About IBD Podcast 172 - Infusion Hero: Stylish Hoodies for Young Patients - Featuring Rachel Bee

Infusion Hero: Stylish Hoodies for Young Patients Featuring Rachel Bee – About IBD Podcast Episode 172

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IBD patients are innovative, resilient, and powerful. My guest, Rachel Bee, is an incredible example of all these virtues. Rachel is a remarkable 17-year-old entrepreneur who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at just 13 years old. She turned her experiences with IBD into a mission to help others by founding Infusion Hero, a company that designs innovative hoodies specifically for young patients receiving infusions.

Infusion Hero hoodies provide comfort and feature a unique design that allows for easy access during medical treatments. Rachel shares her story of navigating the challenges of her diagnosis, balancing high school, and running a business—all while maintaining her health and staying connected with friends. Don’t miss Rachel’s insights on how to turn personal challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.

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Discussion points include:

  • Personal health journeys related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Experiences of living with Crohn’s disease as a teenager
  • The impact of chronic illness on daily life and activities
  • The importance of education and support for young patients with IBD
  • The creation and purpose of Infusion Hero, a clothing line for infusion patients
  • Balancing health, school, and entrepreneurial endeavors
  • The role of mentorship and resources for young entrepreneurs
  • Emotional aspects of managing chronic illness during adolescence
  • The significance of community support and relationships with peers and teachers
  • Future aspirations and educational goals for young patients and entrepreneurs

Find Rachel Bee of Infusion Hero at:

Find Amber J Tresca at:

Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

These show notes may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Transcript

[Music: IBD Dance Party]

Amber Tresca 00:00:05 I’m Amber Tresca, and this is about IBD, the podcast that knows the difference between irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.

Amber Tresca 00:01:14 She also tells us how she manages her time and stays on track while keeping up with school, as well as making time for friends and other interests. Rachel, welcome to about IBD.

Rachel Bee 00:01:27 Hi. Thanks for having me.

Amber Tresca 00:01:29 Absolutely. I’m excited to talk to you. I think you’re one of the first entrepreneurs I’ve had on this show, so we’ll get to that. But first, I want to start with an introduction. And would you let the listeners know a little bit about yourself?

Rachel Bee 00:01:43 Yeah, absolutely. So my name is Rachel. I’m a senior in high school. Currently I’m 17 years old. And when I was 13 years old, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. And so as a result, every six weeks I get medical infusions. And because of that diagnosis, I had the idea to start my own business called Infusion Hero, where I sell these infusion hoodies with zippers along the sleeves, and that allows the nurse to have access to the patient arm and still keeps the patient warm while they’re getting their infusions.

Amber Tresca 00:02:10 I love it, and I’ll say that when I was diagnosed in the long, long ago, I was 16, and getting an IV was really was so difficult because your choices were the awful hospital gowns or like nothing like there was just no like that. Was it like you had to choose those hospital gowns? And it was really awful. We were always trying to figure something out that I could wear while I had an IV, while I was in an inpatient, and just nothing ever worked out. So I love that you’re that you’re doing this. So first I want to hear more about your diagnosis because you were 13. That is so young, as I’m sure you’ve been told many times. But can you tell me how your symptoms started and what that was like? What you remember about that time of being diagnosed?

Rachel Bee 00:03:07 Yeah, so diagnosed when I was 13. I remember the first time I ever felt a symptom very distinctly in my mind. It just kind of one of those moments that stuck with me forever.

Rachel Bee 00:03:16 But it was Halloween night and I was hanging out with my friends and I was heading home. And so my friend’s sister decided to drive me home. And I just remember as I was right about to get in her car, just something felt wrong. I felt extremely nauseous. I just knew in my gut that something was off, something was wrong. And so then, just from that point on, ever since I started feeling super nauseous, I was in a lot of pain. I didn’t really have a lot of energy. And so I just remember something was feeling super off. I was beginning to lose a lot of weight, and whenever I’d eat anything, I’d either just throw it up or be in so intense pain. And so I wasn’t really gaining or keeping any nutrition or any nutrients in me. So I got down to £55 when I was first diagnosed.

Amber Tresca 00:03:54 Oh my gosh.

Rachel Bee 00:03:55 Yeah. So it was. I was in so much pain. It was honestly just the most painful, worst experience that I can remember in my life.

Rachel Bee 00:04:01 And so like 6 or 8 months after I first started feeling those symptoms, my mom and I were talking and we were like, yeah, something is not right because I’m a very athletic, very outdoorsy type of person. Like I’m always doing something. At that point in my life, I was showing livestock, so showing steers and lambs, so I’d be up every day like 6 a.m. out in the barn to do chores and go to school, come back home, get back out in the barn. But I just remember feeling so sick that I couldn’t do that. So like, it would take so much energy just to get up from my bed to go to the couch or to the bathroom. And so I remember not being able to do the things that I loved. And so we decided to go into the doctor and we went in on a Saturday. So I was one of our family friend. Doctors went in, you kind of checked me out, and he said, yeah, you should probably head over to the E.R. next door.

Rachel Bee 00:04:40 I got a CAT scan, and then he called a couple days later and was like, I made a point with you at Primary Children’s on Thursday. You should definitely head in for that. And so we went into Primary Children’s. I got a scope. And then they said I had severe Crohn’s disease.

Amber Tresca 00:04:53 Okay, so.

Amber Tresca 00:04:55 Let me understand the timeline here. So it was about six months from when your symptoms started until you actually went and and got looked at. Is that right?

Rachel Bee 00:05:05 Yes.

Amber Tresca 00:05:05 Yeah. And you were losing weight that whole time. Oh that’s so awful. Did you ever have any of like the hallmark symptoms that people think about and people think about like you know, sorry to it gets a little personal, but we get personal on the show. You know things like diarrhea, bloody stools, stuff like that. Like you said, there was nausea. Was that kind of in that. And so was nausea and the weight loss really what you what brought you to the doctor.

Rachel Bee 00:05:29 So I definitely I did have some of those hallmark symptoms, had diarrhea, had some bloody stool.

Rachel Bee 00:05:33 But I remember like I’d be sitting in school and it was Covid at that time. And so I was wearing a mask in class and I’d have to get up and leave my class 3 or 4 times throughout the day just to throw up and just be in so much pain. So I still had diarrhea. I still had issues with that. But mainly I remember just such intense pain and then always constantly being nauseous, constantly being exhausted.

Amber Tresca 00:05:53 Wow. Oh my gosh. Oh that was a lot going on Covid and all of that at the same time. And then trying to get a trying to get a diagnosis at that time. But it sounds like you had a really great family friend who got you on the right track right away. Were you surprised when they said, I think you should go to the ER?

Rachel Bee 00:06:10 I was a little we like because my mom, my dad and I, we went to the doctor and together on a Saturday, like he wasn’t even his regular office hours. And when he said, yeah, go over to the are we just kind of all looked at each other and made that face.

Amber Tresca 00:06:23 Oh my gosh. Do you think he had a suspicion or do you like what do you think prompted him to send you to the ER?

Rachel Bee 00:06:31 I think he knew I think he had some sort of idea that something was going on. And he’s been a phenomenal doctor. Kim and my dad, they used to go mountain biking together, so they’re old buddies and he’s always been our main primary doctor and he’s just a great guy. And so he was really looking out for my best interest, and I think he had some sort of suspicion, and especially when he called and said, go to a primary children’s hospital, that’s a very serious, very intense thing. I mean, that’s like such. It’s a great, phenomenal hospital. But you only go there really when you’re super, super sick. And so when we got that call, I remember feeling really worried and kind of panicked about it.

Amber Tresca 00:07:04 Yeah for sure. You got the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and then you got put on a medication that needs to be infused, which is true of a lot of people with IBD.

Amber Tresca 00:07:17 And what have these infusions been like for you over the years. And I’m asking because I’ve interviewed a few other people who were in high school when they were diagnosed and trying to deal with all of this and how it is that you are missing school. What do you think about when you talk to your friends about it? What do they talk to you about? So what has that experience been like for you these past four years?

Rachel Bee 00:07:43 So when I was first diagnosed, you know, I got first infusion and then a week later got the next two weeks later, got the next, and then four weeks and then eight weeks. And so we stuck me on an eight week program, but that wasn’t working super great. So cut back to four weeks. And then about a year ago, I got bumped up to six weeks now. And so I’ve been kind of steady on that. It’s really worked well for me. My symptoms are basically nonexistent now, which I’m so, so happy about. But during that time I definitely missed a lot of school, especially when you first start getting infusions or your 6 to 8 hour ordeals.

Rachel Bee 00:08:13 It definitely takes a long time. Now I’m on rapid infusions and I actually have a nurse that comes to me. So I get home infusions, which is it’s very nice, very helpful for sure, especially with a busy schedule and being in high school. Yeah. as far as like what I tell my friends, and when I was first diagnosed, it was kind of difficult to talk about because, you know, you’re 13 years old. That’s such an awkward age. No matter what in middle school, you don’t really wanna be like, oh, yeah, I’m having issues with this. And so it was very awkward at first, but I’ve had some great friends that have been there, and especially since I started infusion here, I’ve had friends that always had my back, always been in support. I’ve had some friends come to my infusions because I’ve had home infusions. And so it’s just been great to have that support. And I’m on my side. And fortunately, because I get those home infusions, I don’t have to miss as much school, which is very, very nice.

Amber Tresca 00:09:00 Oh, that’s fantastic, because even for myself, I don’t know how I would work that out. with, with, having to put work and family life aside, it can eat up your whole day getting these infusions. So you saw the need for the hoodies. You designed them. How do you go about that? Because I just don’t. I just have no idea, like how you have this idea and you turn it into an actual product. Can you let me know? How did how did that all work?

Rachel Bee 00:09:34 So I had the idea and I just kind of sketched it out on a piece of paper. I sketched out a couple of different designs and ideas. I had seen a hoodie just on some website somewhere. An ad had popped up or something where it had a different kangaroo pocket, and so there was like a different pattern, different design from the actual base hoodie. I thought that was a really cool concept. And so I wanted to have that be a part of my hoodies. And then with the zippers on the sleeve, I just allowing for that access.

Rachel Bee 00:09:58 I was always super, super cold during my infusions, so I typically wear hoodies. I’d have to roll up the sleeves, and especially when the nurse would place the blood pressure cuff like you have to roll it all the way up there all the way. It’s just so uncomfortable. So I had that idea. I kind of sketched it out, and then I went to a local company in Ogden called All In Stitches, and they really helped me with that first idea, adding on a couple of extra elements. Like there’s the embroidery of the character above the zipper on the shoulder there. So they helped me figure everything out with that. But when I first had the idea, it was just a single tab zipper, and so it was like you’d unzip and then zip it back up one way, which okay, it it was fine if you had the IV place just in the crook of your elbow, but if it was placed anywhere in your forearm or in your hand, it made it kind of difficult because then your arm was still exposed.

Rachel Bee 00:10:42 And so from making that very first prototype, we decided to have it be double tab zippers. So then you could close the zipper around the IV tube and so work with all in stitches for that. They were extremely helpful. I owe them a huge debt of gratitude, but they didn’t really have the capacity to produce these hoodies on a bulk order that I wanted to do. And so I went to a different designer, Courtney Starr, and she’s been phenomenal throughout this process. She’s helped me find a manufacturer. She’s coordinated everything. She saw me coming up with different designs, and then, like, I showed her the prototype that I’ve made with all in stitches. I showed her some of my sketches, and then she made something called a tech pack, which is a document that you give to the factory and the manufacturer, and that’s what they actually look for. It has all the specs, it has all the color and everything that you need to put into what goes into making that hoodie essentially.

Amber Tresca 00:11:27 Okay.

Amber Tresca 00:11:28 It sounds like there were a lot of choices also to make along the way. Like how do you how do you make those choices? How do you think ahead? And, you know, in terms of you talked about the zipper, which makes sense, but there are so many other things that you have to that you have to incorporate when you’re doing something like this. I imagine colors, but the fabric and the weight of the fabric and all of that, you know, are folks helping helping you make those decisions or how are you doing that?

Rachel Bee 00:11:59 Yes, definitely. And it’s been trial and error mostly for some of that. I’ve made roughly eight different samples of these hoodies that I’ve gone through trying to finalize the designs, and it’s like finding the exact fabric that would match was difficult because with the Kangaroo pocket being a different design, we were debating should we just do sublimation onto a different fabric? Would that sublimate well on the same fabric as the base hoodie? So my designer, she was able to figure that out, work with the factory.

Rachel Bee 00:12:23 And we have the exact same fabric for the kangaroo pocket as the base hoodie, and it’s just sublimated on there with the design. And it like it because I didn’t want it to look tacky, I didn’t want it to peel off or anything, but they did a really good job. It looks very professional, very nice, and also with that, with having the zipper in the arm that can kind of rub against your arm as you’re getting the infusions. I noticed that with some of the first prototypes. And so along the inside there we made we took the same fabric that we have on the kangaroo pocket and put just a little slip of that fabric to go on the inside next to the zipper. So then it’s just like a little bit of fabric there to prevent it from rubbing against the patient’s arm. And so that was an additional design idea that my designer had, which was super, super helpful. Definitely one of the more unique features of the hoodie. So a lot of it was just trial and error, trying to figure out, you know, what the content should be.

Rachel Bee 00:13:10 Initially we started with a Gildan hoodie, and then we would just retrofit that. And so the factory would take the arms off. So the zipper in. But that took too much time and it was a little bit too much money. And so then we came up with my own content mix where it’s fox fleece, cotton and polyester. And when you look at the hoodies like they look light, but when you pick them up, they’re heavy in a good way, like kind of a heavy weighted animal or like a weighted blanket that you would wear. And so it’s just like super warm, super heavy, but super soft and comfortable on the inside as well. And so a lot of it just trial and error before we finally decided what would be the perfect design. Because, you know, I put a lot of time and money into this, and I want to make sure that it was the perfect product that could provide a solution to all these issues.

Amber Tresca 00:13:48 Absolutely, absolutely. I know exactly what you’re talking about with the zipper, especially if it gets cold and then it’s against your skin.

Amber Tresca 00:13:55 Definitely. That’s not that’s not the most fun. what about washing? Because it’s just occurring to me right now. I know after I go for almost anything, any kind of a procedure, whatever. One of the first things I do when I come home, and maybe it’s because I’m a I’m a little bit phobic about germs is that I’ll change my clothes. Of course. and then I will wash, you know, whatever I was wearing, especially if I was at a hospital or or something like that. So how did you think about that? About the fact that people are going to want to wash these maybe, in hot temperatures because you were wearing them, at a hospital to get an infusion?

Rachel Bee 00:14:39 Yeah. And absolutely. You can wash them. You should be able to just throw them in your washer. Put it in the dryer, no problem. And just kind of throw it in with your regular laundry. You could wash it on your own, but really, it should be washer safe.

Rachel Bee 00:14:49 Dryer safe. Completely good for that.

Amber Tresca 00:14:51 Oh my gosh, that’s so perfect.

[MUSIC: AIBD Emotional Piano]

Up next, Rachel gives advice on running a business while also managing an IBD.

Amber Tresca: I’m wondering, Rachel, because you I’m sure have gotten lots of reactions. similar to mine. probably to, Infusion Hero hoodies. And do you have any stories, from patients or any thoughts from patients about your hoodies?

Rachel Bee 00:15:30 so I had a friend that was actually recently diagnosed with some form of arthritis, and so she’s recently started getting her infusions, and so I, she took one of my sample hoodies up to Primary Children’s when she was getting her first one and then got to wear it there. She took some pictures. I’ve been posting on social media and stuff and she loved it. It was super warm. It was great for her to wear. She had a couple of feedback with some of the specs that I implemented with my next sample. And then of course, the nurses there at Primary Children’s were able to actually see the product because where I get my infusions at home now, I don’t really have a chance to take them out into different infusion settings.

Rachel Bee 00:16:03 And so she was able to take that out and she said that nurses said nothing but good things. I’ve also taken these hoodies into different hospitals and shown them to different patients. And mainly I’ve just gotten positive feedback from their people and I’m like, oh, what about this idea? Or some ideas for future designs? And I’ll happily take any input. But for the most part, it’s been just completely positive feedback.

Amber Tresca 00:16:22 it’s actually kind of funny. receiving your infusions at home must be so convenient and so much more comfortable. But if you were getting your infusions in a hospital, you would be wearing one of your hoodies.

Rachel Bee 00:16:34 Definitely.

Amber Tresca 00:16:38 So this has been such a journey. I knew that a lot was going into your thought process, as you’ve designed these hoodies and taken feedback and gone back to the drawing board so many times. I can’t imagine going through this process. you are so young. just because it is so much to think about, and you are also dealing with a complicated chronic illness that takes up a lot of your time.

Amber Tresca 00:17:14 What kind of advice do you have for other teenagers who have ideas like yours? Because I think also. Well, you can tell me, but sometimes I think people don’t listen to teenagers as much as they should. So do you have any advice in that regard for other people that might want to start on an entrepreneurial journey when they’re in their teens?

Rachel Bee 00:17:36 Definitely. I would say especially if you have a chronic illness, make sure that you have everything prioritized. like for me, I would always have to make sure that I’m physically healthy and able to put time and work and effort into this. Because if you’re really passionate about an idea, you’re going to want to work on it 24 over seven and never take any breaks. But you do have to make sure that you stop and take care of your body, and make sure that you know your illness is under control before you can really invest 100% of yourself into this business. And so I definitely say that I think for teenagers, there’s actually a lot of opportunities out there where you can get business advice from people and you can get mentors in the community.

Rachel Bee 00:18:13 I’ve been involved in Deca for three years, which is a business club. I’m Deca president this year. I’ve had just a phenomenal advisor at my school that’s helped me out the whole entire time, and this is what I’ve done my Deca business plans on for the past two years. I’ve qualified for CDC, which is our international career development conference. So kind of our nationals there. And it’s a great opportunity because through Deca, I’ve been able to compete in different business competitions where I’ve won cash prizes that I’ve invested into Infusion Hero. I’ve also had the chance to network with judges that are marketing professionals in the business world, and so they’ve given me feedback and advice on how to grow my business and given me connections. And so if you can find a business club or organization or something out there, definitely become a part of that because you’re going to need a support group, you’re going to need community. You’re also going to need to be able to do the work on your own and put in your own effort.

Rachel Bee 00:18:59 But having people there with extra advice, kind of a mentor to help you along is super, super beneficial. So I’d say definitely join something like that.

Amber Tresca 00:19:08 Well, that’s so amazing. I’m glad you’ve had so much support along the way to get this done. And because of my mom, I have to and I have teenagers. I have a 15 year old daughter and a 17 year old son, and my kids are in high school. They are super busy. And I have to ask you, how are you balancing this? How are you balancing school, your health, running a business. I’m sure you have other interests besides the, you know, just running and fusion hero. So how are you managing all this? How do you make time to to care for yourself and also have fun because you are a teenager and you should be having some fun. It’s definitely.

Rachel Bee 00:19:52 A balance. And some days things aren’t quite as balanced as they should be. But for me, I’m a very organized person and so at the beginning of the week, I’ll sit down and I’ll make a list of all the homework assignments that I have to do and everything that I need to get done that week.

Rachel Bee 00:20:06 I’m taking all AP or concurrent enrollment classes. So basically my whole entire course of this year is just college level classes. And so I really have to make sure that I’m prioritizing that to get these assignments done. But also Infusion Hero is my number one priority. I’m involved in a variety of different things Deca, FBLa and wrestling. But Infusion Hero is definitely my number one. And so like I’ll make a list of homework, make a list of things I want to do with Infusion Hero that week, and then just kind of schedule everything out. I’m very Type-A like that. I have like four different calendars that I go off of just to keep everything organized. and so definitely a balance and make sure that I get the things that are most important done. But also I’m a senior in high school. Right. And so this is kind of my last year with my friends before we all go our different ways. And so I still want to make sure to have fun and have time with friends. And so I make sure that I schedule in at least, you know, once a week where I can do something with friends.

Rachel Bee 00:20:55 And it’s it’s just kind of a balance of figuring everything out. You know, some weeks I’m more focused on something else, and I have to put it on the back burner for something or other weeks. I just completely, 100% all of my time to in fusion here. And, you know, maybe I missed doing a homework assignment or something. And so just kind of prioritizing what’s most important for you in that moment is something that I tend to do.

Amber Tresca 00:21:14 Are your teachers aware that you are that you’re literally running a business while you’re going to school?

Rachel Bee 00:21:21 They are. Yes, most of them are. And yeah, they’ve they’ve given me some pretty positive feedback and some support, which I definitely appreciate. And they’ve been lenient and I’ve said, oh, I’m in the hospital or something. Can I be late on this assignment or sorry, I was gone, I missed because I was having a meeting for an infusion hero. Can I, like, do a little extra work to make this up? And they’re always super, super supportive, super flexible.

Rachel Bee 00:21:40 And so that’s something I really appreciate.

Amber Tresca 00:21:42 That’s something that I always tell my kids is that being transparent and forming those relationships with your teachers. And then, you know, when you get to college with your professors, that can really go a long way because they want to know what you’re up to. And, you know, obviously they’re teachers. They like kids, right? Otherwise they wouldn’t be teaching high school. I would hope so. They’re going to want to yeah, they’re going to want to support you. so if you let them know what’s going on, that goes a long way. And it sounds like that’s the approach that you’ve taken as well.

Rachel Bee 00:22:11 Definitely.

Amber Tresca 00:22:12 All right. So I have to ask you about, the Infusion Hero Instagram a little bit because I’m, I’m really into this series that you’re doing that you called cooking with Crohn’s.

Rachel Bee 00:22:25 Yes.

Amber Tresca 00:22:26 I’m so I’m so interested because. All right. So one of your recent ones was you posted a recipe for these crispy carrot fries. Okay.

Amber Tresca 00:22:38 And so I have to tell you, Rachel, I 100% saw your post and then that night totally made those for dinner because, like, we’re we’re in winter. Something about like making some root vegetables in the oven in the winter. I just like, really wanted it. And it was just it was just so funny that it worked out that way. So I want to know a little bit more about this, about how you thought about doing it. Well, how you come up with the time to make these recipes and then post it all on your Instagram. I know that that’s not easy. And and what kind of watch how do you decide the recipes to make?

Rachel Bee 00:23:16 So the Crohn’s and Colitis website has a gut friendly recipe list. There’s like 500 or something various recipes on there. And so Sunday is when I kind of sit down and plan everything out. And that’s when I spend most of that day just making content and scheduling it out for the week. And so I’ll sit down and I’ll just kind of scroll through the recipes.

Rachel Bee 00:23:33 And mainly it’s whatever ingredients I have at my house really is what I’ll make. yeah. Then every Sunday I typically all film it, and if I don’t have time that day, then I’ll find some sort of wiggle room in my schedule to make those videos. It typically takes like an hour from start to finish to film everything and then edit it, and then of course, taste test the food that I make and everything. But yeah, I really I love that food series. I just kind of had the idea one day and I’m like, well, you know, I can I’m very fortunate. I can pretty much eat whatever I want. But I still kind of tend to eat super healthy, especially, you know, with wrestling and everything and, you know, being so active, I want to make sure that I’m eating right, but I luckily can eat anything I want. And so I’ve been kind of curious because I’ve had friends that have Crohn’s disease that can basically eat cardboard, right. Pretty much nothing out there.

Rachel Bee 00:24:15 And so looking at these different recipes kind of gave me a chance to see what different types of food they can have. And also, you know, I love to cook, I love to explore different hobbies. And so it’s been kind of a fun way to experiment a little bit more and have some new recipes that I’m able to cook. And you know, Crohn’s and Colitis cons website has some great resources on it. Honestly, all the recipes I’ve cooked have been pretty good. I think the crispy carrot fries have been my favorite that I’ve made so far.

Amber Tresca 00:24:37 Really. I was going to ask you what your favorite was. That’s so funny, I did. I did really like them too, and it was just, kind of inspiration, you know, it was like kind of, oh, I don’t know what I’m going to do tonight. And then I saw what you did with it, and, it gave me the idea. And, I do love a carrot, so luckily I can eat them as well.

Amber Tresca 00:25:00 all right, I have to ask you something else, because real briefly, you mentioned that you go out to the barn and do your chores. Take me through this. What kind of animals do you have? What are your chores? Are you doing this every day in addition to everything else that you’re doing?

Rachel Bee 00:25:16 So unfortunately, last year was my last year showing livestock. I started showing when I was eight years old and then at the fair in August this August. That was my last time showing, just because I wasn’t sure what I’m going to do for college or my plans after high school, and so I wasn’t sure if I was going to be around for senior year to show one more year. But I’ve shown lambs, hogs and steers for the past nine years. I’ve shown lambs for the full nine hogs I only showed for two years, but I didn’t show them for super long. And then for eight years. I’ve shown them for about six years. And so what that would entail is steers, you get them in the beginning of September is kind of into October, and then you’ll have them all year round until August at the fair.

Rachel Bee 00:25:54 And so you get them when they’re about £500. Go. We typically buy them from pat rent show cattle which anybody that shows livestock know they have some phenomenal steers formal cattle there. And so we’d go pick them up and then halter break them throughout the next couple of months, take them to different jackpots throughout the state of Utah and some in Idaho and Wyoming and different locations. And then, you know, get them ready to show at the fair and then sell them at the share at the fair. And then same for lambs purchase lambs that they kind of around spring break time, kind of in April ish and then raise them throughout the summer. And then you sell them at the fair. And that’s kind of been classified as my summer job, really. That’s where I’ve earned money. And actually, I’ve been able to take that money and invest it into starting Infusion Hero. But typically a day out in the barn, like get up at 5 or 6, depending on the schedule, go out there, feed them and then, you know, go to school, have things after school.

Rachel Bee 00:26:40 And then whenever I get home, go out there and practice showmanship. So when you’re showing livestock, there’s two different ways that you’re judged. You’re judged in market, which is for the quality of the animal. And then you’re judged in showmanship, which is how will you and the animal work together if you can get them to set up and do what you want and make sure they’re presentable for the judge? And so showmanship is just kind of practicing, like for lambs, teaching them how to set up and how to brace, which is essentially just flexing their muscles. And for steers, once again teaching them how to set up, make sure their feet placement is correct. And so just go out there and practice that for 30 minutes to an hour. Make sure to clean the barn, you know, have hay and grain out there. Feed them again. When it gets warm in summer, we’re able to wash them more frequently, you know, don’t typically don’t want to wash them as much in winter because we don’t have an indoor barn.

Rachel Bee 00:27:20 We just kind of have a half open enclosure there. So just want to make sure they don’t get pneumonia or anything like that. So it’s something that I’ve loved. You know, basically raised me, did it for nine years of my life. And honestly, I really do miss it this year. It’s been a great thing. It’s taught me so many important lessons. And really, I think it’s been the foundation for how we got started with what I learned through that.

Amber Tresca 00:27:40 Yeah, it sounds like it. Absolutely. Rachel, you’re fascinating. I just have to say that you are a fascinating person. I do, though, before we tell everybody where we can find you and find Infusion Hero. You for, anyone who’s just listening and not watching, Rachel has, two of her hoodies behind her. Could you just briefly describe them for me? Tell me the colors, for instance. And, and, the characters that you have on them?

Rachel Bee 00:28:11 Absolutely. So my main hoodie, it’s a Carolina blue hoodie, says infusion here, embroidery across the chest with the little butterfly logo on it.

Rachel Bee 00:28:19 And then the kangaroo pocket for that is it’s a white background for the kangaroo pocket. And then it has different purple butterflies across it. And then I have the two zippers in each of this, like one zipper per sleeve. And then above that zipper, there’s embroidery of the little butterfly on the Infusion Herald butterfly hoodie design. And then the other one behind me is the Infusion Ninja design. So I actually have that one in a red and a black colorway. But the one behind me today is just red right now. So it’s a red base and it says Infusion Ninja embroidery across the front with a little ninja logo next to it, and the kangaroo pocket is black and it has different throwing stars and a ninja across it, and the same one with the black Infusion Ninja design. It’s a black hoodie, and then it has a red background for the kangaroo pocket. And then the same thing with throwing stars and the ninja on there as well.

Amber Tresca 00:29:05 It is very cool. I’m so glad that you’re doing this.

Amber Tresca 00:29:08 You’re going to help so many kids who are living through things like Crohn’s disease or other, conditions for which they need to receive infusions or have an IV, and they can have these great, these great hoodies. So I want to make sure that people can find you can connect with you can learn more about Infusion Hero. Can you tell me how can the IBD community support you support your business, and how can we spread the word about Infusion Hero?

Rachel Bee 00:29:38 So my website is Infusion Hero, and there’s links on that website to all of my social media accounts. I’m on Instagram, on Facebook and on TikTok, and my handle for Instagram is at infusion underscore hero. And so ways to support. If you just want to follow along any of those social media accounts. If you repost any content that resonates with you, if you have any ideas, please DM me or send me a message and let me know for you know future hoodies I can make or future designs that you have, or just if you want to share your story with me, there’s a site on the website where you can submit a picture of you and hopefully a picture of you wearing an infusion hoodie so that I can post that and kind of share your story.

Rachel Bee 00:30:17 My pre-orders are open right now, and I don’t expect full inventory to arrive until roughly April ish. But you’re more than welcome to pre-order on the website at Infusion Hero, and as soon as that inventory gets here, I’ll ship it out as soon as I can.

Amber Tresca 00:30:29 Oh my gosh. so college plans, you have anything set forth yet?

Rachel Bee 00:30:35 I’m not 100% sure with where I want to go. There’s a couple colleges I’m still choosing between, but I want to double major in economics and accounting. Just because economics seems super interesting to me. And then accounting those two skills just combined would be super beneficial with Infusion Hero helping to run it, and just an important skill to learn. But yeah, I’m just I’m looking forward. I love learning, love gaining new information. I’m excited for college. Kind of a chance to get out there, see the world. And I’m a little scared and a little nervous, but mainly excited and looking forward to the future.

Amber Tresca 00:31:06 Yeah, yeah. My son is a senior also, and he’s still, you know, weighing his options a little bit as, as well in this, yeah.

Amber Tresca 00:31:14 Late winter period before we finally have to make a choice. That’s definitely. I remember it as being. Really? Yes, as you described it. a little nerve wracking because you are entering into something that you’ve really you don’t have any framework for it yet, but super exciting, and you’ve already got so much behind you with all of the work that you’ve done. And clearly you know how to put together a schedule. You are way more regimented than even than myself and many, many adults that I know. So that is going to serve you well in in the long term. And Rachel, it has been fantastic to get to know you through working with you to create this episode. And I am so excited that you have created Infusion Hero and that you are finding success with it. And I really appreciate everything that you’re doing for the IBD community because this, you know, obviously, as you’re finding out, this is truly, truly needed and it is really so wonderful. So thank you.

Rachel Bee 00:32:12 Thank you. I really appreciate it.

Amber Tresca 00:32:17 Hey super listener.

Thanks to Rachel Bee of Infusion Hero for creating this episode with me. The infusion hoodies she designed are available for order at InfusionHero.com. You can also follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok as Infusion Hero. I didn’t ask Rachel about this when I had her on the line, but maybe we can find out if she’ll ever offer a hoodie in purple. If so, I’ll be the first one in line to order one.

As always, links to a written transcript, everyone’s social media handles, and more information on the topics we discussed is in the show notes and on my Episode 172 page on AboutIBD.com.

Thanks for listening, and remember, until next time, I want you to know more about IBD.

About IBD is a production of Mal and Tal Enterprises.

It is written, produced, and directed by me, Amber Tresca.

Mix and sound design is by Mac Cooney.

Theme music is from Cooney Studio. 

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