“I chose to inspire, not hide”: How Mama Sean turned her son’s disability into a story of hope

When Shamim Johari, popularly known as Mama Sean, joined TikTok, she wasn't seeking fame. She wanted to raise awareness of cerebral palsy and show that raising a disabled child is not shameful.

Her five-year-old son, Sean Andrew, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after what she claims was negligent treatment in hospital during childbirth. Rather than retreating in despair, Shamim chose to share her journey publicly, transforming social media into a space for learning and healing.

“TikTok has become more than just an app for me. It’s a healing community. I want every parent to know that they are not alone and that their child deserves love and acceptance," she says.

On her @ShamimJohari account, the mother from Nakuru posts videos of Sean's therapy sessions, daily routines and happy moments, highlighting the challenges and joys of raising a child with cerebral palsy.

Her openness has struck a chord with many parents across the country, some of whom have reached out to her to say that her story has helped them to embrace their own situations.

“Many parents hide their children with special needs because of stigma. Through my videos, I show that having a child with cerebral palsy is not the end of the road it’s a journey of love and patience,” she says.

Behind the uplifting videos lies a reality of sacrifice and determination. Sean relies on anticonvulsant medication costing about 11,000 Kenyan shillings every month, and attends three therapy sessions a week, each costing 1,000 Kenyan shillings. Shamim says that the expenses can be overwhelming, but her resolve keeps her going.

“Some days I wonder how I will manage, but then I remember why I started to give my son the best life possible,” she says.

Beyond TikTok, Shamim regularly interacts with other mothers of children with cerebral palsy in live sessions where they share experiences and support one another.

Her growing influence has also drawn attention to the broader challenges faced by families caring for children with disabilities, including shortages of specialist schools, limited access to therapy and the high cost of assistive equipment.

“A good wheelchair for a child with cerebral palsy costs around Sh42,000 which many parents can’t afford,” she says.

Despite her early experiences of stigma, Shamim says she has learned to hold her head up high.

"Some people used to whisper or even call me cursed. But now, I walk with my head held high. I’ve learned to focus on love, not judgement.”

Through her courage and openness, Mama Sean has become a voice for inclusion and understanding, reminding Kenyans that disability is not a curse, but rather a call for compassion.

“I share our story because I want people to realise that having a child with cerebral palsy is not a punishment. These children deserve love, acceptance and equal opportunities," she says.