In this raw episode, double organ transplant recipient and Herd of Hope founder, Megan McLoughlin takes us through the grief of receiving an extraordinary gift from a stranger, and her path to purpose and peace.

Megan describes the experience of managing juvenile diabetes growing up in rural South Australia; losing most of her sight at the age of 26 and the joy and freedom she finds in barrel racing.
Megan undertook a mentorship through the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s National Mentoring Program in 2023 – a process which helped her realise she did not have to “prove” to the world that her life was worthy of saving.

Sitting down with our host, Claire Delahunty, she reflects on her journey to embrace her intrinsic value, and the inspiration she has taken from the humble herd animals she has spent her life around.

Some highlights:

• Megan talks about the challenges of managing a chronic health problem in rural Australia
• How to be an advocate and raise awareness
• The complexity of receiving a life-saving gift from a stranger
• What we can all do to reframe the problematic label of ‘disability’
• Why we need our ‘herd’ around us, more than ever

Links:

ARLF podcast blog

ARLF website

National Mentoring Program (Drought Initiative)

Herd of Hope website

Blind barrel racer Megan McLoughlin tells her story of disability, success | ABC Australia

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