Three Women Who Spoke Up and Changed Their Care
Introducing: Real Stories
In this Regarding Me Rewind, we revisit three powerful stories that show what can happen when women speak up, trust their instincts, and refuse to stay silent - especially when faced with bias, dismissal, or healthcare systems that weren’t built with them in mind.
From challenging assumptions about metastatic breast cancer, to refusing to accept medical gaslighting, to navigating care that excluded or erased their needs - Kate, Sonya, and Rena show us that self-advocacy isn’t about being difficult. It’s about being heard.
Each of these women faced different health challenges. But what they share is a refusal to let their care be dictated by silence.
Kate Hardman made a deeply personal choice to have breast reconstruction despite living with metastatic breast cancer.
Sonya Lovell challenged dismissal and bias after feeling sidelined by her doctors.
Rena Patel realised she wasn’t represented in her care and found strength and support in her online community.
These are the kinds of stories we need to hear more of. Not just to raise awareness but to build a culture where care isn’t done to women, but shaped with them.
Whether you're navigating your own diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this episode is a reminder:
You don’t have to be loud to be powerful. You just have to believe your voice matters.
In this episode:
How self-advocacy can be collaborative—not confrontational
How cultural bias and dismissal show up in healthcare
The role of community in building confidence to speak up
Why it’s okay to say, “This doesn’t work for me”
That sharing your story helps others find theirs
Free Resource
Want to start showing up with more clarity and confidence? Download Luan’s free guide: Six Self-Advocacy Steps (SSAS).
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