Beau & Bear co

19/09/2025

Silence nearly broke me.😔

02/11/2024

I don’t feel the need to blame my condition or downplay my words.

But people are often afraid to speak openly, and it’s a real problem. This fear creates barriers, stops meaningful conversations, and prevents us from addressing important issues directly. It’s especially frustrating for someone like me, who has experienced aphasia and knows firsthand how it feels to be unable to express myself freely. When you’ve been silenced by circumstances beyond your control (6 months), you realise how essential open communication is. It limits understanding, growth, and the chance to solve problems together. We should be encouraging more open dialogue, not shying away from it, even when the conversations are difficult.

While I understand that not everyone may interpret it the same way, I stand by my words and the perspective they represent.

09/08/2024

🩺 **Beau’s Update** 🩺

Hey everyone, with a quick update on your favourite pup’s health journey. As you know, Beau’s been bravely battling a Mast Cell Tumor (MCT), and there’s some positive news to share! 🎉

Thanks to the incredible vet team and all the love and support you’ve been sending, Beau’s tumor seems to be **shrinking** and is softer than before. He’s still dealing with some side effects like being extra hungry (more treats, right? 😉) and a bit of diarrhea, but Beau’s staying strong.

🐾 More check-ups and treatments are on the way, but with your support and those awesome vibes, Beau is confident that progress will continue.

Thank you for all the love and encouragement! Keep sending those good vibes Beau’s way! 💛

Love,
Your Brave Pup, Beau 🐕

26/07/2024

Hey Beau’s mates,

Backstory… Last year, Beau was first diagnosed with cancer in his paw. The surgeon told me that the best result would be to amputate two of Beau’s toes.

Now, Beau has been diagnosed with a high-grade mast cell tumor, and we’re starting an aggressive chemotherapy protocol to give him the best chance. He had his first IV chemotherapy session, and I’m happy to report that everything went smoothly with no side effects, actually Beau is has been drinking a lot of water.

Unfortunately, my insurance is not covering cancer —my fault for not reading the fine print 😓. The treatment costs are quite high, many have suggested a GoFundMe, but I feel uncomfortable asking for direct donations, I’m so guilty for last year’s fundraising. I still have approximately $1500 left from last year’s fundraiser, which I am not touching for now.

Instead, I’m making T-shirts and other items to help cover the expenses, which will be available for sale shortly.

Beau loves his cuddles, and I’m cuddling him as much as possible because he deserves all the love and comfort. I’m picking up CBD oil for dogs today.✌️😎💕

Thank you for your ongoing support and positive thoughts. We’ll keep you updated on Beau’s progress.

20/06/2024

08/06/2024

🌟 June is Aphasia Awareness Month! 🌟

Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects MILLIONS of people worldwide. It can impact the ability to speak, understand, read, and write, but it does not affect intelligence.

I am so grateful for my speech now. It has taken hard work and many speech therapy sessions to reach this point and everything else. I’m also incredibly grateful for my life and for my friends/family/dog who have supported me through this journey, and also me, through it all, I’ve learned patience with myself, not to take life too seriously. Aphasia sufferers; with the right support and resources, they can communicate effectively and remain active members of their communities, maybe cure it. Speech therapy, support groups, and communication tools are vital in helping people with aphasia regain their abilities and confidence.

Here’s how you can help:

🧠 **Educate Yourself and Others**: Learn about aphasia and share what you know. Understanding the condition fosters empathy and patience.

🤝 **Support Those Affected**: If you know someone with aphasia, offer your support. Be patient, listen, and use alternative communication methods if needed.

💪 **Advocate for Resources**: Support organisations that provide resources for individuals with aphasia and their families. Advocate for better healthcare services and access to speech therapy.

Let’s work together to ensure that people with aphasia are celebrated for their resilience and strength.

Cheers 🍻

20/05/2024

Sunday, I experienced a sudden onset of severe abdominal pain and went to the hospital. Initially, the nurse she misdiagnosed me, thinking I might be drunk. However, it was actually my aphasia causing the confusion. After 3 hrs, further examination, I was correctly diagnosed with appendicitis and underwent pain management. Sunday emergency appendectomy. The surgery went smoothly, and I’m currently in recovery. I’m grateful for the eventual medical attention and the eventual correct diagnosis by the medical team. I’ll be taking it easy for the next few days as I continue to heal and regain my strength. Thank you all for your well wishes and support during this time.

21/04/2024

We’ve conquered the Sydney Harbour Bridge!

Scaling new heights, both literally and figuratively. My brother and I celebrated our birthdays by conquering the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

I couldn’t help but reflect on my own journey of overcoming challenges, including my battle with my stroke. Determination and support (and stubbornness), anything is possible.

Happy birthday to us! 🎉🌉