In this week’s episode, Lauren and Rina sit down with Brandi Amiss-Towler as she shares the extraordinary story of her son Caspian’s birth, the challenges of his early days, and how her experiences have driven her to retrain and pursue a career in law. Brandi offers a candid and raw account of the early days, navigating a complex medical journey with a large number of professionals and an extended hospital stay. She also reflects on what motivated her to take on her impressive journey to courtroom advocacy and shares some wise words of advice for other parents. What an incredible women!

Content Warnings

Strong Language warning

Prenatal diagnosis

Infant death

Birth stories

Guest Biography

Brandi Amiss-Towler is originally from Kansas in the USA, but has called London her home since 2004. She is mother to two boys, her eldest is now 23 and her youngest, Caspian, is five. Caspian was born with a rare teratoma in his jaw. He has had significant surgeries, a tracheostomy and is PEG-fed. From the start, Brandi has been a fierce advocate for ensuring his needs are met. A month before Caspian was discharged from the hospital at 20 months old, she began law school to train as a barrister. Now, having been Called to the Bar, she practices social security law.

Useful resources

Teratoma - Wikipedia

Martha's Rule: says that where a parent questions the professional opinion of a professional, they have a right to request a review by a separate team

https://www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/marthas-rule/

Council for Disabled Children

https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/resources/all-resources

Caudwell Children

https://www.caudwellchildren.com/changing-lives/how-we-can-help/

Provides services, funding, and training for families and children

Mencap

https://www.mencap.org.uk/

Provides advice on benefits, housing, health and education. I've always found them to be very knowledgeable.

Disability Rights UK

www.disabilityrightsuk.org

Produces the Disability Rights Handbook which provides guidance on disability benefits and social welfare law, also provides advice and other resources

Disability Action-There is a disability hub in most boroughs. Just google Disability Action and see if there is one in your borough.

Scope

https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support

Provides services, advice and support for disabled children and their families

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