Reinventing Emma : the inspirational story of a young stroke survivor

At just 24, Emma Gee's future stretches before her invitingly. She was an occupational therapist, an avid runner and had just climbed Borneo's Mt Kinabalu with a group of friends. But months later she was suddenly a stroke victim, unable to move, speak or swallow and dependent on the medical system she had worked within. Emma's story begins with a mystery, first developing disturbing symptoms, then becomes a tragedy when, during a difficult brain operation, she suffers a debilitating stroke and is left in a coma. Nine days later she wakes and must slowly come to terms with the fact that her future has changed forever. Tenaciously, Emma works her way back to walking and talking again. As a former health professional she has a rare insight into life as a patient, and emerges with a very different perspective on person-centred care and what it takes to live with resilience. Emma's story shows how, with love, support and a positive mindset, a life can still be incredible, even though not to the plan previously envisaged, and entailing a daily battle with poor vision, balance and mobility. Emma is now a loving auntie to a brood of nieces and nephews and has an amazing support network. Working as an inspirational speaker she is determined to benefit others by drawing on her own experience and deeper insights. Writing a diary before, after and, as much as was possible, during the ordeal, Emma has woven her observations and memories into a book. She has a sharp eye for detail and a sense of humour that, understandably, becomes quite black at times. This is not only the story of a young stroke survivor, but also a valuable observational memoir for health professionals, written by one of their own who has travelled to 'the other side' Emma Gee is one of Australia's acclaimed Inspirational Speakers, offering her thoughts and solutions on client-centred care and resilience through her keynote presentations, workshops and consultancy. With a background in Occupational Therapy and as a Stroke Survivor, Emma is a renowned expert and a living example of what it takes to step in another's shoes and truly bounce back in life. Through her inspiring presentations, Emma is able to both captivate and challenge her audiences to consider what IS possible in their own lives. Learning to speak again post-stroke, and realising the importance of sharing her story to help others, were the catalysts for Emma taking on speaking professionally. Today, and thousands of presentations later, Emma as an Inspirational Speaker has incredibly broad client group: from healthcare (associations, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities); businesses & corporate events; community organisations; through to educational facilities. She is also about to publish her first book. Emma is passionate about enhancing client-centred service delivery and resilience in the lives of all she works with and promises to leave her audiences inspired to bounce back and step up. Emma Gee's signature phrase is "that it's not what happens to you that matters, it's how you choose to deal with it!" will see her audiences moving past life's hurdles to what's possible Emma Gee is one of Australia's acclaimed Inspirational Speakers, offering her thoughts and solutions on client-centred care and resilience through her keynote presentations, workshops and consultancy. With a background in Occupational Therapy and as a Stroke Survivor, Emma is a renowned expert and a living example of what it takes to step in another's shoes and truly bounce back in life. Through her inspiring presentations, Emma is able to both captivate and challenge her audiences to consider what IS possible in their own lives. Learning to speak again post-stroke, and realising the importance of sharing her story to help others, were the catalysts for Emma taking on speaking professionally. Today, and thousands of presentations later, Emma as an Inspirational Speaker has incredibly broad client from healthcare (associations, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities); businesses and corporate events; community organisations; through to educational facilities. 'Reinventing Emma' is her first book. Emma is passionate about enhancing client-centred service delivery and resilience in the lives of all she works with and promises to leave her audiences inspired to bounce back and step up. Emma Gee's signature phrase 'it's not what happens to you that matters, it's how you choose to deal with it!' will see her audiences moving past life's hurdles to what's possible. At the age of twenty-four, 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.