The Journey to Princeton: A Stroke Survivor's Story
Packing my dacks as I pack my bags for a 26-hour journey from my home in Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺 to Princeton, New Jersey, USA 🇺🇸! As the only Aussie guest, I feel honoured and terrified to open HealtheVoices 2024 by Johnson & Johnson. Landing at the fancy-pants Marriott hotel in beautiful Princeton, New Jersey, I arrive at the heart of this incredible conference. I know I'm about to embark on a transformative experience celebrating a decade of patient advocacy.
Telling Stories, Not Symptoms: Delivering The Opening Presentation
My presentation, "Tell Your Stories, Not Your Symptoms," focuses on the first ten years of my post-stroke journey. Quietly shitting myself as I stand in front of an audience of the world's most beautiful beaming faces of online health advocacy (peeps living with conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis to HIV), I feel a surge of emotion as I share how I've learned to move beyond merely recounting my symptoms to telling intentional stories - to creating meaningful and mobilised connections. I introduce the concept of creating S.A.F.E. spaces for meaningful connections and emphasise how storytelling can be a powerful tool for both reinvention and advocacy. The audience's warm reception and laughter at my cheeky jokes reinforce the power of authentic storytelling in advocacy. All I can think of is, "Thank god my swallowing gag landed!"
Carson Tueller: A Testament to Resilience and Reinvention
Once I got the scary bit out of the way, I could chill out, buckle in and enjoy the rest of the ride. One of the most impactful moments of the conference was Carson Tueller's powerful keynote. Carson, who became paralysed from the chest down after a spinal cord injury at age 23, shared his incredible story of resilience and reinvention. As a fellow advocate who acquired a disability in his 20s and is gay, Carson's journey resonates deeply and moves every soul in the space.
Voices of Change: Impactful Presentations
"Whoa - these sessions are bloody incredible!" Several presentations stood out for their innovative approaches to advocacy.
Kati Morton and Hannah Blum’s "Creating Captivating Content" session provided practical tips for effectively using video and social media. Their insights truly inspired me to up my digital game!
Anne Mok and Rishika Kartik’s "Accessible Advocacy" showcased creative ways to make advocacy more inclusive (and sexy)—mind-blowing ideas that left us all buzzing.
The panel, led by Jeri Williams and featuring Jahlove Serrano, Joe Teeters, and Danielle Gulden, explored the evolving landscape of patient advocacy. Their diverse experiences were equal parts insightful, inspiring and hilarious.
A Chorus of Advocates: Celebrating Our Speakers
"Talk about resilience personified!" HealtheVoices 2024 brought together an impressive array of speakers, each contributing their unique perspective. Sessions by Zaakirah Muhammad, Sarah Bramblette, Brooke Abbott, Kody Green, and many others enrich the conference, showcasing the breadth and depth of patient advocacy. Each speaker brought their unique voice and expertise, contributing to the rich tapestry of knowledge that defined HealtheVoices 2024.
Moments of Levity: Comedy, Music and Mindfulness
Amidst the serious discussions, we enjoyed moments of joy and relaxation. The comedy duo "Double Baggin' It" (Joe Teeters and Danielle Gulden) had us in stitches, providing much-needed comic relief. And then there was Antoine Gibson, A.K.A., "sexy sax guy," whose musical flair had everyone grooving.
Looking Ahead: The Next Decade of Impact
We also look toward the future as we celebrate ten years of HealtheVoices. The conference poses a crucial question: How will YOU make an impact in the next decade? It challenges each of us to continue innovating, connecting, and advocating for change in our respective health communities.
The Power of Connection: A Personal Reflection
"I'm still pinching myself!" Perhaps the most profound takeaway from HealtheVoices 2024 was the power of connection. We formed bonds that transcended our unique health journeys in just a few days. This network of support and inspiration will fuel our advocacy efforts for years to come.
As I reflect on this experience, I'm filled with gratitude. Gratitude to the HealtheVoices team, Johnson & Johnson, and every attendee who shared their story. This journey has reinforced my belief in the power of personal narratives to drive meaningful change. So, to all my fellow advocates, I say this: Let your stories be your guide. Share them boldly, authentically, and without apology because it's in our stories, not our symptoms, that we find our true power to create change.
And who knows? You might find yourself sharing a stage with Hollywood stars turned mental health heroes (A.K.A. Lisa Jakub. After all, as I learned at HealtheVoices 2024, dreams come true when you let your light guide you.
*Johnson & Johnson paid for my travel expenses for the conference. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
Comments