A young St George mother has turned her story of living with brain injury after a horror cycling accident into a new book, The Gift – Finding Strength Within When you Need it Most.
Emily Martin is launching her book in St George on Monday 22 February and in Toowoomba on Tuesday 23 February at 5pm.
Almost a year ago to the day, Emily was in a life-threatening accident while on a morning cycle with two mates.
The dynamic business owner’s well-ordered life imploded as she lay in the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU) at Princess Alexandra Hospital with a range of physical injuries, memory and sight issues and acquired brain injury.
Emily’s book is her reaction to her new situation and her ongoing recovery and rehabilitation which has affected not only herself but all those around her.
“My outlook on life will never be the same,” Emily said.
The book launch and sales will also raise funds for the RFDS and the BIRU, with both organisations playing a critical role in Emily’s recovery.
Emily’s RFDS flight from St George to Brisbane on the 21 February last year was delayed by Cyclone Marcia.
Finally arriving at Princess Alexandra Hospital immediate and extensive testing revealed a brain trauma with Emily unable to recall her name, age or where she lived.
Over the next six weeks, Emily was involved in intensive treatment and rehabilitation involving speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. It took time for her to come to terms with her condition and that life would never be the same for her again.
During her six weeks in hospital, Emily’s friends and the St George community rallied around creating a timetable to provide the care needed for her three children to maintain a relatively normal life.
“I was brought to tears when I returned home and saw the timetable of activities and the freezer full of home cooked meals.”
Emily has framed her story around the nine signature strengths she believes are essential to creating a well-lived life.
