Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast
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In today’s transformative episode of “Pushing Forward with Alycia“
Alycia welcomes Ryann Mason, a prominent Disability, Inclusion & Healthcare Nurse, advocate, and social media influencer. Ryann’s compelling journey with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), her dedication to the healthcare field, and her passion for advocacy reveal her story of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination.
Ryann shares an intimate portrayal of her life
From her late ADHD diagnosis and early introduction to healthcare to her evolving career in the face of becoming more reliant on mobility aids. Listen as Ry shares her unique perspective on navigating disability in the healthcare industry and how her personal journey as a Disability, Inclusion & Healthcare nurse has fostered empathy and understanding, making her an effective advocate for patients newly introduced to the disability community. Her vibrant personality shines through in her narrative, offering encouragement, insight, and a touch of humor that resonates with her audience.
Episode Highlights:
- Ryann’s personal journey with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and how it impacts her life and career
- The challenge of coming to terms with the necessity of mobility aids during the peak of her career in healthcare
- How Ryann uses her unique experience and background to advocate for patients with new disabilities
- An uplifting anecdote of Ryann connecting with a new amputee and offering hope for his future dreams.
- Her active presence on various social media platforms as “Chronically Ry,” where she discusses advocacy and shares her ‘car ride conversations’
Bio: Ryann “Ry” Mason, BS RN (she/they)
Ry is a 31 year old disability advocate, multi-specialty registered nurse, proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, keynote speaker, model, adaptive athlete, sexuality educator, and self-proclaimed loudmouth southern belle. Ryann was born with a genetic collagen disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) which caused them to begin utilizing a wheelchair for the majority of their mobility needs at the age of 26. Instead of allowing their disability to get them down, they decided to turn towards what they knew best, helping others. Ryann created an Instagram account called Chronically Ry, where they post photos, videos, and write ups showing her life and experiences living and working as a registered nurse with a chronic illness and degenerative disability.
Over the past few years
They have accomplished quite a bit including: wearing the crown for Ms. Wheelchair Virginia through both 2020 and 2021, having their story featured in numerous platforms including Woman’s Day, Scrubs , Frisson, Teen Vogue, and Forbes magazines, expanding their online presence to include Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn, as well as amassing a following of over 19,000 people on their original Instagram page. Along with her disability advocacy work, Ryann has continued practicing as a registered nurse in the hospital setting throughout her disability journey and hopes to increase disability visibility and employment in the field of healthcare.
Ry could have let everything they’ve been through bring their life to a screeching halt, but instead they continue to share their story, educate, advocate, and inform others about the needs, rights, and experiences of the disability community.
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Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let’s go.