PATIENT AND CAREGIVER VIDEO STORIES

An Interview with Brynn Carrigan

Brynn Carrigan will serve as a co-moderator for our upcoming Externally Led- Patient Focused Drug Development Meeting on CNS Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis (Cocci Meningitis) – April 14 2026. This is a clip from our recent interview with Brynn.

In addition to being a patient, Brynn is the Director of the Kern County Department of Public Health and brings a unique perspective that helps raise awareness of Valley Fever.

For additional Valley Fever stories, please visit the Kern County Public Health website.

Experience of Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) After Travel to Arizona

Larry’s Story

After returning to Colorado from a vacation in the Arizona desert, Larry became very sick with an unknown illness. Watch his story unfold as he discusses his experience—the pre-diagnostic illness, the challenging process of diagnosis, and the roller coaster ride during treatment for coccidioidomycosis. This video series features discussion from Larry’s wife, Kippi, and her perspective as a patient advocate and caregiver; Larry’s primary care provider, Ronda Orndoff, DNP, who illustrates the educational needs for PCPs caring for a patient with coccidioidomycosis, as well as members of the CDC and MSGERC discussing the diagnostic process and unmet educational needs for both patients and providers dealing with this challenging infection.

Introduction

Early Illness

Diagnosis

Visit to the Primary Care Provider

Starting Antifungal Therapy

Drilling Down on Testing

Discussing Testing and Test Results

Role of Caregiver

Turning the Corner

Resources & Support

Common Questions

Roller-Coaster Ride

Primary-Care—Directed Resources

When to Initiate Treatment

Recognizing the Need to Switch Therapy

Pearls of Wisdom

Accessing Experts