When Leanne O’Neil walks onto the ward each fortnight, she brings with her something no textbook or clinical guideline can offer: lived experience.
At just 38, Leanne survived a stroke that changed the course of her life. Twenty-five years on, almost fully recovered and determined to give back, she now volunteers at Hervey Bay Hospital to support patients navigating the uncertainty, fear and frustration she remembers all too well.
“I didn’t fit any of the demographics,” she says of her own stroke.
“But it happened, and it turned life upside down. I had to rebuild, rethink my future, and learn to be kind to myself.”
Initially, Leanne channelled her recovery into advocacy, working with the Stroke Foundation on presentations and awareness campaigns but over time she felt drawn to more personal connection.
“I wanted to sit with people who were where I once was. I wanted them to see someone who had come out the other side,” she said.
Now, she visits the hospital every two weeks, spending time with patients and their families who are processing the shock of diagnosis and the reality of rehabilitation. The response, she says, has been deeply moving.
“They’re relieved to talk to someone who truly understands,” she said.
“They open up about their fears, their expectations, the pressure they feel from themselves and others.
“I feel privileged to step into their life, even briefly, and reassure them that there is a way forward.”
One of Leanne’s key messages is the importance of rest, patience and recognising stroke as a brain injury that takes time to heal.
She speaks openly about fatigue, something she still faces, and encourages patients to listen to their bodies rather than rush to return to life as usual.
Her perspective also highlights how far stroke care has come.
“When I had my stroke, nothing like this existed. The care and systems now, and the awareness of the FAST message, are worlds ahead,” she said.
“It’s heartwarming to see more people surviving with far less lasting damage.”
Leanne continues her own rehabilitation three times a week and says her life today is better, richer and more joyful than she ever expected after stroke.
Supporting patients has become another meaningful part of that journey.
“I get more out of this than I give,” she says.
“The staff are incredible so caring, so dedicated and it’s a privilege to spend time with patients when the team is so busy. What I can offer is time. And I’m happy to give it.”
Another highlight has been watching exceptional care provided at hospital for stroke victims.