Undiagnosed (ft. Ironmouse): "The Performer"

The saga of popular Twitch personality Ironmouse's life reads much like the anime stories from which she finds inspiration: A talented young woman’s dreams are smashed by illness and circumstance, yet she, in her innate desire to provide for those she loves while making the world a friendlier, sillier, and more musical place, creates a path of her own to unimaginable success.
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twitch.tv/ironmouse
The information, terminology, and opinions presented in this forum do not necessarily reflect the views of IDF, its Board of Trustees, sponsors, or donors.

[@boko1564]

I never heard mouse talk like this! It’s so different, and so real!

[@Qwackin604]

Im not gonna lie, hearing the line "This is the story of how a playful cartoon demon saved a real womans life" made me tear up.

[@deathpunch2169]

Me too.

[@SatyreIkon]

Same.

[@yaskaa8592]

Me too

[@BlackEpyon]

One thing that wasn't mentioned was her "IRL" streams. For those of you who don't follow Ironmouse, she and Connor (Alias: CDawgVA) have collaborated numerous times, where Connor will live stream his travels with two-way audio (allowing her to talk with Conner), and Mouse will overlay her character model over his live feed, allowing her to experience the outside world vicariously. They've done his cycle-a-thons, where Mouse will place her character in the "basket" of his bicycle, walking around theme parks, or various districts of Japan's cities to see various attractions. They've even gone shopping together for various anime paraphernalia! They've even recently started just having her character displayed on an iPad that they carry around, or on a large TV screen at an anime convention, and this has allowed her to interact virtually with her fans, and even just random people on location. Those of you who are also bed-ridden might want to check out those streams and consider if you might benefit from a similar arrangement with friends and/or family. It's very important to your health to keep a healthy mind, and just watching these streams, you can see how much good it does her to be able to experience the outside world again like this. She normally streams on Twitch, but she uploads highlight clips to KZbin. I'll post a link to one of those IRL highlight clips here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpaUqmtqj6enraM

[@ssfbob456]

Conner really has gone above and beyond in Mouse's name over and over, that first IRL stream is quite possibly one on the most wholesome things every to grace the internet.

[@Speed001]

Thanks for putting a link to start people's journey!

[@alphasakurahiko]

GIGACHAD MONKE!! On a serious note, you can tell how genuine a guy Connor is because of the lengths he goes for her. I liked Connor before their interactions but seeing their relationship unfold has forever earned him my respect and admiration. A genuine great guy.

[@TheBilliardCorner]

Anywhere I can find the full stream of that? I'm having trouble finding the IRL streams as I'm new to twitch.

[@Home-body]

@@TheBilliardCorner kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXete3WKqbCIr8U

[@fwiffo]

Representation *matters*. At an anime convention you'll see someone in a wheelchair or with a serious illness in ironmouse cosplay, lining up for her meet-and-greet. She's behind an avatar, but they can fill in the blanks and see themselves in her. A lot of people with chronic illnesses have been inspired by ironmouse to start streaming or just meet people in VR. There's a growing list of vtubers that are starting careers and finding success that wouldn't be possible otherwise. People without imagination speak derisively about vtubers, not realizing how it can let someone with an illness, disability or disfigurement rejoin the world. It's not one or two of us in her chat who donate plasma. It's thousands. The volunteers at my plasma center know about her. My regular appointment is tomorrow.

[@Bella-ht5jb9he3z]

Well said. You made some great point's. I have a chronic disease that's incurable. Mousey definitely gives me hope. Seeing everything she's accomplished and she's feeling better shows me that things can get better. That's awesome you donate plasma. I wish I could but I can't. I have needed it myself before and people don't realize it's important to donate. I love Mousey and Connor's friendship. He brings her lot of happiness and Cinnamon Rolls Lol. That must be cool to see people cosplay as Mousey.

[@graymonk5972]

god this is exactly how i feel i’ve had disabilties my entire life and went completely undiagnosed until i was 14 and they still aren’t fully sure what’s wrong with me at 20 there’s a lot im lucky enough to be able to do but so much i can’t and finding ironmouse was so cool because even at 19 years old i got to have that almost child-like whimsy of “oh she’s like me! and she can do this” like same reaction i had when i was 3 watching Mulan for the first time and seeing an asian person on tv. representation matters so damn much

[@donwonfonbonbbb2682]

The idea that an insurance company can say "we don't think you need this treatment" is frankly disgusting.

[@IDFvideos]

Unfortunately, it's not an isolated incident.

[@MossyMozart]

@donwonfonbonbbb2682 - My immunologist is currently fighting an insurance company that refuses to treat a child with agammaglobulinemia.

[@jaycebechtol8448]

As bad as when they don't even recognize your diagnosis..

[@him_That_is_me]

"have you considered dying? It would be much cheaper for us, don't be so selfish." Insurance companies deserve hell. Like actual, Dante's inferno, hell.

[@sugarqbs]

I can only speak to the American healthcare system that Mousey was under but it’s the norm for insurance providers (with no formal medical training) to wield an insane amount of decision making power over what treatments a patient “needs” by controlling funding, making necessary procedures impossibly expensive

[@hoshi-15]

‘I just wanna have a beer with you.’ And I started crying, goddamn. That’s like a line in a movie that foreshadows the future. I’m waiting for that to happen for mouse

[@SwaggeratedExagger]

And we're here to watch it happen

[@Jasonwynn10]

I'm still crying! That line hits so hard 😭😭😭

[@NoName-sb9tp]

That one hits like a truck man.

[@NonOblige]

That line brought tears to me lmao

[@louisrobitaille5810]

It's a double-edged foreshadowing sword: it might happen, but he might also jinx it 💀.

[@EndoftheBeginning17]

For those that don't know it was Melody that raided Mousey.

[@shaggybaggums]

I found her from a collab followed by a raid from Potasticp, from the timing it couldn't have been long after the raid you mention. While a lot of luck plays into these things such as being in the right place at the right time, if you haven't put the work in beforehand you can't take advantage of it if and when it presents itself. And if anyone has put the hours in, it's Mouse. :)

[@xenotypos]

@@shaggybaggums Hours and... simply talent. She's entertaining, and when I see clips of her during that period in which she exploded, she was hilarious. She didn't reach a wide success in the first 2 years she streamed because: - Vtubers weren't really a thing in the West, at least very rare. - She used a free model, there was nothing special visually. - maybe streaming on YouNow instead Twitch (until 2019) played a role. Her popularity exploded very fast, suddendly, for several reasons that all came almost together, in a short amount of time: - She could finally a afford a personalized, detailed model that she designed, in december 2019. - Vtubers became more popular in the west in 2019/2020. - COVID in spring 2020 meant streamers had exceptionnally large audiences, it was an opportunity. - Melody raided. But honestly, she would have risen anyway, she only didn't do it sooner because of circumstances. Her success is kinda natural, only the fact that it was very "sudden" is explained by the reasons above. Especially after a very long stagnation. And thank god it was a fast rise, because she really needed it when the covid broke out and her parents lost their jobs.

[@sandenson]

Mel the GOAT

[@TheCreepyLantern]

God bless Melody she's a champ

[@NimrodClover]

I was watching Mouse when Mel raided - yes, I was there when mouse had just a few people watching, measured in the dozens. She was the second vtuber I ever started to watch regularly way back in the face rig days, like around 2018. Man, so much in just a few years.

[@revelare_xvii6269]

The fact that the official IDF is giving recognition to Ironmouse’s story.

[@IDFvideos]

We heart the gremolin queen.

[@shiftarus3307]

They make a good team.

[@PiscesAustrinus]

@@IDFvideos theres only one thing guys that you missed at the end...unless you actually tried and mouse just didnt want to...to have her sing something, probably you guys already know...but her voice range its INSANE...you seriously cant belive this borderline squeaky toy of an adorable gremolin can sing like she does, people are blown out of their minds every single time they hear her sing the first time. World needs to know of her talent

[@bigboomerbastard5770]

Holy shit..i was tearing up to a lot of this but when Connors explanation to why he was doing the cyclethon for raising money for the IDF... "I want to have a beer with you one day"... I lost it.

[@aeolial5533]

He's a MONKE, BUT a MONKE with a heart of gold.

[@Mrshoujo]

It was an Ironmouse stream where she asked for donations for a better "workplace" which was her bed but she didn't want to call it that. This was after she just started becoming popular. Donators raised the money ($2,000) in under 10 minutes. One of the best moments ever.

[@koreannom]

Faith in humanity restored when I saw that moment

[@GTSW1FT]

A legendary moment

[@simpledj509chromo7]

Dude chat came in clutch and her community really cares about her. The tungsten rat is an absolute legend. She's been through so much and I hope she can stay well.

[@Scudboy17]

I started watching Ironmouse just before that epic stream. It was a legendary moment and a life changing one for her. I'm proud to have been part of that.

[@frederickglass1583]

I remember that stream. Literally 2K raised in under 10 minutes, chat was FLOORED at how generous ppl were

[@DaRkLoRd-rc5yu]

I cried through most of this interview. I'm glad mouse managed to share it. but as someone who's been following mouse since 2020 before she joined vshojo it is really sad to hear how much she's suffered over the years even if she's told parts of it before.

[@jonathans3971]

Don't be sad, be inspired by the determination to push on, be happy for the success, the spreading of awareness that can help others and the friendships she has made along the way, be thankful for the staggering number of hours of joy and entertainment. Pity not the gremolin, the gremolin teaches us to celebrate and appreciate what makes us happy even when life seems bleak. 💕

[@docgiggles130]

What is happening to Mouse is sad, but always remember this, as someone that has been with Mouse this long, you have helped open her world. You and all of her fans give her somewhere to go so she isn't alone anymore.

[@kairumasamune1992]

Shout-out to her parents who held out until the end which turned in a reward for them.

[@TheCreepyLantern]

Both of them are absolute angels. which is ironic in certain ways.

[@mrtree8622]

Her parents really is the real MVP, i just can’t imagine the guilt her parents must have specially her mother to not see her daughter live a normal life.

[@Mrthedutchman1]

Yeah, her parents sound like amazing people. They never gave up on her.

[@megamcee]

@@TheCreepyLantern Devil was once the God's favorite child iirc, so I feel like this is as appropriate as possible

[@mrrd4444]

"I'm a Vtuber" "Yeah... are those horns!?" Made me laugh so much because I also have religious parents (Filipino, not Puerto Rican, but we're very similar in the Catholicism) and I KNEW that would be the sticking point. I love Mouse's relationship with her family.

[@SundaraRamanR]

⏱️ Timestamps ⬇️ 0:15 Intro to UNDIAGNOSED 1:08 Intro to ironmouse 3:22 Mouse talks about losing and regaining her voice 4:35 Growing up with CVID 10:45 The struggle to complete schooling 13:31 Support from mouse's parents 15:47 Diagnosis, finally! "CVID? What is this?" 24:58 "I just wanna be a faceless singer" 27:07 How mouse got into streaming 34:30 When mouse stopped hiding her illness from viewers 38:23 The day that Ironmouse blew up on Twitch 45:25 MONKE 🦍 (meeting and collaborating with Connor) 50:32 If mouse could go back in time and start over 52:25 Consequences of talking about her illness - being bullied, spreading awareness, inspiring people

[@mp5enthusiast]

Leaving a comment so more people will see this

[@xeonoct1992]

You....are a hero

[@JayRandomness07]

thank you

[@Epocseer]

Hero ❤

[@mercurypvpcraft2424]

i feel like once monke showed up she brightend up alot but it might be just me

[@Penultimeat]

I am proud to donate plasma due to Mouse. I never would have without her, and now I've donated 68 times! thats 42.5 LITERS of plasma! Ive made nearly $4000 in that many donations as well.

[@wickeddanish5814]

you are a plasma hero !!! thank you for saving lifes !!

[@LancerJak]

You dropped your crown and cape, hero.

[@dontnowatimdoing446]

o7

[@sisyphus.nights]

o7

[@othinus]

yo. the tts guy from yesterday's stream.

[@stevencurtis7157]

I'm jaded to cruel internet behavior, but it takes a special kind of venom to be mad about the success of a young person with a life changing chronic illness. Far worse are comments that claim that she's faking her illness for pity. I think most of her fans would remember finding her vulgar humor and big personality very entertaining before ever finding out she was sick.

[@1utube01]

Those types of cruel people are truly malignant.

[@thelazygamer1370]

I don’t like being parasocial but mousey is one of the internet figures I just can’t watch as a bystander, once you learn about her your respect just grows and grows. I’m so happy for where she is at now.

[@PyroDay991]

The entire experience of vtubers is inherently parasocial whether people like it or not but yes, with mouse it's just impossible not to adore her To know her is to love her

[@Neo_suxxen]

it doesnt have to be a parasocial thing. You can admire and look up to someone as a mentor or inspiration. being parasocial is someone who is trying to insert themselves into that persons life and thinking they know them personally. but its a different thing if you just respect them and love who they are as a person and what they do. Its not a bad thing to have someone you dont know as inspiration, or admiration or being a mentor as someone'd you look up to. There are people out there who get inspired by anime characters like goku or naruto. Back when i was a kid. there was a tv show called Mr. Rogers neighborhood. He was titled as Americas Mentor for the kids. He inspired millions. Ironmouse is doing the same. Being a inspiration in more ways then one.

[@bumbabees]

i dont think something being parasocial is inherently bad. the only reason people talk about it a lot is because it often goes too far. i think as long as youre mindful and keep up boundaries, its fine.

[@richardryley3660]

I like to say that even though Ironmouse claims to be Satan, she's actually Lucifer. She's not a demon, she's a fallen angel, and she's trying so hard to pick herself back up. Her story is just so inspiring, and she seems to be the sweetest, most caring person, despite her outbursts and swearing. The proof is in how everyone she knows praises her for making the world a better place.

[@mrmxypltk]

I have been joking for a long time that Ironmouse's singing voice was too powerful and God had to nerf her abilities. And yet she still fights on, strong and proud. She truly lives up to her chosen name. Small like a Mouse, but with the will and strength of Iron.

[@JA-gb1sc]

Screw the people who say Mouse is only famous because she is sick. Those people havent watched one of her streams she is entertaining af!! She is a special kind of person one in 10 billion!

[@Stroopwafe1]

And also, even if she weren't sick, they would be an asshole some other way. Bullies will bully, no matter the circumstances or their words

[@lordfrz9339]

No one will watch someone boring no matter the amount of pity. Mouse is a great entertainer, that's why she's famous.

[@aeolial5533]

Those bullies..they're a cancer to this world.

[@pauljs75]

Fun conversationalist, and can be top-notch at times with improvisational humor, the fact where she has moments of composure and can sing with such clarity and a golden voice is just icing on the cake. And she's pretty grounded on a lot of things and relatable given her life experiences, not some holier-than-thou spoiled princess. All that together, and there's this bundle of charisma able to push past this kind of adversity - it's hard not to root for her.

[@kukuc96]

There are plenty of people who are sick and boring/uninteresting and thus not famous. So I agree, that's a stupid idea.

[@yamete_kudastop4942]

damn, that introduction goes so hard. whenever ironmouse sing, sometimes I cant handle it without crying. I love this gremlin

[@Dr.Mcstaby]

I thought she was a succubus? cause that what her model looks like to me

[@QuesoQt]

@@Dr.Mcstaby she’s satan like she says in the interview here, look up her lore videos, they are amazing quality.

[@CTPSenpai]

I held my tears in, then I heard that Conner cried when he found out about her CVID... a river started to flow

[@Sora_SlimeCat]

This. THIS is why people with disabilities NEED to be more visible. The more people know about a thing, the more they can do to help. Putting faces and voices to the clinical names gives them weight. Immunodeficiency is understood as 'oh yeah you get sick a lot' but people don't think of what that entails, of how the people who go through this have their lives affected. Ironmouse gives us an understandable perspective of these things. She lets us see and share her grief and pain so we can better understand, and better help her and those like her. I love how many disabled streamers there are because it not only means that there's more available faces to put to these conditions so more cures can be found, but it also means that those of us with disabilities that limit our lives can still put ourselves out there and interact with the world through content creation.

[@cc9787]

Me: I can do this.... Im a grown man, i won't cry Mouse: When i asked him why he said, "Cause i wanna have beer with you one day" Me: Stop. Drop. Hug knees. Cry like a baby 😭😭😭😭

[@IDFvideos]

Let it out, pal.

[@Ishida1694]

Me and my buddy just went all the way down the IronMouse rabbit hole and we've been sharing lots of clips of her and learning about her story! lol We both say the same thing. "I'm a GROWN ASS MAN... and my eyes are leaking this strange, salty, liquid!" Here's to Connor/Mouse and that ice cold beer that's waiting on them!!

[@masterj2cool2000]

That part got me too

[@diegoorellana3117]

I had to stop doing laundry as soon as I heard this part

[@JohnAslin]

Ironmouse's strength and resilience are astonishing, her positivity a force of nature. No wonder she's so beloved. Thank you IDF for supporting her and spreading her story.

[@shaggybaggums]

Well said.

[@dusty0559]

I still remember finding mouse via that one clip of her where she makes a long winded explanation of why she has a new donation goal: A new bed. Needless to say, before she was done explaining, the goal was funded. Still the most heartwarming clip out there imo.

[@sks5462]

I went and watch it, thank you it's pure gold :,)

[@meh6513]

She deserves the new bed it's literally her world and so is her plushies on her bed for most of her life (she is improving) since she can barely get out of bed to stumble into the bathroom literally like 5-10 steps away from her bed

[@AndrewTheSaiyan]

Me: I’m am a man!! “I want to have a beer with you” Me: 😭😭😭😭😭 Also whoever keeps putting the sad guitar is a butt lol

[@IDFvideos]

Some moments just deserve music!

[@patrickjvanhuffel]

Honestly music isn't neccesary to set a mood words are enough.

[@undead_corsair]

The fact that Mouse couldn't continue seeing an immunologist as a child because of insurance changes, subsequently preventing her from understanding her condition through her entire childhood and adolescence is so infuriating. The American healthcare system is so backwards. So heartwarming to see her overcome so much and inspire and bring joy to so many people though. She is a wonderful soul.

[@giarnovanzeijl399]

While I like your spirit, she's not American. US defaultism strikes again!

[@Persona6Blue]

She's Puerto Rican, which is a U.S. territory. It's healthcare is most similar to the U.S and they get Medicare and Medicaid there with some restrictions. This is also very much a U.S. Healthcare issue even on the mainland

[@giarnovanzeijl399]

@@Persona6Blue oh, I though Puerto Rico was a nation of its own. Oh well, everybody learns stuff.

[@ghoulbuster1]

Health care doesn't cure, it keeps us sick to milk us dry of money.

[@flextape69420]

​@@giarnovanzeijl399you need to learn geography bud

[@thewolfpack7718]

You know what we all relate to as human beings? The struggle. Mouse is a testament to the human spirit. Life gave her a rough hand. She got up! She made her own way.

[@zewalon]

And now she is the Content creator of the year 2023. Well deserved Mousey...Well deserved!

[@xenotypos]

More than "pity", a lot of people are simply impressed she could do what she did through her very strong will. Especially people that have some health problems like me that aren't nearly as important as Ironmouse's problems, but which are still sometimes a bit depressing. She helps me putting things into perspective. I've been a bit obsessed about her story for a while, and I dug very hard on her past. The more I see her describing her condition, the more I wonder how she gets anything done at all (here she didn't even talk about her insomnia, her nightmares etc..., even if it's related to her CVID anyway). So no, it's not just pity, it's admiration. I'll never have her strong will, but I'll try harder. She's inspirational. On a sidenote, it's also refreshing to hear how things got better for her parents. In a world full of unfairness and tragic stories happening every day, it's good a to hear a story where the people (Ironmouse and her parents) got the happiness they deserve in the end, through an almost unbelievable and unexpected process. The timing of her success was almost perfect, thank god she saved money for like a year to buy that personalized vtubing avatar (which are expensive) just a few months before covid. I think it was a critical factor for her to reach wider audiences.

[@shaggybaggums]

Yeah, it was nice to hear when she told us about her parents finally being able to relax a little. So many of us have parents that never got to live the life they thought they would because of us, It's so heartwarming to see her being able to give some of it back.

[@SeventhSwell]

She's really an inspiration. Her content helped me recover from brain surgery.

[@MrHidePatten]

It’s great knowing she went from abject poverty using a free model to spending Thousands on new models.

[@NicoNicoNessie]

She earned her place where she is now

[@shancarr]

I have two sisters with an immunity disorder. She's very inspirational!!

[@shancarr]

Also, it does take Forever for an actual diagnosis!!

[@pixie6236]

Ive teared up multiple times during this interview. Thank you Mousey and IDF for making this interview possible. Remember if you can, please donate plasma. ❤

[@UF7351k]

I knew that her condition was very serious, but i never knew it was THIS severe than i actually thought. I hope this foundation continues to do their work to help everyone with this condition.

[@kaydoubleu5802]

I remember one time she mentioned that there was a doctor who basically said that maybe it was time they switched to just doing what they could to make her comfortable. Basically akin to Hospice care. That is about as bad as it gets sadly. But the fact that she fought back from THAT.......

[@tk_kaine]

As someone who needs to get plasma exchange frequently due to a rare autoimmune disease, I am so thankful for everyone who donates. This interview really resonated with me and thank you IDF for hosting it!

[@Blanschee]

My heart goes out to her parents too. Just imagine the nightmare of trying to keep your child alive while fighting an enemy you can't see and nobody can tell you who you are fighting.

[@grumpycup4762]

While also living in America where you have to pay thousands of dollars for healthcare.

[@marcialamb840]

Your story is my daughters story too it was so sad and eerie how much alike. Sadly shortly after she was diagnosed, she died 😢in 2018 @ 47 yrs old. She was on Medicaid, she lived with us and was turned down by her insurance several times. She died of pneumonia and heart condition before she could meet her appointment with the insurance approval panel.

[@IDFvideos]

We're so sorry to hear that. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[@marcialamb840]

The incredible blessing that came out of this tragedy was the discovery that I also have CVID. Her symptoms were so much worse than mine although I live with chronic sinus infections. My doctors were more proactive as a result of her tragic loss of life. I was able to start IVIG and have been on it 3 years. I believe Christie was up in Heaven pulling some strings for me. I wish Christie could have known Ironmouse. I really appreciate hearing her story.

[@maggiewang1336]

48:42 This was the moment I teared up uncontrollably....🥺I appreciate their friendship so much - happy for mousey, she deserves it all!!!💕

[@jwetherill49]

That I really wanna have a beer with you one day...how did it turn the sprinklers on in my room

[@wickeddanish5814]

that was also my breaking point ...

[@IDFvideos]

Us too, pal. Us too.

[@tjelliott8517]

After listening to the Conner interview/episode....I have been waiting for something with mousy. I hope more people get to hear these stories and people's experiences

[@romdom9406]

How sad is your life to bully a sick anime girl wtf

[@arson55]

Love Mousey. I only grew aware of her this year, and from a HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) youtuber of all things, but I more or less instantly got hooked on her content. She's the reason I donate plasma now because previously I never thought about it or the importance of it. She truly is a woman who makes the world a better place with what she does. And, yeah, I teared up multiple times listening to this.

[@luminousray5135]

Bless Skalagrim

[@arson55]

@@luminousray5135 Yeah. Watched Skalagrim for years. He's put out a lot of good videos, but honestly the video where he reacted to Ironmouse watching his old half-swording vid is special just because of the rabbit hole it led me down. Not just Ironmouse, but Melody, Rainhoe, Shylily, and so many other VTubers that I watch streams or clips of I probably never would have found otherwise. All because Skalagrim showed Mousey bouncing around the screen.

[@tsumikiayato1560]

Bless Skalagrim. That moment when my fav hema youtuber reacted to my fav vtuber, that was surreal af

[@former_discrepancies9398]

I don't have the same condition as her, but, I did have to get blood plasma infusions to survive back when I was in high school. I had to get them so often that I actually had a tube in my arm so they could just plug me directly into the IV machine. I had to get them bi-weekly, weekly, monthly etc. But those blood plasma infusions saved my life and got me out of a wheelchair. With regular exercise now and a lot of medication, I'm able to work and live in almost normal life. People that donate blood plasma saved my life. So I would just like to thank you for donating.

[@unmemorablehero]

Our medical system is so horrible. NOBODY should have to stop treatment because of financial reasons. Nobody should have to die because they can’t afford something like insulin. Health care is a right, not a privilege.

[@kingkarlito]

you wish health care will become a right, not a privilege. don't label things as rights when they aren't actually rights protected by laws. it makes it too easy too forget that we need to continue pushing our politicians to pass legislation making your wish come true. change will never happen unless we as a people force change.

[@ZGuy0fSci]

Its a Service., but that people need to have effective Privatized Access to it with Nationalized Backing does be true.

[@Kyosumari]

It should be a right to be treated when you need treated. But sadly our legal and currency system does not work that way currently. I hope that one day it does.

[@DozleZabi]

​@Kyosumari the term "right" has a definition. Healthcare isnt a right. Thats not to say it shouldnt be a major priority of society but stop calling it a right

[@kajidontcare7267]

It makes me so sad how much of her story is driven by inconsistent medical care due to insurance BS. It is so incredibly frustrating and demotivating to have to fight with insurance on top of dealing with a difficult medical condition.

[@Thinkcrown]

Healthcare is a Human right. If it “isn’t” where you live, google your local representative, locate their contact info, and call. People can’t work well when sick-people lose their jobs when they can’t work well. Industry leaders tied our healthcare to our jobs.

[@ashleyjohnson7433]

feelsbad to be an american...

[@flalspspsl6858]

@@ashleyjohnson7433 america is literally the only reason medicine is advanced as it is. if healthcare were socialized there would be no advancements in medicine. there's a reason it's expensive, beyond greed.

[@mistressabysstress]

@@flalspspsl6858 Wrong, nice talking point though. A good example are the publicly funded covid vaccines. But you know. Just keep making excuses for a cruel system. A system that funnels money upwards while subsidizing the costs. The benefits should come back to us because we are subsidizing them. Ignoring that, its only ethical for healthcare to be a right. The future, now, should improve not continue to be the status quo.

[@pauljs75]

@@ashleyjohnson7433 Some of the best health care in the world. But access to it is another story altogether.

[@Mangalceu]

@@flalspspsl6858 this is just not true. America can spend a lot on healthcare innovation because it is the worlds richest country. A more "socialist" america would still be very rich and so that would not dramatically change. Hell, a world healthcare innovation index even ranks places with universal healthcare like Switzerland above the US. It is very delusional to think the US is the only place capable of advancing medicine. The idea that healthcare being more socialised would equal no innovation is just propaganda that you have fallen for.

[@Emilio1985]

Another tragic story of how absolutely messed up for-profit healthcare is. We need universal healthcare.

[@Dr.Mcstaby]

Healthcare is the biggest scam artists around, we know they have cures to most of these diseases but they rather take their patients down the longer more expensive "treatment" route or I you know about the meds you need for the issue your have some doctors will pick a fight with you, I had a doctor yell at me telling me I had covid when I actually had pneumonia and needed meds for that not their stupid shot (which they get more money for) then he tried to knock me out with a breathing treatment so the he could put me on a ventilator all because I knew more than him.

[@Jinxonegt]

The idea that it's possible that if that trend kept up for her and her family, she could have passed and her family left with a debt they would never be able to pay back beyond angers me. It took Twitch and the generosity of her viewers to save her and her family from that fate. It shouldn't have needed to come to that and knowing other people suffering like she did will never get that relief hurts my heart.

[@JJames666male]

​@@Jinxonegt it's not even a hypothetical scenario. For one Ironmouse that "made it" there are thousands of untold stories that went exactly as you described. It's heart wrenching

[@DarkEnchantments]

100%. Medical debt is something that should never have existed in the first place. Everyone needs to have the right to the healthcare they need

[@shaonian]

Of course her treatment would be free in most countries. According to Hank Green it's because the US doesn't have single payer.

[@hoshi-15]

Iron mouse is incredibly strong and her family is really supportive. The are very good parents, protecting her, caring for her emotional health, and redirecting her to singing. There’s so much love in her family.

[@TheDrexxus]

I remember when I was diagnosed with cancer, I actually felt relieved and maybe even a little happy because finally, FINALLY, there was a name for what was wrong with me and an official diagnosis. Up until that point i'd been bounced out of emergency rooms who did nothing, wouldn't even run tests, told me what I was experiencing was in my head and acting like nothing was wrong with me. I finally found a doctor who would listen to the symptoms I was describing, telling them how I felt, and they did an ultrasound of the area and when an endocrinologist looked at the ultrasound, they too said "It looks fine." But I told my doctor I didn't believe it, I KNEW something was wrong, and that doctor, bless him, ordered a biopsy. When I arrived to get the biopsy done, the doctor who was doing it even said it was silly to have a biopsy done when the ultrasound looked perfect. I was treated like a burden or a crazy person or an attention seeker the entire time. But a couple of days after the biopsy, my doctor called and told me the biopsy confirmed I had cancer. And instead of sadness or dread or anything else, all I could feel was RELIEF that finally there was proof something was wrong and people would stop treating me like a lunatic. That is how sorry the state of medical care in the United States is: When you're happy for a cancer diagnosis just so they'll stop acting like you're insane.

[@tryin2adapt812]

I couldn't finish this Podcast without taking enough breaks to rest and recover from having an emotional episode myself every single time (crying through it). I had to replay this podcast multiple times ever since it released 3~4 days ago. Can't imagine how she must have felt while doing this Podcast for us. I still remember listening to her talking about this podcast excited rather than depressed or exhausted making this Podcast like it was just another day in her life and continued being a Gremolin on the Twitch Streams during Subathon. Thankfully after 40mins in the podcast, the postive energy was overwhelming the depressive & sad moments. While I did cry during Connor/Beer moment, it was more of happy tears than sad ones. This Gremolin has been so relatable to me and my life due to my primary autoimmune condition & secondary immune deficiency medical condition while having similar supportive parents. Unlike her, I gave up on my life and looking after myself or my health due to bleak future prospects if not for my parents who did care, I might not be alive today. If not for finding her recently few months ago and getting so much inspiration after watching her past content while getting stronger mentally to take care of myself physically while having a goal set for myself, I simply don't know what I would have done with my life than keep distracting myself from reality and watching KZbin as my life kept going by. But now I just want to get better physically first with the help of medical support by exploring my insurance options and my parents support to be able to donate plasma as soon as possible after my health condition improves. I really want to show off to Ironmouse community which I'm now a part of, that I made something of my life after finding her on KZbin & Twitch, after which she had truly/really inspired me getting my life together with real proof of my plasma donation as my first milestone then focus on my mental health. I'll be finally be ready and be confident of give words of confidence directly to Ironmouse on the discord. Maybe then she will be proud of herself of turning around another life in her community just being herself for who she is and what she stands for all along. I really hope she does realise the impact she is making in the world and overcome her own self confidence. Thank you IDF for supporting our Gremolin and giving us the chance to experience something wonderful in our daily lives. Thank you Connor for finding her and introducing to me. Thank you Chris Broad for introducing Connor & Ironmouse to me through his Vlogs & Cyclathon. Thank you Twitch & Vshojo for giving her a platform & Outlet to help people like me find her. Thank you for her community for giving Ironmouse the support she got early on & later stages in her career. Thank you to her parents who made her into who she is now and keeping her safe until she had matured into a Gremolin. Finally Thank you Ironmouse for being yourself, relatable, down to Earth, being bundle of Gremolin energy, having fun and creating a spark of light in my dark tunnel which is my life and guiding a way out living under a rock. I never thought to open this much about my life ever on any social media or public space comment section. This podcast has been quite eye opening but had known most of her by watching multiple fan content from before, hopefully I'll get to know about her more when she is ready for second episode/sequel of the podcast. Once again Thank you IDF. Please know her community loves her a lot and it's really hard to hear all this in one place like this. Thank you for creating this with the help of our Gremolin!

[@Teiboku]

How long did that take you to type this?

[@tryin2adapt812]

@@Teiboku maybe an hour or two while listening to the Podcast, but I kept editing the comment afterwards. It either didn't sound right or had spelling mistakes or grammatical errors or it didn't explain what I wanted to describe properly.

[@Teiboku]

@@tryin2adapt812 thats crazy, shows how much you care. Have a nice day!

[@tryin2adapt812]

@@Teiboku thank you. Have a nice day as well.

[@ThatGuy-ht9sp]

❤ from the Netherlands and an online Hug

[@ThatGuy5591]

I am a person of the older generation, I started watching Mouse during Covid, like many of us did, and the very first thing that stuck in my head was, that voice! lol. Hearing her go off on people for saying something dumb, playing a game i was interested in, Anime and Super Sentai Takes that she had. These are the things that kept me entertained. I may not be the most active member in chat, and the oldest... maybe, but i can say that a majority of people are there cause she is entertaining. but knowing her story and growing with her through it. like the first time she fully sang "when i Look at you" from the Scarlet Pimpernel , it made is all proud and we will continue to be proud. We love her for her infectious laugh, thoughtfulness, love of family and friends, and more for just being herself and showing the world that something as scary as CVID or any disease really, can be lived with, when you have have love and support. I will continue watching her and laughing with her along with the hundreds of thousands of fans she has all over the world. Thank Goodness for the IDF and all that you do to help people like her and thank goodness for IRONMOUSE!

[@twistieman1078]

Man hearing Mouse say Connor cried for her just really brings awareness to the fact that everyone that we watch are still people. I'm crying for mouse too rn but hearing how impacted Connor was at the time just hits something for me. I don't have a lot of impactful male role models in my life but Connor is more honest, genuine and impactful to me than my dad ever has been. I hope they one day get the chance to meet each other in person, I think it would mean a lot to them, Mouse especially.

[@manicq5328]

Mouse is popular because she's genuine and funny. So glad to hear she's doing better. ❤

[@ArtyMartyD]

It really upsets and angers me that Mouse got so sick at point because of financial issues... Jesus christ like money should never have to factor into something like your health. So glad I live in Europe.

[@Krageesh]

For a while now, people who need longer care and can't afford it are dumped outside, on the street, by the hospital. I can't cry about this. The US is one of the most rediculously stupid, inhumane countries in the world, despite it's wealth. I can just laught AT them, because it's the mentality, the politics, it's the people that seemingly want their world to be this way. So I'm gonna make fun of them for being such a shithole of a country. The dark sides overshadow the good by a long shot

[@junniferluzeytonz]

Blud thats crazy 💀💀💀💀💀💀 (cuz of the europe joke) But yeah it is really heartbreaking like paying for medical care to the point you cant even pay the goddamn bills !? is f***ed and absolutely horrible like if that bs happen to any of my family members that will make me wanna give all my money to them (even tho i dont have money)

[@yannikovsky7041]

seeing people from extremely privelleged places of life flaunting their luck of birth under a story such as ironmouse's is extremely bad taste, especially where she gets extremely vulnerableabout her upbringing, struggles and condition. have some tact my dude. everyone knows that europeans have it the best in all aspects of life, at least have the awareness when to express that

[@ArtyMartyD]

@@yannikovsky7041 You misunderstood what I meant by what I said. I'm thankful for where I live, I wish the America's were better.

[@yamete_kudastop4942]

​@@yannikovsky7041why was it bothering you? its like you only read the last sentence

[@DacronIV]

Thank you to the IDF for inviting mouse on your podcast!

[@alonelysoul9071]

This is the story of a woman who despite the harrowing setback that CVID has caused her kept on fighting for herself and her family.. and went on to become one of the legends of the Vtuber world that we know and love. She keeps on inspiring both veterans and newbies in the industry and even those outside of the Vtuber industry.. and her friendship with a certain Welsh Monke has blossomed to become one of the most endearing duos of all time. This is the story of Sayton, err.. Ironmouse!

[@MossyMozart]

I relate to the consequences of PID + poverty + not connecting with good doctors. So much damage was done before I was finally diagnosed. My brother died before I was diagnosed; the immunologist thinks he had the same unspecified PID. I am now on IGG infusions and have only been sick once in three years - never before achieved in my life! Now, I am being treated for the damage done from all those years of illness. The primary doctor I had for so long is completely embarrassed for never considering an ID as the cause of my sicknesses. I am undyingly grateful to people who donate their plasma. Many, many thanks.

[@gcintrao]

ironmouse is a gift to humanity

[@simpledj509chromo7]

She really is though. And she fucking made it! The girl actually did it. It's wonderful to see.

[@spidev]

AMEN

[@Hazard2005]

The Ironmouse Defense Force to the rescue!

[@bryson5950]

I cried 2 minutes in. thank you IDF for raising awareness and having ironmouse on your podcast.

[@antoniog5561]

We love Ironmouse so much. We will always love our demon queen. 🇵🇷

[@SleepyRuriko]

Man Mouse's story really made me tear up, I can't imagine what is like to have a chronic illness and be it undiagnosed for years. That line with Connor of "I just want to have a beer with you one day." got me sobbing. She is one of inspirations to hope of me becoming a VTuber one day. I pray and hope for her future and everything to be blessed with good luck, wellness, and happiness ahead.

[@EstebanGrasso]

43:15 i'm really happy to hear mousey openly saying she hopes for a long future. I've been following her since before covid, and although she jokes or insinuates about it, I don't remember her saying it so directly like that.

[@drews13]

I remember her crying and saying she just wants to live, it broke my heart. So happy she and her family are in a much better place now.

[@ioldanach7]

I don't have the same diagnosis but I have been declared fully and completely disabled at the age of 27, could not give plasma myself due to medications and health issues, so I encouraged my family too, and my son for sure did. I found Ironmouse in a particularly low point in my isolation and I hope she knows how many lives she has touched, and changed, she is an inspiration to so many, even healthy ppl that have no idea of her situation. Never give up, you are in control. Sometimes I feel like I have nothing left in the tank and see this amazing lil gremlin on screen, I will just lurk and watch, and know, hey if she can do all this, what is my excuse?

[@nina-marie]

I've known Mouse from her beginnings on YouNow & I miss the smaller group we were back then, we could actually speak to her & she could respond, Whereas Now ... She's blown up so much since then, it feels like I lost a fellow Spoonie/Sister in the war on illness 😔 Don't get be wrong I'm EXTREMELY HAPPY for all the success she's earned !!! I just miss our connection with her because on Twitch it's almost impossible for her to respond because of the Magnitude of her audience. I still 🙏🏻 for her & it's been 6yrs since I first spoke to her & She's one of the Most Kindest Women I've spoken with. My fondest wish is that someday there'll be a solution that allows her to interact with the world she misses around her. From an OG of your Precious Family with Pride - Thanks Mouse & GOD BLESS 🙏🏻

[@joshuaperez1999]

And I hope her daughter is ok as well

[@Penultimeat]

BIg fan of Mouse, here. This is a wonderful interview, so thank you IDF.

[@GameboyLuke]

her entire story, along with her friendship with connor, is so so touching. what a pair of wonderful humans. i truly wish her nothing but the best for her future

[@Hades_Bell]

I'm not crying, you're crying.... we're both probably crying. I was already tearing up, but it really got me when she was talkin about telling Connor and she said that he cried. Please, everyone if you can donate plasma, do so. I wish I could. I had been looking up the nearest donation centers to me before I found out I also have a autoimmune chronic illness.

[@kyou42]

I was already tearing up 4 minutes in when she talked about her voice...

[@marcellpc]

You are damn right I'm crying.

[@SilverFlame819]

I was also thinking about becoming a regular donor until all my health issues started. It really bugs me that I can't now.

[@debbiemolash6987]

Mouse you brought my to tears when I'm down with my cancer I listen to you sing I'm 60years old and when I'm in pain I go to see if you made new songs but I do listen to the old one God bless you and your family I'm praying for you

[@Happi___]

I love this girl so much. She's a warrior. Thank you for having her on and for all you do for people like her.

[@hypertrixdark]

IS THAT MISS CONTENT CREATOR OF THE YEAR IRONMOUSE OHHH GET THE 📷

[@IDFvideos]

INDEED IT IS. We're quite proud of the little gremolin.

[@MrTea101]

Confirmed. Kizuna Ai is the OG vtuber and inspired Ironmouse to where is today giving her hope from being hopeless.

[@NicoNicoNessie]

Ironmouse has been one of the longest active English speaking vtubers, so she's a pillar of the vtuber world too

[@G2GIGI177]

I cried multiple times during this interview. I love mouse’s singing but she also has a beautiful soul that’s doing great things.

[@Helvetica09]

*hears sad guitar* Me: "oh no, here we go😭😭"

[@LancerJak]

Mouse has been a true beacon of hope.

[@mrhappy1600]

One of my favorite Ironmouse moments was when Conner and Mouse were playing a Way Out and she was on medication so she was a little dazed but she said “Conner I like playing games with you” and it ripped my heart in half that one of my favorite streamers made Mouse’s life much better 😊 #MONKE SAVED A LIFE

[@mOwOhib]

i watched iron mouse when she was at 2000 followers and damn seeing her and connor raise millions of dollars for IDF was enough to make me cry i live in suburbs mumbai india i literally travelleld to a different city to donate plasma

[@InternetMouse]

Man hearing from this interview. My Respect was already high for her. Now its even high. You are honestly one of the best things to have existed in this world. Your charisma, perseverence and energy is unmatched IRONMOUSE. You are awesome. Keep doing what you're doing. The IRONMOUSE community is happy to have you around. ❤🐀

[@SatyreIkon]

I've been a plasma donor for almost 14 years now (also blood and other stuff, but that's besides the point), and at first I only thought "oh great, you're helping pharma companies turn a massive profit for a few bucks like a blood prostitute, that's really low, but you need the money" (because at that point I was broke as hell and wouldn't have had something to eat if not for the donation money). But then I heard stories about the people who really need the medication, and that lead me to further reading, and that lead me to Mouse, and I became a massive fan, and now I'm here. Despite the treatments being expensive it's great to see they provide actual relief, and everyone who's able to should absolutely donate plasma. Great interview, I always love Mouse just free-talking to other people.

[@ZGuy0fSci]

As bad and as much as Twitch is continues to get worse for victims of their 'services', Mouse is one of the good points and more shining stars of things; while too many seek to spread hate , 'ban lists' , and drama, or act blindly based off it.............., Mouse has been much one of the better ones by far. No one is perfect but I have respect far more so for her than most of those who get large or chase clout from them; to try and be a positivity that is needed. Best hopes for those who deal with these kinds of issues that things can be improved. (all the loves)

[@haihaiwhutwhut]

Such a heartbreaking yet wonderful story. I'm so happy that Mouse was able to help her parents financially in the end.

[@midnashadow8439]

48:40 Who left these chopped onions out?!

[@Red-mg4ro]

I can't wait for Mouse to get that beer.

[@theturtle8869]

We love our tungsten rat. 💕

[@merleawe_]

Ironmouse really has left a mark on this world. So many people wouldn't have known what her type of illness existed, And theres a lot of people who go out of their way to donate plasma in her name.

[@Down10]

Ironmouse is, without a doubt, one of the strongest people I know. She has come so far in her career, and has an indomitable spirit to do what she does under her conditions. I'm so proud of her, not just because I enjoy her Twitch streams and her personality, but from her ability to endure and power through the worst of times to reach her dreams. That's something that inspires me, and I'm sure it's inspiring to a lot of her other fans as well.

[@Bonny-2132]

Mouse is such a champion! She's been through a lot, glad good fortune is finally coming her way! Such an inspirational individual!

[@Kurofune]

Mousey is an absolute gift to the world and Connor is also a wonderful human being, I'm so glad we have them both. Amazing people, they deserve all the good that happens to them.

[@dektoide6138]

Remember to donate plasma 👍🏼

[@patrickracer43]

Mouse's lore is that she's "literally Satan" but we all know that is farther from the truth for the woman behind the demon

[@alidaaaaa7160]

"I just want to have a beer with you one day" unleashed the flood gates omg 😭

[@DerpyDerpums]

Damn that "I just want to have a beer with you someday" got something coming out of my eyes...

[@OTE_TheMissile]

I've said this elsewhere, but while many of us go to the internet to escape from reality for a while, there's a million people cheering for Mouse to escape the internet. Looking forward to that beer.

[@dreamneonblack2253]

I don't think Mouse will ever truly understand the extent to which her story had a positive impact on her viewers' lives - and therefore the world. I will forever count myself among them.

[@ScorchedEclipse]

i started crying only 10 mins in, just hearing all her troubles, loneliness and pain and being able to relate to her just tore me apart ;-; im so happy she's in such a better place in life now (i hear she can move and go out now? :') ) makes me hopeful that i can control my health condition too ;-;

[@siirgeatz613]

I’m glad Ironmouse was able to bounce back. I’ve been told recently things happen for a reason but by the grace of God, Ironmouse was able to talk again and thank goodness that she’s doing ok and congrats to her on becoming a successful VTuber👏👏.

[@RituPepper]

"I just wanna have a beer with you one day" man that made my eyes tear up 😭😭😭

[@FutureAIDev2015]

I really resonated with when she was talking about her struggles with insurance. That made me think, I feel like there has to be an alternative to the two models of insurance that I can think of off the top of my head, where either everything is totally privatized and for profit, or everything is totally government-run and bogged down in bureaucracy.

[@hypertrixdark]

Hearing ironmouse story about her sickness was so emotional. She went downhill in her early life but she got her life back from getting the right help she needed and she got her life back from streaming. It was so hard not to cry from her story.😢

[@ph34rbucket91]

Ironmouse just goes to prove she is a universal treasure and must be protected at all costs

[@benp.865]

this wasn't the first time I heard this story, but that "I wan't to have a beer with you" hit so much