Reinventing Emma (25 page)
Authors: Emma Gee
How to Stay in Touch with Emma
For any questions or obtaining further information about booking Emma for your upcoming event please contact her via her website at
emma-gee.com
Acknowledgements
I can't list all of the people who have contributed to my recovery and my life. The toll my condition has placed on others' lives is huge. But not a day goes by that I'm not aware of the massive sacrifices that many of you have made. I would not be where I am today without your care, dedication and assistance. You have ensured my life has balance and meaning. Thank you.
Thank you to Mr. McMahon, Professor Morgan and Elizabeth Ritson for saving my life. I am deeply grateful for your incredible skills and expertise, and that of the many other health professionals who have been instrumental in my recovery.
Particular thanks go to my incredible family. To my mum for the endless hours you sat by my side, supporting me, grounding me and giving me hope. Although it was grueling for us both, you helped me read, relive and articulate this story. Also to my dad, for your incredible wisdom, encouragement and support.
With gratitude to my siblings and their families for constantly refueling my motivation. Your support and belief in me has shown that anything's possible. A special thanks to Kate and Doug for your encouragement and advice during the editing process!
Also thank you to Paddy Spruce, my speaking mentor and friend, who helped me find my voice, communicate my message and kept me grounded.
And of course I am so appreciative of those involved in the publishing of this book. To my editor, Annie Hastwell, for her unwavering patience and dedication in helping me sift through my endless folders of writing. Your efforts enabling me to relay my story were extraordinary. Also to my publicist Deb and all those who reviewed my writing, providing me with such powerful endorsements which will help me convey my message to a wider audience. With special thanks to Julie and the OpenBook Creative team for your incredible skills, guidance and constant consultation, always striving for the best outcomes.
âEmma Gee's story will move you
deeply and her resilience will astound you.'
Dr Russ Harris, M.B.B.S. Author of The Happiness Trap
A
t the age of 24 Emma Gee's future stretched before her invitingly. But just weeks after climbing Borneo's Mt Kinabalu, this occupational therapist and avid runner, develops disturbing symptoms. Her story moves from mystery to tragedy when, during difficult brain surgery, she suffers a debilitating stroke and is left in a coma.
When she wakes she is unable to move, speak or swallow, and is suddenly dependent on the medical system she had worked within. Emma must come to terms with learning to walk and talk again, and adapting to a completely new life.
Reinventing Emma
tracks Emma's experiences as she reinvents herself. Weaving excerpts from her diary, observations and memories, her story is a powerful testament to how, with love, support and a positive mindset, a life can still be incredible.
About the Author
Emma Gee is an inspirational speaker with a rare insight into life as a patient and therapist. She has a powerful perspective on person-centred care, and is a compelling example of what it takes to live with resilience.