Sinead grew up with a condition, (Parkes Weber Syndrome) that affects fewer than 800 people worldwide. Through a series of hardships, she had to learn how to advocate for herself. Sinead started experiencing problems with one of her feet, which would land her in the hospital for 1.5 years. Nobody really knew exactly what was going on or how to treat it. During this time, Sinead struggled with feeling isolated, & suffered from depression. Then along came her first service dog, Paddington who would change everything. Sinead is currently paired with a new service dog, Foreman, who has saved her life a number of times, & has given her & her family their independence back.

Topics Discussed:

(1:41) The Early Years: At birth, it was apparent that Sinead was different, but they didn’t know why. Sinead talks about being adopted, spending a lot of her childhood at Toronto Sick Kids, & starting to realize that she was different from the other children.

(13:45) First Surgery: Sinead had surgery to stop one of her legs from growing any more. Sinead could no longer play sports. She experienced depression & weight gain.

(20:00) The Foot: Sinead started experiencing problems with one of her feet. Nobody could figure out what was wrong or how to help her. She ended up in a hospital for 1.5 years, struggling with depression.

(24:30) Graduating to Adult Health Care: Sinead was discharged from care at Toronto Sick Kids when she was 20 & had to begin advocating for her medical care. Sinead details some of the abuses that she has endured during hospital stays.

(30:09) I have what?: At 23 years old, Sinead received a new diagnosis that rocked her world. Sinead had become an advocate for her condition & found a sense of community with others who have the same condition only to find out that she had a different condition altogether.

(34:22) Service Dog: Sinead eventually got a service dog because her mobility was declining, & he miraculously her foot healed.

(38:00) Advocacy Work: Sinead is an advocate for disability rights. She has spoken at Parliament Hill Queen’s Park & as an ambassador for the Rick Hansen Foundation.

(41:25) COVID & hospital visits: Sinead describes what it is like to need medical care during a pandemic, & fears around staying in/going to the hospital when she needs care.

(43:48) Foreman: Sinead has a service dog named Foreman, she tells us more about him, & the ways that he helps her, & what she wishes the general public knew about what he means to her & her family.

Resources:

Rick Hansen Foundation https://www.rickhansen.com/

About Sinead

I am Sinéad & I am a firm believer everything happens for a reason & humour has always been a way I have been able to find the positives in what most would refer to as a negative situations.

Growing up with a condition no one has ever heard of has presented many challenges, but I have never let that stop me.

As long as I can remember, I have been a force to be reckoned with. As a kid that would’ve been on the soccer field or in a swimming pool; however currently, in my adult life, that has me energetically & influentially advocating for accessibility, inclusion & the importance of service animals in the lives of those who need them.

While my life may not be what I had imagined growing up, I am grateful I can draw on all my experiences to support & educate others.

Sinead can be found at @herlifein4paws on TikTok & IG ​​https://www.herlifein4paws.com/

Wanna be a guest? Email [email protected] or find us on IG @nowwhat_podcast