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
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In this episode of "We're Not Stumped," host Mike Bolland sits down with the members of The Resilient, a band composed of talented musicians who have turned their personal challenges into powerful music. The Resilient is an American rock band primarily composed of severely wounded U.S. combat veterans, whose focus is writing and performing music that reflects the inspirations and hardships they've experienced in both their civilian lives and military careers.
In this powerful episode of "We're Not Stumped," hosted by Mike Bolland, we share three remarkable stories of resilience, determination, and triumph. Join us as we explore: The story of a man who lost both legs but continues to inspire others, woman born without arms now driving and Atlantic City police officer with limb loss threw out the first pitch at a Phillies game.
Join us for an inspiring episode of "We're Not Stumped," hosted by Mike Bolland, as we welcome two incredible guests: Dan Moses, a bilateral below-knee amputee, and Rachael Simukonda, a left below-knee amputee. In this episode, we dive into the importance of peer support and adaptive living for the disabled community. Dan and Rachael share their personal experiences and discuss how these initiatives are making a real difference in the lives of amputees and others with disabilities.
