photograph by Orion Letizi
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- Literary Representation:
Ayesha Pande
Ayesha Pande Literary
www.pandeliterary.com
ayesha AT pandeliterary DOT com - Film & TV:
Leslie Conliffe
IPG
leslie AT ipglm DOT com
Hi Christine,
I had a stroke when I was 36. I developed a clot in my carotid artery (right side) which traveled to my brain. I was at home when it happened. I all of a sudden couldn’t process things, had a horrible horrible headache, and I couldn’t seem to get up off of the floor all of a sudden. I was able to call 911 for myself…with the help of my 5 year old. She was able to bring my phone to me. I was treated by a stroke team at Emory University Hospital. They gave me TPA and I regained all feeling on my left hand side immediately….amazingly. I don’t get to talk about my experience often. Most people my age can’t fathom going through something like this, and they don’t realize how lucky, blessed I am to be alive. No one can look at me and tell that I’ve had a stroke. They have no idea what I’ve been through. Three months before my stroke my mother died from cancer…very quickly. My father is deceased as well. So, I’m in this world feeling kind of alone. I have a sister but she’s married and has her life to live.
I just wanted to share this since I know you can relate. My life has new meaning and I’m trying my best to live to my fullest potential. I can tell that you feel that same feeling. If you know of any resources/support groups that might help me please let me know. If you have a moment please reach out to me. I’m so thankful that I stumbled across your story. Take care of yourself and your child.
Greetings from Stroke Recovery Association of BC in Vancouver. We have been reading about your book with great interest. Best of luck and if we can help in any way with your recovery please let us know!
Hi Tim! Thank you so much. And please let me know how I can help your association!
Christine- My name is Paula Sparks. At the age if 53 I suffered a stroke due to a veinous sinus thrombosis. That was 12 years ago, and I am doing fairly well, but as you know, physical revovery does not always mean you are truly revovered. For 8 years I have been a member of a group called Brain Injury Voices, in Portland Maine. We are a group of 10 survivors who have all experienced a brain injury— strokes, car accidents, brain surgery, falls, and more. We educate, advocate, and support those living and working with BI. We do this as mentors, support group facilitators, speakers and workshop and conference presentors. In October we are once again presenting at the Maine Brain Injury Association workshop. Our workshop is titled “ TBI: To Be Inspired. We have chosen several books written by survivors and caregivers to use as our Inspiration. We will share quotes from the books and use them as a focus for discussion . We often do this in our support groups, and it is well received. Your book is one which we will be sharing quotes from. We will be giving away signed copies of the books we use to a few lucky participants of the approximately 60 survivors, professionals, and caregivers. We are hoping you will be willing to sign two of your books for us to purchase and give away.
Thank you for sharing your story with others..we know how much work went into the writing and publishing of such an undertaking. I look forward ro hearin from you soon.
Hi @Paula!
Thank YOU so much for choosing my book to read! I’m so honored.
I’ve set up an arrangement with my local bookstore, East Bay Booksellers for signed books. If you order books from them and SPECIFY in the NOTES section that you want a signed copy (or two, or three)–and if you wish customization (i.e., addressed to a particular person)…they will fulfill it!
I live up the street, and this has worked very well. 🙂 And you will be supporting a local bookstore!
The link for purchase is here:
https://www.ebbooksellers.com/book/9780062422156
thank you again.
Christine
Christine..the book store has received our ( Brain Injury Voices) order for your book. They are waiting for you to come buy and sign it so they can send it out
. Our conference date is quickly approaching, so I just wanted to remind you about it. Thanks again for sharing your story with others! Paula Sparks
Hi Paula. I signed it this weekend–and hopefully, they’ll send it out today! Thank you so much. 🙂