I was not the most athletic like I played like recreational league sports and I was on like my high

school's dance team but other than that I wasn't an athletic human I just kind of felt like I was like okay I had felt relief from these

symptoms that I at the time felt like was a death sentence and was ruining my life

and all these other things and I was like I need to find something to do so I don't get back to that place and

this doesn't happen again because I was like I is emotionally trying as and physically as well as that whole diagnosis and

treatment was I was like I never want to do that again like I don't know that I

can handle doing that again.

Hello and welcome to pursuing health.

I'm Dr. Julie Fushe, family physicianician and Former CrossVigames athlete.

Here I bring you information and inspiration to help bridge the gap between fitness and medicine

and support your journey toward your healthiest self.

This episode is one of a series of pursuing health stories.

Here I feature the inspiring stories of regular everyday people who have used lifestyle

to overcome some incredible health challenges.

This week's story features Katie Spilka who shares her story of

being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called scleroderma at age 16 and how crossfit and a positive

outlook have helped her to put her symptoms into remission.

Before I dive into the episode, I do want to make it clear that this podcast is for general information

only and does not provide medical advice.

I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns. Welcome to Pursuing Health. I'm really excited to be here with Katie Spilka who has a incredible story with an auto immunities

clerder and also a nurse.

So we have lots of things to talk about.

...