**Rachel Gordon: Challenging Perceptions of Invisible Disabilities**
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Rachel Gordon, a 32-year-old advertising sales professional, is shedding light on the realities of living with an invisible disability. After suffering a stroke at birth, she was diagnosed with left hemiparesis — a condition characterised by partial paralysis on one side of the body — and cerebral palsy. Her story resonates with many, as she endeavours to normalise the daily challenges faced by those with similar disabilities through her prominent online presence.
Gordon’s journey began at birth, when complications arose during delivery led to a stroke. Born breech, a botched attempt to turn her resulted in significant concerns over her well-being, ultimately necessitating the use of forceps. “My right eye was swollen shut, and I had bruising on my face from the forceps,” she recalls. Despite these early adversities, her parents established a nurturing environment where her disability was integrated into the everyday, rather than treated as a limitation.
Diagnosed at eight months old, she was encouraged not to focus on her challenges. “To be honest, I don’t remember the first time my parents told me about it,” Gordon shares. “It was always just normalised and a part of my everyday life.” In an inspiring approach, her family even gave her left side a nickname, “lefty,” to foster a sense of ownership and encourage her to use it.
Throughout her childhood, therapy sessions were a routine part of her life as she engaged in physical and occupational therapy to strengthen her abilities. “That was just normal,” she explains, emphasising that adapting was a central theme of her upbringing. Although she experienced moments that highlighted her differences — like grappling with monkey bars while her peers breezed through — she was persistent in her endeavours, exploring sports and performing arts where she felt most at ease.
As an adult, Gordon continues to navigate daily tasks with creative adjustments. “Everyday activities often require a level of adaptation,” she notes. From dressing to utilising public transport, she has developed personalised routines that enable her to thrive. For instance, activities such as putting in contact lenses and styling her hair require unique strategies that she has fine-tuned over the years.
Despite her resourcefulness, certain experiences can still be isolating. Moments of frustration arise, particularly in social settings where her disability is not immediately apparent to others. Raising awareness about invisible disabilities is a vital aspect of her advocacy, as many may not realise that challenges exist behind the surface. “Most of the time, I don’t think twice about it, but there are moments where it can be frustrating,” Gordon recognises.
Dating presented its own set of obstacles for Gordon, especially in revealing her condition to potential partners. Initially, she harboured insecurities about her left hand, fearing that it would overshadow her personality. However, her perspective shifted when she met her current boyfriend, who has consistently viewed her disability as a non-issue. “It made me realise that the right person won’t see it as a limitation,” she shared.
Increasingly, Gordon has taken to social media to chronicle her journey, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining support groups for individuals with hemiparesis revealed to her the shared experiences of others, broadening her understanding of the community. Her posts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok showcase her daily life, highlighting her successes and the humour found in her adaptations.
The positive response to her online presence has been profoundly rewarding. “I’ve heard from people who relate personally, and also from people who said it completely changed their perspective,” she reveals. A particularly touching experience involved a young girl whose family reached out, allowing Gordon to connect with her and serve as a role model for someone navigating similar challenges. “Being able to be that person for someone else now means everything,” she expressed.
Reflecting on her life, Gordon conveys a sense of gratitude for the resilience and empathy her experiences have fostered within her. “I don’t give up easily, and I’m very solution-oriented,” she asserts. While she acknowledges the difficulties she has faced, she would not wish her past to be different, recognising that it has shaped her understanding of the world.
Through her story, Gordon strives to encourage societal shifts in how disabilities are perceived. “Not all challenges are visible,” she notes thoughtfully. “Someone can look completely fine but still be navigating something every single day.” At the crux of her message is the belief that differing methods of doing things should not detract from a person’s capabilities.
In a world where disabilities are often overlooked, Rachel Gordon’s advocacy offers a powerful reminder that resilience comes in various forms, and that understanding begins with awareness and compassion.