Health Story Collaborative Podcast Episode 8: Sue’s Story (Originally aired on the WBUR Commonhealth Blog). In 2008, Sue R. Levy was diagnosed with Pulmonary Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) at the age of 37. LAM is a rare, chronic, progressive lung disease in which the lungs fill up with cysts. The result is gradual destruction of the normal lung architecture, compromised breathing, and in many cases, eventual lung transplant. Fueled by estrogen, LAM primarily affects women in their childbearing years. Having been trying to conceive a child with her husband, Sue was forced to redefine herself as someone with a chronic disease and confront her own mortality. In addition, she had to let go of some of her dreams, first and foremost her desire for pregnancy, as the high levels of estrogen associated with carrying a child would accelerate her lung destruction. In speaking with Health Story Collaborative, Sue describes her journey to accepting her diagnosis and new way of life. This podcast is a product of Health Story Collaborative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the healing power of stories. To learn more about Sue’s story, and to find resources on LAM, please visit www.healthstorycollaborative.org. Music by Jack Broza Lawrence, www.jackbroza.com.