DOCUSERIES BY VEDA
LIVING WITH AN INVISIBLE CHRONIC ILLNESS
Since experiencing sudden unilateral hearing loss in August 2017, I know what it's like to struggle with an invisible chronic illness that others can't see and often misunderstand. In addition, the diagnosis process is confusing as the symptoms of several vestibular disorders overlap.
ART & HEARING HEALTH ADVOCACY
Nowadays, being an artist and a hearing health advocate go hand in hand. Just as I am deeply passionate about developing and exploring my creative side through painting and other art forms, I am equally passionate about sharing my hearing loss story with others.
Shortly after losing my hearing overnight, I created The Colors of Sound Series, a collection of mixed-media paintings documenting my experience with sound, hearing loss, and balance problems, but turning this challenging experience into something beautiful.
Visualizing sound through mark-making and color helped me explain what I was going through meditatively and, in a way, has become an educational tool for others who, like me, struggle to understand and explain these disorders.
THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF VEDA
For over five years, I've been a proud ambassador of several organizations focused on research and providing invaluable resources for patients with hearing loss and balance problems. One of them is dear to my heart: the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA).
And this is why I am incredibly proud to share that VeDA invited me to be part of the cast of The Life Rebalanced Chronicles. These docuseries follow the vestibular journeys of nine vestibular warriors. Each episode reveals information about the challenges we experience, the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the ways we cope daily. From vertigo attacks and 24/7 ringing in the ear to hearing loss, struggling with our balance, and experiencing excruciating and often painful migraines, we have experienced a wide range of debilitating vestibular symptoms that have forever changed how we live and our interactions with others.
I am confident that the Life Rebalanced Chronicles docuseries will help provide more clarity and gain a new perspective, but more importantly, HOPE to every vestibular warrior.
If you are not a vestibular patient, I still want to invite you to join us on this mission of raising awareness and educating others so we can find permanent cures and eradicate these problems.
SIX EPISODES ARE NOW LIVE
There are six videos in total in this docuseries. Each episode is less than 15 minutes, filled with valuable information and tips to help you support someone close to you who is currently struggling with a similar condition.
I'm deeply touched and honored to be part of this unique project. I hope our testimonies help you or your loved ones navigate the unchartered territory of vestibular disorders.
WATCH all EPISODES:
“It’s like every person I’ve heard talk about how their life has changed as a result of being diagnosed with a vestibular disorder is speaking through these videos. They’re raw, unfiltered, and authentic. I am moved to tears by the vulnerability of our “cast.” I think these stories will ring true for so many.”
Official Press Release:
NEW DOCUSERIES LIFE REBALANCED CHRONICLES SHARES STORIES OF LIVING WITH INVISIBLE CHRONIC ILLNESS
The six-episode series documents the human experience impacted by living with vestibular disorders
PORTLAND, OR– August 7, 2021 – Life Rebalanced Chronicles documents the stories of nine vestibular warriors. None of them expected to be knocked down by a vestibular disorder. All of them looked fear, anxiety, and loneliness in the face and said, “You will not define me.” Their message is one of hope for everyone who struggles with invisible chronic illness and others who are navigating life’s challenges. The new six-episode docuseries will air weekly starting August 10, in conjunction with Balance Awareness Week (Sept. 19-25, 2021). The series is a collaboration between the Vestibular Disorder Association (VeDA) and Kimberly Warner, filmmaker and founder of Unfixed Media. In 2015, Kimberly was diagnosed with cervicogenic vertigo and Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) that manifests as a constant perception of rocking, bobbing and swaying.
The Life Rebalanced Chronicles documents nine vestibular patients who are learning to live with disorders such as vestibular migraines, MdDS, Meniere’s Disease and vestibular neuritis. Through intimate conversations, they explore parts of the human experience impacted by their vestibular dysfunction – mind, body, spirit, relationships, self and life. They also share their personal toolkits for living and thriving with their disorders and provide strategies from meditation, yoga and journaling to advocacy and finding meaning and purpose within their “new normal.”
“This honest and inspiring docuseries shines a light on invisible balance disorders and brings more awareness and empathy to the vestibular experience,” says Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of VeDA. “We are honored to work with filmmaker and vestibular patient Kimberly Warner, who brings lived experience to each episode as she compassionately helps each individual share their unique journey toward healing and hope.”
“When I developed MdDS and vestibular migraine, my life turned upside down and my sense of self dissipated as my career, dreams, friendships and confidence crumbled,” says docuseries filmmaker Kimberly Warner. “Returning to filmmaking and telling stories of those with chronic conditions has helped me rediscover my sense of purpose. Not only have I discovered our shared experiences and found solidarity, but I see how important these messages are for everyone who is navigating a challenge in their life, not just those with chronic illness. This series is about something bigger than a diagnosis; it’s about human perseverance and healing – even when there isn’t always a cure.”
Life Rebalanced Chronicles will premiere exclusively on The Disorder Channel (available through Amazon Fire and Roku) starting August 10th with new episodes airing weekly. After a one week debut window, episodes will be released weekly through VeDA and Unfixed channels.
About VeDA
For almost 30 years, VeDA has been a highly respected source of scientifically credible information on vestibular disorders. Through publications and an online community, VeDA has reached millions of vestibular patients with critical information and support. The organization provides education and emotional support to patients with dizziness and imbalance. They connect patients with medical specialists through a provider directory of clinics that specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders. VeDA advocates on behalf of all who are impacted by vestibular disorders. For more information, visit https://vestibular.org/
About Unfixed Media
Unfixed Media Productions was created by award-winning producer and filmmaker Kimberly Warner and focuses on stories of humans living with chronic, incurable conditions. People love fixer-upper stories, miracle cures and answers but many wake up each day without any of these. The world needs more models for how to live a meaningful, unfixed life – a life liberated from fixed notions of how we must feel in order to live fully. The Unfixed portfolio of projects demonstrates that living well is not about eradicating our wounds and weaknesses but understanding how they complete our identities and equip us to help others. Programming includes Life Rebalanced Chronicles docuseries, the MS Confidential webcast series, the Unfixed Podcast, and the ongoing Unfixed monthly docuseries (and future feature film) available on The Disorder Channel and the Unfixed Community YouTube Channel. For more information, visit http://www.unfixedmedia.com/
Media Contact:
Lisa Hill, lisa@lisahillpr.com, (503) 730-8055