Saran Chamberlain shares her journey as a young stroke survivor, from experiencing a life-changing event at 38 to becoming a national advocate for the stroke community.

• Initially misdiagnosed as a migraine, the stroke left her entire left side paralysed with no sensation
• Saran discusses the challenges of identity shift and the unseen deficits like fatigue, depression, and sensory overload
• Highlights the isolation younger stroke survivors often face in healthcare and rehabilitation settings
• Saran works on research co-design, speaks openly about stigma, and supports other survivors as a mentor.
• Emphasises the importance of meaningful inclusion of people with lived experience in research using "nothing about us without us" principles
• Believes in taking small wins and finding hope in the lifelong journey of post-stroke life

Visit our website or find us on Facebook and Instagram

Join us as we welcome Shaylee Raye Hunter, Miss Petite Utah, who shares her journey as an advocate for women's rights and disability visibility. Shaylee opens up about her personal lived experiences with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO), gastroparesis, and short bowel syndrome. In an open discussion, she shares how she manages her health conditions with medical interventions, such as a feeding tube and TPN, providing a unique glimpse into her life and the lifeline she depends on daily to receive the nutrients essential to life.

We learn about the challenges Shaylee faced at school due to the assumptions made by other students about her health, as well as the subsequent difficulties she encountered in dating and the workplace.

Shaylee is passionate about advocating for disability visibility through her pageant platform.

If you're interested in any topics and advice discussed in this podcast, please follow up with your GP or healthcare practitioner.

If you are experiencing any issues discussed in this podcast, please get in touch with your healthcare practitioner.

Hosted by Chantal Boyle and Lynn Smith, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and share it to increase awareness and understanding of non-visible disabilities.

Find out more about the Sunflower by visiting the website hdsunflower.com

Music by "The Emerald Ruby" Emerald Ruby Bandcamp and Emerald Ruby website

Téa Runback shares her personal journey living with multiple invisible disabilities, including autism, ADHD, and a collection of autoimmune conditions, while highlighting the barriers faced in healthcare and employment settings.