Chance encounters can create the most powerful connections. When the Quadfather met Sabeeh at the Abilities Expo in Schaumburg, their shared experience as ventilator users instantly created a bond that transcends the typical podcast conversation.
"We've got stories to tell," says the Quadfather early in their exchange—and indeed they do. Sabeeh, at 35, reveals her lifelong journey with a rare genetic condition called PAX7 gene, a form of congenital myopathy that has required ventilator support since she was just three years old. Meanwhile, the Quadfather shares his own path to ventilator use following a military car accident nearly a decade ago. Despite these different origins, they discover immediate common ground in using the same LTV ventilator model, both expressing the same fear about switching to newer technology.
What makes this conversation remarkable isn't just their medical similarities but the glimpse into everyday life as ventilator users. From the practical challenges of attending a Taylor Swift concert (complete with portable generators for medical equipment) to finding joy through online shopping during difficult days, Sabeeh and the Quadfather demonstrate that disability is just one facet of their full, complex lives. Their casual mention of Sabeeh's memorable meeting with Taylor Swift reminds listeners that behind every medical device is a person with passions, interests, and remarkable experiences.
The genuine warmth and instant connection between these two strangers-turned-friends serves as a powerful reminder of why representation matters. When Sabeeh says "your strength really gravitates towards me," it highlights how seeing ourselves reflected in others can validate our experiences and inspire resilience.
Like, comment, and subscribe to help amplify disabled voices that deserve to be heard, and as both hosts remind us at the end—take a breath for those who can't do so independently.