Episode 26. A Champion's Fight: Allison E. Lang's Journey Through Migraine and Disability
In today’s episode of Migraine Heroes, we are thrilled to celebrate an extraordinary individual who embodies the true spirit of resilience and determination—Allison E. Lang.
As she prepares to compete in the Paralympics, we couldn't be more proud and excited to share her incredible journey with you. Allison is not just an amputee and disability advocate, but also a Team Canada Sitting Volleyball athlete and a migraine warrior. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of representation, and the belief that our challenges can propel us to achieve greatness.
Allison's journey is a shining example of how to face life's hurdles head-on and turn them into opportunities for growth and empowerment. Today, we dive deep into her world to uncover the incredible milestones she has achieved and the passion that drives her to inspire others to break down barriers and chase their dreams.
Embracing Identity Through Adversity
Allison was born with the lower half of her left leg missing, a fact that led her to face immense challenges from a very young age. Bullying, body image issues, and countless surgeries to address her condition were constants in her life.
“I struggled with accepting or even using the term 'disabled' or 'disability.' I was in complete denial about who I was.”
Growing up, she rarely saw anyone who looked like her in media, which only deepened her sense of isolation. Her journey was not just physical but deeply emotional. She vividly recalls the pain of numerous surgeries, where the bone in her leg would grow and pierce through her skin, requiring painful revisions.
Despite this, Allison hid a significant part of herself from the world, often refusing to wear shorts or show her prosthetic leg. This concealment was driven by a desire to avoid the pity and victimization often associated with disabilities.
Embracing Disability with Pride
For many, embracing a visible difference is not easy, but Allison E. Lang has turned her disability into her greatest strength. Faced with severe bullying and isolation during her school years due to her visible disability.
“When I was in elementary school, I was severely bullied for having one leg… I felt alone & ashamed.”
This struggle continued through her youth as she tried to hide her prosthetic leg, avoiding situations where she feared judgment.
In her mid-20s, Allison made a pivotal decision to embrace her identity fully. She now proudly states, “It wasn’t until my mid-20s that I decided to take my life back. I like my prosthetic.”
Her journey of self-acceptance has been marked by a shift from hiding to celebrating her true self, using her experiences to advocate for body positivity and self-love.
Through her Instagram, Allison has built a community centered around advocacy, education, and empowerment. She openly shares her experiences, challenges, and victories, offering a candid look into the life of a young woman navigating the world with a disability. “Loving & accepting your body takes time,” she reflects, highlighting the importance of becoming comfortable in one’s own skin.
Allison’s advocacy extends beyond social media, challenging societal norms, and celebrating disability as a beautiful aspect of human diversity. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in self-acceptance and the beauty of living authentically.
The Turning Point: Finding Confidence Online
Allison's transformation began when she started documenting her travels on social media. Initially using platforms like MySpace and Nexopia, she would take pictures carefully posed to hide her prosthetic leg.
However, when she started traveling solo, it became nearly impossible to hide her leg while on the beach in a bikini. Instead of shying away from the exposure, she embraced it, humorously coining the hashtag "hop around the world with me." This marked the first time she publicly acknowledged her disability, even among friends.
What began as a personal journey of self-acceptance quickly resonated with others. Allison started receiving messages from parents of children with disabilities, thanking her for showing that their kids could live fulfilling lives. "Seeing someone like you with a disability traveling the globe as a solo female traveler... I now have hope that she can do anything she sets her mind to growing up," one parent shared. This outpouring of gratitude from others was a turning point for Allison.
“In that moment, I said, okay, like, I'm no longer doing this for myself. I'm doing this for others”
Her social media presence grew exponentially, leading her to work with major brands like Dove and Nike, something she never anticipated but feels deeply grateful for.
From Social Media to Team Canada: Defying Expectations
Allison's story is not just about social media fame but about challenging societal norms and expectations. Despite facing rejection and bullying for looking different, her parents always encouraged her to pursue sports and other activities. She excelled, eventually representing Canada as a national athlete in sitting volleyball. As she proudly shared,
“My team is qualified for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games & I could not be more proud of us”
Allison's journey from a self-conscious young girl to a confident advocate and athlete is nothing short of inspiring. Her story is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the impact of representation. Through her journey, she has become a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges, showing them that it is possible to live a full, empowered life.
Advocating for the Paralympic Movement
Allison is passionate about raising the visibility of Paralympians and ensuring they get the recognition they deserve. She believes in the power of sports to break down barriers and create opportunities for everyone. As she shares,
“I’m not ashamed of disability, but I am disappointed para-athletes don’t get the same hype as Olympians.”
As the Paralympics approach from Aug 28 - Sept 8, 2024, let’s join Allison in celebrating these incredible athletes. Tune in to watch, support, and be part of the movement to give all athletes the respect they deserve!
Living with Migraine
Allison's journey with migraine began unexpectedly, and like many, she found herself battling a condition that’s often misunderstood and invisible to others. “I always thought I had to fight for proper healthcare with my prosthetic leg and my amputation, but I have been fighting so hard against the healthcare system since recently having migraine attacks,” she shares.
Her first migraine attack was a two-week ordeal that left her bedridden, with light sensitivity, vision problems, and overwhelming pain.
“I just remember thinking to myself, I don’t know how my mom has put up with these her entire life because I feel like I’m going to die. And nobody understood,”
Despite the severity of her symptoms, she had to advocate fiercely for herself in the emergency room, eventually connecting with a neurologist who now helps manage her condition.
Allison’s openness about her migraine struggles has resonated deeply with others who suffer in silence. By sharing her story, she hopes to shed light on the challenges of living with migraine and to remind others that they’re not alone.
Allison E. Lang’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the strength found in vulnerability. As an amputee, disability advocate, Paralympian, and a candid voice on living with migraine, Allison shows us the importance of embracing every part of who we are, no matter the challenges we face. Her journey inspires us to keep pushing forward, advocating for ourselves and others, and finding hope in the face of adversity.
Listen Now to explore more about Allison’s experiences and the lessons she’s learned along the way. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss!
🔗 Connect with Allison on Instagram
🔗 Visit her website
"Migraine Heroes" podcast stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of holistic approach, understanding, and support."Migraine Heroes" podcast stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of holistic approach, understanding, and support.
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