Don’t Be Afraid: Navigating Illness, Identity & Strength episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 26, 2026 · 45 MIN

Don’t Be Afraid: Navigating Illness, Identity & Strength

from Wine with Wita | Speech Pathology & Parenting Support · host Rita Shamoun

Hey everyone,This week, I am joined by Taylah Ayyash, a health advocate who shares her lived experience with anaphylaxis, epilepsy, Bell’s Palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and temporary paralysis.​Taylah opens up about growing up with learning difficulties and silent seizures that went undiagnosed for years, often labelled as “easily distracted” or “off with the fairies”, when in reality there was something deeper going on.​Her journey through sudden illness and life-changing moments reshaped her identity, teaching her the quiet strength found in vulnerability, honesty, and asking for help.​We speak about how faith guided her through some of her most confronting moments, and the impact of having a medical team who saw her as a human, not just a case.​In this episode, Taylah shares: * What it was like growing up with undiagnosed silent seizures * The impact of being misunderstood in school * Her experience navigating multiple health challenges * How faith grounded her in life-threatening moments * The importance of being seen as a person, not just a diagnosis * Why she chose to start sharing her story * The one word she is living by right now: patience​A full circle moment, Taylah first came across my page and thought, “I would love to be interviewed one day”… and now she’s here, sharing her story to remind others they are not alone.​A meaningful conversation about resilience, identity, and the power of using your story to help someone else feel seen.​Learn more about Taylah Ayyash here!​​Lots of love,Rita​P.S.: follow me on Instagram for more tips, insights and updates.Disclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Mar 26, 2026

Embed this episode

Ready to play

Don’t Be Afraid: Navigating Illness, Identity & Strength

0:00 45:45

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Wine with Wita | Speech Pathology & Parenting Support?

This episode is 45 minutes long.

When was this Wine with Wita | Speech Pathology & Parenting Support episode published?

This episode was published on March 26, 2026.

Can I download this Wine with Wita | Speech Pathology & Parenting Support episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!