Navigating Disability

Fighting for Two: Navigating Cancer and Her Daughter’s Disability

Kate Read and Jenn Abbott Episode 39

When life delivered two seismic blows, her daughter’s rare genetic diagnosis and her own cancer battle, Hayley Thiele didn’t crumble. She transformed.

In this episode, Hayley shares her raw and remarkable story of parenting her daughter Pippa, who lives with Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome, while navigating her own cervical cancer diagnosis. From feeding tubes to oxygen tanks, relentless hospital admissions to moments of joyful chaos, Hayley brings a powerful blend of vulnerability and humour. She opens up about grief, guilt, medical trauma, and what it means to truly see and celebrate your child’s abilities.

Hayley’s story is more than a journey through the NDIS and disability advocacy. It’s a masterclass in fierce love, community strength, and reshaping what we think life "should" look like.

🎧 Trigger warning: This episode includes themes of medical trauma and mental health. If you need support, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.

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