Siobhan Wilson: Turning Anaphylaxis and Adversity Into Advocacy at 16

Episode SummarySiobhan Wilson was born at 27 weeks, weighing less than a kilogram. By 16, she had survived open heart surgery at one month old, roughly 130 resuscitations in the NICU, seven anaphylaxis episodes — including one where paramedics ran out of adrenaline — and founded her own social enterprise at age 6.In this episode of Grit Diaries, Siobhan shares what it takes to turn a lifetime of medical complexity into a mission to make Australia safer for everyone living with anaphylaxis.Episode Pillars● Finding Magic in the Hard Stuff: How Siobhan's mum raised her to see possibility in the world despite achildhood filled with hospital visits, trauma, and medical uncertainty.● The Night She Nearly Didn't Come Home: Siobhan recounts the 2024 awards dinner where she won YoungEntrepreneur of the Year — and spent the ride home in an ambulance needing the equivalent of 12 EpiPens.● What Australia's Labelling Laws Are Missing: Why 'dairy free' on a packet doesn't mean what you think itdoes — and how a mashed potato nearly cost Siobhan her life.● Shame, EpiPens, and Why People Wait Too Long: The embarrassment that stops people with anaphylaxisfrom acting in time, and why that silence is deadly.● What Actually Helps: From breathwork and hand pan music to becoming a sports medic — the unexpectedtools Siobhan uses to heal her brain and show up for others.The Kintsugi ConnectionTo see the visual story of Siobhan's journey and explore more episodes of resilience, visit our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@kintsugiheroes/videosIf Siobhan's story moved you, explore these related Hero conversations:● Navigating a serious health diagnosis? Listen to Ian Westmoreland's story of launching Kintsugi Heroes whilefacing melanoma.About Kintsugi Heroes: An Australian not-for-profit (DGR endorsed) dedicated to strengthening mental wellbeing through thepower of storytelling.Partner with Us: https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/partners/Donate (tax-deductible): https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/donate/#donateWebsite: https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.auLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kintsugi-heroes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kintsugi.heroes/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kintsugi-Heroes-100084850387170/Mentioned in this episode:Support Kintsugi HeroesKintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit, and every story we share is free for the people who need it. If this show has meant something to you, you can help us keep going. Visit kintsugiheroes.com.au and click donate. Every contribution helps us keep telling these stories, and it's tax-deductible.Kintsugi HeroesFollow the show, share it with someone who needs it, or share your own story at kintsugiheroes.com.au. Your story matters.