represent ongoing progress in the fight against breast cancer. Staying informed about the latest research and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers are key components of preventive health and effective treatment. 

 

5. You are the creator of BeBreast Aware, which is a non-profit designed to increase awareness and potential early detection of breast cancer. I would love for you to share more information about the charity, along with the primary goals and objectives for the business. 

BeBreast Aware is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the landscape of breast health awareness and early detection of breast cancer. Recognizing the significant barriers to breast cancer education and screening, particularly in underserved communities, BeBreast Aware seeks to bridge these gaps through a comprehensive approach that encompasses education, accessibility, and support.  

My primary goals and objectives are to increase awareness, improve accessibility to screenings, as well as empowerment through education. Additionally, I offer support and counseling, advocacy and research support. By focusing on these objectives, BeBreast Aware aims to not only reduce the incidence of late-stage breast cancer diagnoses but also to support women throughout their journey, fostering a community of awareness, empowerment, and hope. Our vision is a world where every woman has the knowledge, resources, and support to take proactive steps towards maintaining breast health. 

 

6. One of your various job titles is OB/GYN Ultrasound Consultant. As many may be unaware of this occupation, what are your primary duties? 

As an OB/GYN Ultrasound Consultant, I operate within a dual capacity: I manage my own physical clinical setup in Pakistan while also serving as an Online OB/GYN Ultrasound Consultant for Global Care Consult USA, a platform focused on women’s health coaching. This unique position allows me to extend my expertise in ultrasound diagnostics across both traditional and digital realms, catering to a diverse patient base. Here’s a concise overview of my roles in these different settings: 

Within the physical clinical setup in Pakistan, I provide direct patient care, diagnosis/consultation, patient education and local healthcare collaboration. Now, as to my role as an Online OB/GYN Ultrasound Consultant for Global Care Consult USA, what I offer is somewhat different. Duties include remote ultrasound analysis, digital communication, global patient support and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Balancing these roles allows me to harness the power of technology to transcend geographical barriers while maintaining a grounded presence in my local community through my clinical practice in Pakistan. This dual approach enriches my professional experience and amplifies my impact on women’s health care. 

  

7. Medscope is the medical blog you started two or so years ago. What types of topics are covered here? Do you also allow guest bloggers? 

Medscope, the medical blog I initiated around two years ago, serves as a comprehensive resource for both healthcare professionals and the general public, offering in-depth insights into a wide range of medical and health-related topics. The blog is designed to bridge the gap between complex medical information and everyday understanding, making health knowledge accessible to all.  

Regarding contributions, Medscope warmly welcomes guest bloggers who wish to share their expertise or experiences related to health and medicine. We believe that diverse perspectives enrich our content and provide our readers with a broader understanding of health-related issues. Guest bloggers may include healthcare professionals, researchers, patients with compelling health journeys, and writers specializing in health and wellness topics. All submissions by guest bloggers undergo a review process to ensure that the content aligns with our standards for accuracy, relevance, and integrity. By incorporating contributions from guest bloggers, Medscope aims to foster a collaborative and informative platform that encourages dialogue and learning among its readership. 

8. Finally, looking to the future, might you practice here in the United States - or are you more comfortable in your own country?  

In my evolving professional journey, I've recently taken on a new role as a Breast Health Coach with Global Care Consult USA. This role has expanded my capacity to make a difference in women’s health on a global scale, especially focusing on breast health awareness and cancer prevention. Through online one-on-one coaching sessions, I've been providing personalized guidance and support to women worldwide, with a particular emphasis on those in the USA. My services encompass educating women about breast health, the importance of regular screenings, and understanding the avoidable risk factors associated with breast cancer development.  

My aim is to empower women with knowledge and practical strategies to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer and to promote overall breast health. This involves an integrated approach that combines medical advice with holistic wellness practices, ensuring that women have access to comprehensive care and information. 

As I look to the future, I am hopeful about the opportunity to travel to the USA and other destinations as part of coaching programs focused on breast health awareness. These programs will enable me to extend the reach of my coaching, offering in-person workshops, seminars, and consultations. The goal is not only to educate women about the steps they can take to minimize their breast cancer risk but also to foster a supportive community that encourages proactive health management. 

While I am deeply committed to my work in my home country, the prospect of practicing and offering my services in the United States and beyond is an exciting possibility. It represents a chance to engage with diverse communities, share knowledge across cultural boundaries, and contribute to a global movement towards better breast health. Whether through continuing my online coaching or by participating in international health initiatives, I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the field of women’s health, leveraging both my medical background and holistic health principles to support women in their journey towards wellness. 

 

More details on Dr. Mustafa can be found at  Self Breast awareness and Early detection can save lives (bebreastaware.org) or Global Care Consult – Global Care Consult. 

PARTNERS WHO PUSH PAST PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Filmmaker, Writer, Director, Artist. Robert Monegan is a filmmaker, writer, director and an illustration artist. Thaddeus Williams is a web/graphics designer, pianist, and former choir director. They are also a NYC based married couple who live daily with the effects of Parkinson’s disease. In this two-part interview, you will learn about their lives before and after diagnosis, effects of long-term illness on life, and see how love is the best band aid for ailments.

* Photograph courtesy of Dan Lane Williams:  dlwphotographynyc.com

Interview with Robert Monegan and Thaddeus Williams - Part 1

Interview with Robert Monegan and Thaddeus Williams - Part 2