Let’s dive into Stefan’s journey- a Push to Walk client since 2018. On July 4th, 2017, Stefan experienced a life-altering accident involving gravity workout bands, which resulted in a spinal cord injury (SCI) and a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Since then, Stefan has passionately advocated for individuals with similar injuries. I recently had the opportunity to ask him about the process of writing his first book following his injury—here’s what he shared:
How it All Started
Alongside my spinal cord injury, the fall also caused a traumatic brain injury that significantly impacted my memory. About 18 months to two years after the accident, I discovered how to use Siri to help me articulate my experiences. Initially, it was just a way to help me remember my life before the fall, essentially as a journal. However, after a few months of this journaling process, my youngest daughter, Hayden Anne, pointed out, “Dad, this isn’t just a great journal; it’s a really great book.” Her encouragement shifted my perspective, and as my executive decision-making abilities gradually returned, I began to view it as a book project.
The Writing Process
Writing the book proved to be incredibly therapeutic. It allowed me to exercise my brain, regain my ability to express myself and create sentences others could read and understand. Sharing parts and chapters with friends who enjoy reading was also motivating; their feedback and encouragement fueled my determination to continue.
The book took me about four years to complete. I started writing in 2019, but the onset of Covid-19 disrupted the project. Surprisingly, Covid became an unexpected source of motivation. Having faced a spinal cord injury and a traumatic brain injury, the pandemic seemed comparatively manageable. My previous experiences had made me acutely aware of how fragile life can be, so I was eager to get vaccinated and boosted, welcoming every bit of assistance available.
Healing Through Words
The positives of writing this book are manifold. On a personal level, it greatly contributed to my recovery from both the traumatic brain injury and the spinal cord injury. More importantly, I’ve received feedback from others who have found the book helpful and meaningful, which is deeply gratifying. For me, this book serves as a foundation for raising awareness and resources about traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological disorders.
Writing this book has also inspired me to continue expressing myself through writing. While this book was a nonfiction narrative, I am now motivated to embark on a fictional project that blends factual information with creative storytelling, adding a touch of drama to highlight these important causes.
Push to Walk
Ready to embark on your own journey of recovery and inspiration? Schedule a tour at Push to Walk today and discover how our innovative exercise therapy can help you achieve your goals, just like Stefan.
