The Bond of Lived Experience
As I quietly allowed my adrenaline levels to abate following my appearance on the PXP Panel on Friday, 12 September, I took a moment for quiet introspection around my journey since my stroke in April 2016, culminating with an appearance on a panel with a group of passionate people addressing a worldwide audience.
Not bad for a lad who grew up on a dairy farm in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales!
This post isn’t about stroke research but rather a reflection on my journey and, in particular, the incredible people I’ve met along the way, especially other stroke survivors and individuals who have faced various challenges to their well-being.
What stands out to me is the tremendous and invisible bond that exists among us, whether we are stroke survivors, have multiple sclerosis, or are dealing with early-onset Parkinson's, to name a few.
There is an overwhelming drive within us all to give back or repay those wonderful clinicians and researchers who have assisted in our rehabilitation.
This 'Giving Back' strategy now occupies a great deal of my time, and from what I’ve seen of the people I have met along my journey, it occupies a lot of their time and energy as well.
My message to each and every one of you is that I am continually impressed by your passion and empathy. It has been an honor and a blessing to know each one of you.