After a stroke, crowds feel different. A simple seating choice at a birthday party reveals how invisible disabilities reshape energy, identity, and social dynamics.

A return to Newcastle leads to a powerful conversation between two old friends, bonded not by the past, but by surviving life-changing illness and learning to live fully again.

A stroke survivor reflects on rehab memories - including a well-meaning but hilarious gift mix-up that perfectly captured the early confusion of recovery.

Cleaning out my early stroke rehab box became a quiet moment of reflection - a reminder of the boring, frustrating work that rebuilt my speech, movement, and independence

A stroke survivor’s journey from a Melbourne concert hall to the high country of Victoria, inspired by The Man from Snowy River and the resilience it celebrates.

A chance connection through work reunites two childhood friends after twenty years

From slurring like you’re drunk, to mixing up word order so sentences don’t make sense, through to not being able to speak at all

Stroke rewires the brain in many ways. We survivors often become more emotional…

A chance encounter with two doctors in Adelaide led to an unexpected conversation about stroke, advocacy, and the meaning of disability.

I have just completed my first weekend camp as an Assistant Leader in the Survival Team for Scouts Victoria—120 kids, 12+ troops, and 40 leaders from across Western Victoria.

Understanding that we all fall down at times and need to get back up

Stroke survivor and advocate Michael shares how a grassroots “local militia” model is helping rebuild stroke recovery services in regional Victoria after funding cuts.

Stroke survivor Michael shares how aphasia causes unintended swearing, the challenges of being misunderstood, and the importance of acceptance in recovery.

Stroke survivor Michael shares a light-hearted encounter with AFL player Mason Cox, made possible by the watchful eye of his German Shepherd, Mori.

A stroke survivor reflects on how the sound of an ambulance brings back memories of the day everything changed

On the third anniversary of his stroke, Michael reflects on the people, moments, and lessons that have shaped his journey—and how disability brought unexpected purpose.

Exploring the urgent need for better ongoing stroke rehab access in regional Victoria, following my visit to a recovery centre in Cowes with the SAV team.

A stroke survivor shares how helping Scouts with survival skills pushed him beyond his comfort zone—and brought unexpected joy and connection.

A gym encounter triggers a powerful reminder of life after stroke—adaptation, frustration, and the importance of communication and self-awareness.

Rehab isn’t just about therapy—it’s about connection. Michael Maher shares how humour and conversations with fellow patients make the journey easier.