When Two Stories Meet
Three years after life-changing spinal surgery, Lauren decided to mark how far she had come with a tattoo
Designed while she was still in hospital, the piece symbolised the journey she had been on since an aggressive spinal tumour diagnosis changed the course of her life.
The design features a sunrise over the ocean alongside the words A New Dawn Rises and is a reminder of the resilience, determination and hope that carried her through recovery.
As Lauren searched for the right artist to bring her vision to life, she was directed to Ink Chronicles Baldivis by her support worker. While browsing the studio online, she spotted a familiar face.
“I recognised her straight away,” Lauren said.
“I had seen her on GR8's social media and thought, I'm pretty sure that's her.”
The face belonged to Ashlie, whose family previously shared their story with GR8 Disability Housing.
Ashlie's son, Ethan, lives with complex disability needs and the family now lives together in a purpose-built home designed to support his needs and independence.
What neither woman expected was that a tattoo appointment would become an opportunity to connect through their shared experiences.
Although their journeys have been very different, both understand the challenges that can come with navigating a world that is not always designed with disability in mind.
For Lauren, that understanding was evident from the moment she arrived at the studio.
“Even the little things, like asking if I needed help with my wheelchair or offering to open the door, meant a lot,” she said.
“Those are the sorts of things people don't always realise can make a huge difference.”
Lauren's tattoo carries deep personal significance. Part of the design incorporates her own handwriting - something she worked hard to regain after surgery.
“Before my surgery, my handwriting was something I really loved and took pride in,” she said.
“When I lost the ability to write, I never knew if I'd get it back. Learning to write again was a huge milestone, so it felt really special to include it in the tattoo.”
For Ashlie, creating a welcoming environment is simply part of who she is.
Living alongside disability has shaped her understanding of the importance of accessibility, respect and making people feel comfortable.
“I love what I do, and I love making people happy,” she said.
“Lauren's tattoo had such a special meaning behind it, and it was amazing to be part of bringing that to life.”
While their connection may have happened by chance, it reflects something GR8 sees every day, community built through relationships, understanding and shared experiences.
Sometimes those connections happen in a home. Sometimes they happen in a workplace, a neighbourhood or a tattoo studio.
For Lauren and Ashlie, a chance encounter became a reminder that feeling seen, understood and supported can make all the difference.
