My Guest Appearance on the 'Before You Bloom' Podcast

I recently had the incredible opportunity to be a guest on the podcast Before You Bloom, hosted by Hayley Kinneavy, a remarkable woman living in Australia with a chronic illness. Hayley's podcast creates a space for deep, meaningful conversations about resilience, personal growth, and navigating life’s toughest challenges. I felt honored to share my story with her audience and to connect with someone who truly understands what it means to live with uncertainty.

During the episode, I opened up about my journey with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a rare condition that only 18 out of 100,000 people have. I was just 18 years old when I was diagnosed, a moment that completely changed the course of my life. The uncertainty and fear that came with it were overwhelming, but I never imagined the extent of the challenges I would face in the years to come.

At 22, I experienced a life-altering stroke that left me with right-side paralysis and aphasia, further reshaping my life. On the podcast, I courageously revisited that pivotal moment—when everything seemed to stand still—and shared what it was like to face the realities of such a devastating event at a young age. Hayley and I talked about the physical, emotional, and mental battles I’ve fought since then, from enduring surgeries and grueling physical therapy to overcoming the emotional toll of losing so much of what I once knew.

One of the most personal parts of our conversation was about my journey to regain independence. I shared how my support system became my foundation during the hardest times, helping me navigate both my physical recovery and the emotional frustrations of aphasia. Losing the ability to communicate was one of the most challenging aspects of my stroke, but finding my voice again—both literally and metaphorically—was a turning point in my recovery.

We also explored my role as an advocate for AVM awareness. I talked about the importance of shedding light on this rare condition, as well as the hope I’ve found in connecting with others who are navigating their own health battles. Sharing my story isn’t just about my recovery—it’s about empowering others to face their own challenges with courage, determination, and hope.

This episode was such a heartfelt conversation, and I left feeling inspired by Hayley’s resilience and the connection we shared. Whether you’re living with a chronic condition, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking a little inspiration, I believe this episode will resonate with you. My story is one of resilience, advocacy, and hope, and I hope it encourages anyone listening to keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult the path may seem.

I’m incredibly grateful to Hayley for giving me the platform to share my journey and for creating a space where stories like mine can bloom. You can tune in to the episode on Before You Bloom to hear our full conversation—it's one I’ll never forget.