Meet Marianna, a Texan who did something extraordinary: she received all her childhood vaccines again. Why? A series of life-threatening health issues, including aplastic anemia and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, made her immune system as weak as a newborn's. Doctors had to rebuild her immune system from scratch, just like building a new house. This isn't a common scenario, but it's a real story.

Marianna's journey started with feeling tired and finding unexplained bruises. She ignored it until she ended up in the ICU in 2020. A bone marrow transplant followed, but things didn't get easier. She was diagnosed with a type of lymphoma and had to undergo chemo, leaving her with no immune system for a long time.

The COVID-19 pandemic made her situation even scarier. She couldn't have visitors, and simple tasks like grocery shopping felt terrifying. She faced nasty comments for wearing a mask and following safety measures.

But there's a happy ending. In December 2020, Marianna was declared cancer-free. She started her vaccination journey again, from meningitis to COVID-19 boosters. She's now a college graduate, volunteering and living independently.

A Woman's Second Chance: Reliving Childhood Vaccines

Ever wondered where LGBTQ+ professionals and business owners can connect and support each other? Enter Famm Connect, a new social networking app created by BIPOC queer couple Cat Perez and Marianna Di Regolo. Their discovery platform, Famm, has been helping users find LGBTQ-owned businesses. Now, they're taking it a step further with this inclusive space.

    The app, available on both iOS and Android, offers usual social networking features like feeds, direct messaging, and connection management. But what makes it stand out? It's designed to be a safe haven for LGBTQ+ professionals to engage honestly and supportively.

    In professional settings, many LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination or feel uncomfortable being open about their identity. Mainstream platforms may not cater to these unique challenges. Famm Connect aims to change that. It's a place where users can celebrate their identity without fear, finding others who share similar experiences.

    "There's a lack of representation for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and business owners, " Perez shared. "We need to support each other, especially now. " Famm Connect introduces an "Open to" tag feature. Users can specify their intentions, such as coffee chats or mentoring, ensuring meaningful interactions.

    With approximately 1. 4 million LGBTQ-owned businesses in the U. S. , Famm plans to list businesses for free, with premium profiles coming soon. They're also working on features like in-person networking events, job listings, and sponsored posts.

    The app is free to download and operates on an invite-only basis. Users can refer others without limit.

MARIANNA

A Woman's Second Chance: Reliving Childhood Vaccines

A New Social Space for LGBTQ+ Professionals: Famm Connect Launches