Embracing life’s second chance

“Not everyone’s got a voice”

Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

Singing Through Stroke

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

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

House of Cards

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

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

More doctors

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

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

Spiritual Awakening After Stroke

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.

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

A New Model

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

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

When the Words Aren’t Yours

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

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

Coffee with a Collingwood Giant

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

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

When the Sirens Pass

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

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

Three Years On

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.

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

Metro vs Regional

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.

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

Comfort zone

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

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

The Mirror

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

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

They’re disabled like me

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

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

The anti-hero

A stroke survivor reflects on imposter syndrome, raising awareness and finding purpose in sharing his story to support others in the disability community. 

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

F.A.S.T.

Learn how to spot the signs of a stroke with F.A.S.T. Quick action can save lives—know the symptoms and act fast to prevent lasting damage.

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

Two-tier machinery

Explore life post-stroke, the challenges of slower speech, and the power of being heard. Insights from a tech founder navigating real-world conversations.

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

Nurses

Discover the incredible role nurses played in my stroke recovery, from their compassion to their persistence, and why I’ll never forget their care.

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

Are you better now?

Explore the realities of stroke recovery, from physical changes to cognitive shifts, and why 'getting better' isn't as simple as it might seem.

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Amandda Kao Amandda Kao

Not born this way

Exploring life after stroke, comparing acquired and lifelong disabilities, and finding inspiration in a new world of experiences and resilience.

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