In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Abraham, a certified Speech-Language Pathologist whose life took an unexpected turn when she became the patient. After a sudden illness left her paralyzed and unable to speak, Vanessa faced the daunting task of reclaiming her voice and identity.
Vanessa shares her harrowing experience of battling Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), the emotional toll of being unable to communicate, and her path to recovery. Her story is not just one of survival but of transformation, leading her to become an advocate for ICU survivors and author of the memoir Speechless: How a Speech Therapist Lost Her Ability to Speak and Her Silent Struggle to Reclaim Her Voice and Life.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The sudden onset of her illness and ICU experience
- The psychological impact of PICS
- Her journey from patient back to practitioner
- Insights from her memoir, Speechless
- Her mission to educate others about the unseen challenges ICU survivors face
Vanessa’s resilience and dedication to helping others navigate similar challenges are truly inspiring. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a survivor, or someone interested in stories of human strength, this episode offers valuable insights.
🔗 Learn more about Vanessa’s work: Aneu Healing – https://aneuhealing.com/
📘 Check out her memoir: Speechless on Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Speechless-Therapist-Ability-Struggle-Reclaim/dp/B0DS96R6XT
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Join congenital right hand amputee host Mike Bolland in this episode of "We're Not Stumped," where we dive into three incredible stories of amputees who have defied the odds and achieved remarkable feats: The First Female Double Amputee to Earn a Colorado CDL, 12-Year-Old's Journey After 30 Surgeries and A Race Champion’s New Journey.
In this episode: Lively Limbs Amputee Support Group in Mesa Celebrates 22 Years, Against All Odds: Baker County's Jay Wilson Thrives as Double Amputee Firefighter and Business Owner and Dream Home in 10 Days: Ground Broken on a Home for Quadruple Amputee. Tune in to "We're Not Stumped" for inspiring stories of triumph, support, and innovation in the limb difference community. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now!
