The Power of Sharing Lived Experience...

On 13 May 2025, for the ninth consecutive year, Ms. Stephanie Ho and I, both stroke survivors, had the pleasure and privilege to address physiotherapy students at the Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, and Ballarat campuses via Zoom.

This activity is an integral part of my Giving Back Strategy, where I use my lived experience and expertise to repay the enormous debt I owe to the doctors and clinicians who put me back together after my stroke in April 2016

I was privileged to share the digital podium with Ms. Stephanie Ho, whose stroke story epitomizes courage, resilience, and commitment.

My admiration for her is enormous.

Stephanie and I share some remarkable similarities, both coming from consulting backgrounds and having been recognized by the Stroke Foundation of Australia as recipients of the “Improving Life After Stroke” National Award.

The Feedback.......Each year, the feedback from our presentations has been truly humbling and extraordinary. I would like to share some of the feedback Steph, and I received following our recent presentation, as follows......

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'We do very much appreciate your input into our course.'

'I particularly enjoyed Brian’s energy and zest for life. I am sure lots of therapists wish a lot of their clients were as driven and determined as Brian is.'

'I enjoyed seeing Brian discuss his life pre- and post-stroke and the differences in the way he chooses to look after himself now, as well as his appreciation for all the rehabilitation he received and his understanding of the hard work and effort from physiotherapists and patients themselves.'

'I found Steph’s discussion quite moving, her vulnerability in sharing the seemingly invisible difficulties she experiences daily and how that impacts her life in many different ways.'

'From an educational point of view, it was great to hear from a younger person who has had a stroke and see what her rehabilitation journey has been like, reintegrating herself into the workforce and social aspects of her life.'

'Thank you to the PHTY302 staff who organize this lecture each year.'

'Both Brian and Steph spoke exceptionally well and brought unique insights to the session. It was particularly interesting to hear the perspectives of both an older and a younger stroke survivor, offering a broader understanding of the varied experiences and challenges faced during recovery.'

'This session had a profound impact on how I view the course content. It helped put perspective on the learning from the semester and encouraged me to think more deeply about how treatments apply to real patients, beyond just preparing for exams. I believe it could be even more impactful if placed earlier in the semester for that reason.'

My Key Message

Sharing survivors’ Lived Experiences with stakeholders in the stroke landscape is crucial.

If you are a Stroke Survivor or a Carer, please take every opportunity to share your Lived Experience with clinicians and researchers.