Survivor not Victim, Stories Behind my Scars and the Path to Thriving

Victim, survivor, thriver my camp counselors and mentors wrote down on the easel in front of us with the mountain view behind. I first learned this analogy while attending a camp for young burn survivors like me and since than a vision was formed. A vision of me living as a survivor and thriver to my burn injury and not a victim and helping others learn how to do the same. My book Survivor not Victim, Stories Behind my Scars and the Path to Thriving takes the reader on my survivor journey while outlining all the elements needed to live a life of survivorship and thrivership and not fall victim to life circumstances.  

At just two years old I was burned over 91 percent of my body. The doctors predicted I would have a grim chance of living and if I did, I would have no hands, feet, be blind, ventilator dependent and never live independently. Spoiler alert – I proved them all wrong! I take the reader on my journey of remembering the fire, the numerous surgeries (over 80!) and therapy to recovery, learning to find passion and belonging when I looked and felt ‘different,’ healing from post-traumatic stress and achieving thriving. While sharing my story I take the reader on the journey with me as demonstrate what it takes to build the Survivor Bridge, the bridge that can take them as well out of a life of victimhood and to survivorship and thrivership.  

Book Publication: Coming SOON!