Overcoming Life Changing Events with Jess Quinn

In Episode 15 of When I Grow Up, Sienna and her dad, Ben, sit down with the inspirational Jess Quinn. At just nine years old, Jess faced a life-altering diagnosis of aggressive cancer that led to the amputation of her leg. Despite the challenges, Jess has used her journey to motivate others and normalise being different.

• Facing Life-Changing News: Jess opens up about the moment her world changed. Once a sporty and active Kiwi kid, Jess had to come to terms with the devastating reality of cancer and the amputation that followed. She reflects on the struggle to navigate everyday life post-surgery—like the feeling of exclusion in sports and the insecurity of wearing long pants year-round to hide her prosthetic leg.
• Finding Self-Confidence: Jess shares how she overcame her insecurities and embraced what makes her unique. One powerful moment was her decision to wear shorts in public for the first time. From going viral on social media with a photo shoot to delivering a moving TED Talk, Jess used her story to inspire people worldwide. She even embraced new challenges, like competing on Dancing with the Stars.
• Body Positivity and Social Media: Jess dives into the challenges young people face today, including the pressures of social media, body image, and unrealistic beauty standards. She shares her thoughts on overcoming the need for perfection in a photoshopped world and offers tips for stepping back to focus on mental health. 

Jess reflects on the lessons she’s learned and what she would tell her younger self in this heartfelt episode full of valuable insights for anyone learning to embrace life’s challenges.

About The Show:

Sienna Boyce is 14 years old and constantly tells her Dad, Ben Boyce, what she wants to be when she grows up – an actor, scientist, rugby player, singer, chef or politician. 

Each episode of ‘When I Grow Up’ aims to showcase inspirational females from around Aotearoa and shine a light on them, what it takes to do their job and learn about their story of how they got to where they are so that Sienna can help make up her mind.

This is a podcast to help the teenager in your life dream big.

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