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Karen and Gift's powerful stories of living with Poland Syndrome will leave you moved and inspired. From opposite corners of the world - Devon, England and Uganda - these two remarkable women share their journeys through isolation, self-doubt, and ultimately toward acceptance and community.
The conversation begins with raw honesty about discovery. Karen has known about her Poland Syndrome since birth, affecting both her hand and chest, but spent years hiding her difference. Gift's realisation came with puberty, thrusting her into years of psychological struggle as she navigated school environments where her body was suddenly exposed and questioned. Both women speak candidly about the emotional toll of feeling different in a world obsessed with sameness.
Their lives changed dramatically when they participated in an inclusive fashion show organized by Birmingham Children's Hospital and PIP UK. For the first time, they met others who understood their experience without explanation. Karen, at 24, finally met someone else with Poland Syndrome - "It lifted something from me," she shares with emotion. Gift, on her first international journey, found a space where she could "let my heart out about my feelings and feel understood."
The discussion expands beyond personal stories to address broader issues - the fashion industry's claims of inclusivity versus reality, the challenges of finding clothing that fits uniquely different bodies, and the psychological impact of visible differences that medical professionals often overlook. Their wisdom for younger people with Poland Syndrome resonates powerfully: "Different is okay and beautiful," Gift emphasizes, while Karen adds, "It's not as bad as we think it is."
What emerges most clearly is the transformative power of community. Both women express deep gratitude for finding connection through PIP UK, emphasizing how shared understanding has helped them navigate difficult days. Listen as they remind us all that visible differences may shape our experiences, but need not define our lives. Join us in celebrating these voices that remind us: you are seen, you are heard, you are not alone.

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