At just 17 years old, Lily Schubert's life changed dramatically.
What began as declining health progressed into severe ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), leaving her bedbound for six years. During that time, Lily couldn't sit up, couldn't move her arms freely, and couldn't even roll over in bed without experiencing excruciating pain. She became completely dependent on those around her for even the most basic tasks.
In this deeply moving conversation, Lily shares what it was really like to spend some of the most formative years of her life confined to a bed, navigating unimaginable physical suffering, isolation, and uncertainty. She opens up about the loneliness of losing social connection, the challenges of living with an often misunderstood invisible illness, and the impact chronic illness had on her identity, family, and future.
We also discuss her diagnoses and the realities of navigating the healthcare system, and what she wishes more people understood about living with these complex illnesses.
Most importantly, Lily shares the remarkable story of her gradual recovery. From taking her first steps outside again to returning to activities she once feared she'd never experience, she reflects on what it means to rebuild a life after losing so much time to illness.
This episode is a powerful reminder that resilience doesn't always look like pushing through. Sometimes it looks like surviving one day at a time, holding onto hope when life becomes unimaginably small, and finding the courage to begin again.
Whether you're living with chronic illness yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for a story that will shift your perspective on resilience, this is a conversation you won't soon forget.
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💗 Thank you so much for being here on this adventure with me! 💗- Hayley Kinneavy xo
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The Before You Bloom Podcast is recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. I would like to recognise their continuing connection to land, water, and culture and pay my respects to their elders past, present, and emerging, and any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people listening today.