From Pain to Purpose: Lyme Disease, Self-Advocacy, and Finding your Voice - Kenzie Vath
You are the expert in yourself, and sometimes the hardest step in self-advocacy is trusting your instincts and pushing for the answers you know you need.
Kenzie Vath - Bio
Kenzie Vath is a dedicated professional with a passion for driving innovation and making a difference. Currently serving as the Vice President of Strategic Innovation at Pacific Hospitality Group, she oversees the development and implementation of forward-thinking strategies to drive growth and competitiveness in the hospitality industry.
In addition to her role at Pacific Hospitality Group, Kenzie Vath is deeply involved in philanthropy and community impact. She is the President of Impact 100 OC, a transformative organization that empowers women through collective giving, and sits on the board of the Global Lyme Alliance, where she contributes to the organization's mission of combating Lyme disease through research, education, and awareness.
Kenzie is also the owner of Holistic Umbrella, a company dedicated to offering holistic health products and services. Through her business, she is committed to promoting holistic well-being and empowering individuals to live healthier, more balanced lives.
As an author, Kenzie has published "The Ignored Pandemic," a book that sheds light on the stories of those affected by Lyme disease. Through her writing, she aims to raise awareness about this often misunderstood illness and advocate for those impacted by it.
With her diverse background and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact, Kenzie Vath continues to inspire others and drive meaningful change in the world.
Contact Links:
Website - Holistic Umbrella
Book - The Ignored Pandemic
Instagram - Holistic Umbrella
Summary
Imagine struggling with your health for over a decade, visiting doctor after doctor, only to be dismissed as dramatic or told that it’s all in your head. That was Kenzie Vath’s reality before she finally received a diagnosis of Lyme disease at the age of 18—after suffering for 10 years. In today’s episode, Kenzie shares her powerful story of navigating chronic illness, enduring years of misdiagnosis, and how she found her voice through the struggle.
As an advocate for those living with Lyme disease, Kenzie has turned her pain into purpose. She talks about the importance of self-advocacy in the face of medical roadblocks and why trusting yourself—even when experts don’t—is key to survival. Through her journey, she learned that finding purpose, connecting with others, and sharing her story was essential not only to her healing but to supporting others.
We also dive into her book, The Ignored Pandemic: Real Stories of Lyme Disease, where she highlights the real-life struggles of people across the globe who are fighting the same battle. Through storytelling and vulnerability, Kenzie is on a mission to raise awareness and end the stigma surrounding Lyme disease and other invisible conditions.
If you’ve ever felt dismissed, ignored, or alone in your health journey, this episode is a must-listen. Kenzie’s story is a powerful reminder that your voice matters and that resilience, compassion, and community are at the heart of healing. Tune in to hear how Kenzie turned her diagnosis into a force for change and how you can, too.
Takeaways
The Importance of Self-Advocacy: Kenzie emphasizes that you are the expert in your own body, and self-advocacy is crucial when navigating chronic illness. Trusting your instincts and pushing for answers is a powerful step in your health journey.
Finding Purpose Through Suffering: Kenzie’s story shows how discovering a purpose can be a vital part of the healing process. Her journey from illness to advocacy for Lyme disease highlights the power of turning personal struggles into a mission to help others.
The Role of Community in Healing: Kenzie discusses how connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can be a source of strength and healing, especially for those recently diagnosed and feeling lost.
Resilience in the Face of Medical Challenges: Kenzie’s persistence in seeking treatment, despite seeing 35+ doctors, illustrates the importance of resilience and not giving up, even when the system doesn’t provide immediate answers.
The Power of Vulnerability and Storytelling: By sharing her story through her book and advocacy work, Kenzie shows how vulnerability can build trust, connect with others, and help reduce the stigma surrounding chronic illness.
Holistic Health and Lifestyle Choices: Kenzie touches on the impact of lifestyle and dietary choices, particularly how food and self-care play a significant role in managing symptoms and overall health when living with a chronic condition.
Quotable Quotes - Kenzie Vath
"I was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I suffered for 10 years before I got my diagnosis and then another 10 plus years of various treatments to get to a place that I can function where I'm at today."
"I realized I did it (became an advocate) because I had to help someone else go through their suffering and come out on the other side."
"Only you are the expert in yourself."
"Listen to yourself and figure out what's the best course of action, what are the best decisions for you."
"Connecting with people, sharing my story, sharing resources, giving people hope—that is also part of my healing process."
Lyme Disease - Defined:
Lyme Disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is primarily spread through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and, in severe cases, neurological and joint issues. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic health problems affecting the nervous system, heart, and joints.
Example Accommodations for Lyme Disease:
Example Workplace Accommodations for Lyme Disease:
Flexible Scheduling: Employees with Lyme disease may experience fatigue or fluctuating symptoms. Flexible start times or the ability to work from home during flare-ups can help manage their energy levels.
Ergonomic Workspace Adjustments: Lyme disease can cause joint pain and muscle weakness. Providing ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and specialized keyboards can help reduce discomfort during work.
Extended Breaks: Individuals may need additional rest breaks throughout the day to manage pain or fatigue.
Job Restructuring: Reassigning tasks that are physically demanding or adjusting workloads to fit the employee’s capabilities during periods of illness.
Paid or Unpaid Leave for Medical Treatment: Offering time off for doctor visits, physical therapy, or other treatments related to Lyme disease.
Example School Accommodations for Lyme Disease:
Modified Attendance Policies: Students with Lyme disease may need flexibility with attendance due to medical appointments or periods of illness.
Extra Time for Assignments/Tests: Fatigue, joint pain, or cognitive issues may slow down a student’s ability to complete tasks. Extra time can help them perform at their best.
Permission for Rest Breaks: Allowing students to take breaks during the school day when needed.
Remote Learning Options: For students dealing with severe symptoms, the ability to participate in classes remotely can help them stay on track with their education.
Reduced Physical Education Requirements: Modifying or excusing students from physically demanding activities, especially if Lyme disease has affected their mobility.
Lyme Disease Resources:
Global Lyme Alliance (GLA): A non-profit organization dedicated to conquering Lyme and other tick-borne diseases through research, education, and awareness campaigns. Website
LymeDisease.org: Offers a wide range of educational materials and research updates, along with patient support through forums and advocacy. Website
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Lyme Disease: Provides general information about Lyme disease, prevention strategies, and treatment options. Website
Lyme Light Foundation: Provides grants to help children and young adults with Lyme disease access proper medical treatment. Website
Chapters:
00:00 Empowerment Through Disclosure
07:11 Navigating Workplace Accommodations
12:27 The Importance of Trust in Disclosure
18:16 Overcoming Barriers to Accommodation
24:51 Creating Inclusive Job Descriptions
30:11 The Role of Employers in Supporting Employees
36:00 Advocating for Yourself
43:45 Ending the Stigma of Invisible Conditions
Transcript
Tim Reitsma:
Being told you’re a dramatic teen… Have you ever been told this, maybe even as an adult, while you fight for answers?
I’m Tim, and thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Invisible Condition podcast, where we talk about advocacy and the unusually normal things that come with living with invisible conditions, diseases, and illnesses. Our goal is to end the stigma around invisible conditions by empowering voices, and today, that voice is Kenzie Vath.
Kenzie knows all too well what it’s like to be dismissed. After years of struggling with Lyme disease, she found her voice and turned her suffering into purpose—advocating for others and pushing for breakthroughs in treatment.
Maybe you’re feeling lost in your health journey, or maybe you know someone who is. Kenzie and I talk about why it’s so important to trust yourself, connect with others, and turn your pain into strength. Whether you’ve had to fight for your health or just need a reminder of your resilience, this episode is for you. Have a listen.
Tim Reitsma:
Kenzie, it's amazing to sit down with you. I know you're a busy person, but before we get into it, for those who are listening, maybe head to the website. There's gonna be a little picture of Kenzie's background. It is vibrant, it is pink, and it says happy birthday. So we're recording this a couple of days after your birthday, but I love it. It brings such energy to the conversation. Thanks for joining me today.
Kenzie Vath:
Thank you. Thank you for having me, Tim. Yes, my background is very extra. I love the color pink. As you can see, my hair is pink. And so they did a full glitter moment for me. So thank you for calling it out.
Tim Reitsma:
I love that, as a solopreneur, my birthday's not for months, but my kids decorate my space with a picture or something like that. Not vibrant like that. Maybe I have to put that little plug into them. It's like, hey, 10 year olds and seven year old, I need pink streamers in my background. I think it's good, make it special, I love it. Hey, before we get into it, why don't you tell us a little bit about who you are and...
Kenzie Vath:
Yes, yeah, make it special.
Tim Reitsma:
...you know, you and the condition you live with and you know, all of that. Let's just get into it.
Kenzie Vath:
Sure. Yeah, I'll do a very high level description of who I am since the podcast. We don't have enough time for that today. I'd have to be on too many. But high level, you know, in my current season of life, I'm a mom of three kids, five, three and two year old. And I work full time as well as I sit on the board of the Global Lime Alliance. So I'm a huge advocate for those that suffer with chronic illness and Lyme disease. And it's something that I was diagnosed with...
