Season 1 Episode 24 | August 30, 2025
ITP Awareness Month: Why September Matters and How to Get Involved
In this special episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, we celebrate ITP Awareness Month with PDSA President & CEO Caroline Kruse and Director of Outreach and Community Engagement Melissa Hilsabeck. They share why September is such an important time for the ITP community, from lighting monuments purple around the world to uniting patients and families through events, stories, and support. You’ll hear how awareness campaigns began, what’s planned globally this year, and simple ways anyone can get involved—from wearing purple to hosting creative fundraisers. This uplifting conversation highlights the power of awareness, community, and connection in turning a rare disease into a recognized cause.
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Season 1 Episode 23 | August 15, 2025
ITP and Aging: How Symptoms, Risks, and Care Change Over Time
In this episode of Bruised But Not Broken: Living with ITP, host Barbara Pruitt sits down with Dr. Craig Kessler, a leading hematology expert, to discuss how immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) affects patients as they age. From the unique challenges of diagnosing and treating older adults, to managing fatigue, preventing falls, maintaining cognitive health, and staying up to date on vaccines, Dr. Kessler offers practical advice for both patients and caregivers. Whether you’ve lived with ITP for decades or were diagnosed later in life, this conversation is filled with insights to help you navigate the physical, emotional, and medical realities of aging with ITP.
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Season 1 Episode 22 | July 30, 2025
Clearing the Confusion on ITP and Vaccines: Weighing the Risks and Understanding the Benefits
In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, Dr. James Bussel, Professor Emeritus at Cornell and a leading expert in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), joins host Barbara Pruitt for a timely and thoughtful conversation about vaccines and their relationship to ITP. From breaking down how vaccines can affect platelet counts to addressing concerns about relapses and immune response, Dr. Bussel offers science-backed guidance and reassurance for patients navigating vaccine decisions. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have lived with ITP for decades, this episode is packed with clarity, compassion, and practical advice.
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Season 1 Episode 21 | July 15, 2025
Advocating for Access: How Policy and Paperwork Shape ITP Treatment
U.S. insurance coverage can be just as challenging as the diagnosis itself. In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, we sit down with Becky Burns, Chief Operating Officer of the Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute, to unpack the complicated world of U.S. insurance and access to care.
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Season 1 Episode 20 | June 30, 2025
Aging with ITP: Wisdom, Worry, and What Matters Most
In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, host Barbara Pruitt is joined by fellow seniors Lib Elder and Rand Walker for an honest, insightful, and often humorous conversation about aging with immune thrombocytopenia.
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Season 1 Episode 19 | June 15, 2025
ITP and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know Before, During, and After
From coordinating care between hematologists and obstetricians to understanding delivery options and postpartum concerns, this conversation is packed with reassurance, real-world examples, and actionable guidance.
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Season 1 Episode 18 | May 30, 2025
Parenting with Platelet Counts in Mind: Managing ITP in Young Children
From babyproofing tips and daycare questions to navigating sports, tantrums, and emotional support, Dr. Tarantino offers expert insight grounded in compassion and experience.
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Season 1 Episode 17 | May 15, 2025
Needles and Know-How: What Every ITP Patient Should Know Before a Blood Draw
Host Barbara Pruitt speaks with vascular access RN Jeremy Johnson, who shares expert tips on how to make blood draws and IVs easier, from using ultrasound guidance to knowing your best veins.
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Season 1 Episode 16 | April 30, 2025
Understanding the Unique Challenges of ITP in Teens
From early warning signs to navigating sports, treatment options, school support, and the emotional side of living with a chronic condition, Dr. Michael Tarantino, a leading expert in bleeding disorders, offers expert advice with compassion and clarity.
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Season 1 Episode 15 | April 15, 2025
Fighting for Answers, Finding Her Voice: Tracey’s ITP Journey
After facing multiple treatment challenges and a rollercoaster of platelet counts, Tracey found strength in community, advocacy, and becoming her own best health advocate.
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Season 1 Episode 14 | March 30, 2025
Sports, School, and ITP: Thriving as a Teen with a Rare Disorder
In this heartfelt episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, host Barbara Pruitt talks with two inspiring guests—Josh Kelly, a teenager currently living with ITP, and Melissa Hilsabeck, who was diagnosed with ITP as a teen and now works with the PDSA.
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Season 1 Episode 13 | March 15, 2025
ITP Preparedness: Nosebleeds, Emergency Kits, and Travel Tips
Living with ITP comes with unique challenges, from managing unexpected nosebleeds to staying prepared for emergencies. In this episode of Bruised but not Broken: Living with ITP, host and longtime ITP patient Barbara Pruitt shares her personal experiences and practical strategies for handling everyday situations with confidence.
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Season 1 Episode 12 | February 28, 2025
ITP and Rare Diseases: Building a Stronger Community
Caroline Kruse, President and CEO of the Platelet Disorder Support Association, interviews Pam Gavin, CEO of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). They discuss the challenges and triumphs of living with rare diseases, focusing on immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
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Season 1 Episode 11 | February 15, 2025
From Awareness to Action: How ITP Patients Can Influence Policy
In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, host Barbara Pruitt dives into the critical role of advocacy in making immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) a recognized priority in Washington.
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Season 1 Episode 10 | January 30, 2025
Behind the Scenes at ASH: The Exciting Future of ITP Research
PDSA President and CEO Caroline Kruse and Director of Research and Canadian Advocacy Jennifer DiRaimo share exclusive insights from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) conference.
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Season 1 Episode 9 | January 15, 2025
Navigating ITP and Pregnancy: Meredith's Inspiring Journey
Meredith Prescott discusses her incredible journey of navigating life with ITP while pursuing her dreams, building a career, and starting a family.
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Season 1 Episode 8 | December 30, 2024
A Mother's Story: Navigating ITP with Strength and Hope
Jill Vorst shares her powerful journey of navigating life with her daughter Elizabeth’s chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
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Season 1 Episode 7 | December 15, 2024
Demystifying Genetic Testing for ITP Patients
Have you ever wondered if your ITP diagnosis could be connected to genetics? In this episode of Bruised but Not Broken: Living with ITP, host Barbara Pruitt sits down with Genetic Counselors Jennifer DiRaimo and Hannah Helber to discuss the intriguing intersection of ITP and genetic testing.
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Season 1 Episode 6 | November 30, 2024
Helping Kids and Parents Navigate ITP Together
PDSA’s innovative programs, like the Poke-R Club, help ease needle anxiety for kids while empowering parents with resources and support.
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Season 1 Episode 5 | November 15, 2024
Has ITP Gone to the Dogs? The Parallels Between Canine and Human ITP
We dive into the fascinating connection between immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in humans and animals. Host Barbara Pruitt speaks with Dr. Dana LeVine, a veterinary medicine professor and leading researcher in immune-mediated blood disorders, to uncover surprising parallels between canine and human ITP.
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Season 1 Episode 4 | October 30, 2024
Family History and ITP: Uncovering Genetic Clues
Explore the fascinating world of genetics and its potential connection to ITP (immune thrombocytopenia). Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation that could unlock new perspectives on living with ITP.
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Season 1 Episode 3 | October 15, 2024
Easing the Fear: PDSA Resources for Parents of Children with ITP
Barbara Pruitt and Jody Shy, the Director of Programs and Events for PDSA, discuss the invaluable support PDSA offers to children and families affected by ITP.
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Season 1 Episode 2 | September 30, 2024
ITP 101: Understanding Immune Thrombocytopenia
World-renowned hematologist Dr. Terry Gernsheimer explores the basics of Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP).
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Season 1 Episode 1 | September 19, 2024
The ITP Journey: From Diagnosis to Empowerment
Stories of resilience and learn practical tips for navigating life with this rare blood disorder
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The diagnosis may leave you wondering – how can I really live my life with ITP? PDSA’s podcast, “Bruised but not Broken: Living with ITP”, brings you empowering stories, lifestyle tips, and answers to the real-life questions the ITP community is asking.
More Topics to Come:
What is a “safe” platelet count?
How do I get a second opinion?
Travel, Sports, and More!
Know Your Body, Get in Tune
Safety at Home and Beyond
Physical Activities
Fatigue
New Treatments and Clinical Trials
Inherited ITP vs. Immune ITP
Rollercoaster of Emotions
Bruising and Blood Draws
Other Platelet Disorders
And More!
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