2. Embracing My Birth Defect

In this deeply personal episode of Broken, Adjust, Heal, Stephanie shares her journey of growing up with a rare, life-threatening vascular birth defect called Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS).  Stephanie shares the emotional landscape of shame, invisibility, resilience, and connection. From early childhood memories of a leg brace and stares, to the quiet pain of feeling "different" yet unheard, she reveals how her experience ultimately became a source of empathy, purpose, and professional calling. Stephanie closes with practical guidance for listeners on how to identify their needs and take compassionate action on their own behalf. 5 Key Takeaways  (0:03:10) – A childhood memory of an orthotic brace marks the first time she realized she was different and became self‑conscious. (0:07:28) – She describes the duality of emotions—wanting to hide and wanting to belong—as a normal part of being human (0:17:27) – Stephanie explains living with profoundly rare Klippel–Trénaunay syndrome and feeling like an outsider while others treated it as "no big deal." (0:25:40) – She offers a simple, actionable three-step process: identify what you feel, name what you need, and ask how you can give that to yourself—reminding listeners that support like the 988 crisis line is always available.   Quote: "Two things can exist: I am sad and I am grateful. I am scared and I am brave." Be Resilient Institute presents Broken, Adjust, Heal...by Stephanie Shaffer.  iamstephshaffer.com   Resources: If you or someone you know needs support immediately, call 988   Podcast series co-created with Media Midwife Ahri Golden ahrigolden.com Connect with Stephanie: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Tiktok