Thought Provoking
Opinion Leader
Hi! I’m Shawntel, but you can call me Shawn. I am a blogger, health advocate and activist. Although Two Fourth was created in 2020, my journey into advocacy (both online and off) started many prior.
I began advocating online in 2015. – Six years after being diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune disease (at only 17-years-old). I worked to elevate the patient voice and shed light on what it’s like to be a millennial living with a chronic illness. I’ve partnered with leaders in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry to bridge gaps in healthcare and worked to raise awareness for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease.
Although politics is certainly not my strong suit, I began to dabble with the idea of speaking up (politically) in 2019, which contributed a lot to my advocacy today.
DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?
When illness struck, I honestly didn’t know what to think or where to turn. It took years to overcome the fear of judgement and even longer learning to advocate for myself. I didn’t know how to value a body so damaged.
In my early 20’s I went through a series of surgeries. They didn’t cure me. — But they gave me hope.
With time I realized, it was up to me to change the trajectory of my life. No medication or surgery could do it for me. I had to grow out of my victim mentality and take charge of my life and healthcare. I had to train myself to see the beauty that resulted from pain and move on from fearing my body.
— So I did.
I wanted to create a community, but I didn’t know where to start.
So I decided to dive in. This time, instead of saying what I thought people wanted to hear, I decided to speak my truth. Fully. Unfiltered.
There were so dumps along the way, but nothing I didn’t take a lesson from. Two Fourth is a place for growth. A place for healing. A place for community.
— Not just for my own, but for yours as well.
Everyone loves a multifaceted queen
01
CHRONIC MENTORSHIP
Having a hard time accepting your diagnosis? Maybe you understand your condition, but have you truly accepted it? Or maybe it’s not the diagnosis at at all. Maybe it’s body image that has you down. Or simply staying positive through it all. – Trust me, I’ve been where you are. I’m here.
02
SOCIAL MEDIA
Having trouble reaching your ideal audience? Looking for creative new strategies to grow? I’m your girl!
03
ADVOCACY
Looking for a patient partner? Need first-hand patient insights on a product or service? Interested in sponsoring a post or video? Let me know!
GET TO KNOW ME BETTER
🙂
01
I was diagnosed with a chronic, autoimmune disease at 17 years old
02
I've been addicted to traveling since 25.
