Life With a Difference
A space to celebrate and empower individuals with visible differences.
Through my work as a patient advocate I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people with stories that I believe we could all benefit from hearing.
This podcast aims to share those stories, experiences, and journeys of those living with unique appearances. Through candid conversations and inspiring interviews, we aim to challenge stereotypes, foster understanding, increase empathy and kindness and build a community where everyone feels seen and heard.
Join us as we explore topics ranging from self-acceptance and advocacy to the everyday triumphs and challenges faced by our guests. Whether you have a visible difference or simply want to learn more, you’re invited to be part of our conversation and discover the beauty in diversity.
Subscribe now to help create a kinder and more inclusive world.
Life With a Difference
Life with a facial tumour: Abigail Marin
In this episode of Life With a Difference, I speak with the brilliant Abigail Marin; a passionate advocate, photographer, and member of the visible difference community whose insights and self awareness are wise beyond her years.
Abigail shares her powerful story of being diagnosed with a facial tumour at age six, undergoing over 100 surgeries, and navigating life with a visible difference. From selective mutism and school challenges to bejeweling her surgical scars with confidence, Abigail’s journey is a moving reminder of the strength it takes to show up as your true self.
We talk about:
💬 Living with a visible difference
🎒 Navigating school with a facial condition
📷 Finding healing through photography and art
💎 Turning scars into art
💡 The ups and downs of healing — and why it’s never linear
🤝 The impact of charities like Changing Faces and Camp Simcha
Abigail’s honesty, creativity, and humour make this a must-listen for anyone affected by visible differences, chronic conditions, or anyone who just wants to better understand what resilience really looks like.
Episode links 🔗
https://www.instagram.com/braveartist2005/
https://www.campsimcha.org.uk/
https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/story/abis-story-bedazzle-your-scars/
Chapters
00:00 Inspiring Stories and Personal Struggles
02:54 The Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery
05:57 Navigating Healthcare Experiences
08:58 School Life and Visible Differences
12:03 Friendship and Emotional Challenges
15:07 Creative Expression and Confidence Building
19:03 The Struggle for Control in Health
22:27 Support Systems in Education
26:23 The Non-Linear Journey of Healing
30:04 The Power of Advocacy and Community
33:04 Overcoming the Fear of Sharing Personal Struggles
36:15 The Impact of Illness on Siblings
37:47 Support Systems for Families
39:00 Navigating Parental Responsibilities
40:08 The Importance of Community Support
41:36 Exploring the World of Analog Photography
43:03 Art as a Form of Escapism
44:49 Creative Talents and Family Influence
46:09 Practical Advice for Living with Visible Differences
48:21 Outro
Social media:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lifewithadifferencepodcast/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewithadifference
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-collinson/
Blog:
https://www.lifewithadifference.info/
buymeacoffee.com/lifewithadifference
Please get in touch if I can help in any way.
#LifeWithADifference #VisibleDifference #DisabilityAwareness #CraniofacialCondition #FacialDifference #AbigailMarin #PatientStories #ChronicIllness #DisabilityAdvocacy #ChangingFaces #ArtAsHealing #ScarsAndStories #PodcastEpisode