“I Cheated Death and Malaria”: Stephenie Rodriguez’s Story
“I Cheated Death and Malaria”: Stephenie Rodriguez’s Story  
Podcast: Searching For Heroes With Benjamin Hall
Published On: Mon Jul 13 2026
Description: “Death is going to have to fence me” — Stephenie Rodriguez Tech entrepreneur, global health ambassador, and wheelchair fencer Stephenie Rodriguez lost her feet to a near-fatal battle with malaria, but that is just a fraction of her story. Guided by unwavering purpose, she champions disabled individuals globally and develops technology to protect vulnerable women. Stephenie shares how she made sporting history as the first Australian female para-fencer to compete internationally since 1968. Now training with Team USA for the 2028 Paralympics, she continues to prove that absolutely nothing can slow her down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices