From ICU Survival to Advocacy: Vanessa Abraham’s Journey
In a gripping tale of resilience and recovery, Vanessa Abraham emerged from a life-threatening illness that left her battling not only for her life but also against the psychological impacts of her intensive care unit (ICU) experience. Discover how she navigated these challenges, her literary endeavor to share her story, and her plans to commemorate her survival milestone.
Vanessa’s Connection to NAU
Vanessa Abraham attended a summers-only program in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) at Northern Arizona University (NAU), graduating in 2013. Residing in Phoenix during her studies, she appreciated the convenience and support of living with her aunt and uncle.
Current Professional Endeavors
Today, Vanessa is a school-based speech pathologist and the owner of Aneu Healing, a rehabilitation practice. As a certified Neufit practitioner, she aids individuals in recovering from neurological disorders. Vanessa is also an advocate and speaker, focusing on educating the public about the effects of medical trauma on ICU survivors, particularly regarding Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS).
The Medical Crisis
In 2019, Vanessa’s life was upended by a severe illness that left her paralyzed and reliant on life support. As a dedicated mother and speech language pathologist, she was abruptly thrust into a fight for survival, unable to care for her child or herself. The experience not only tested her physically but also emotionally, as she grappled with the isolation and uncertainty of her condition.
Her Written Work
Vanessa authored “SPEECHLESS: How a Speech Therapist Lost Her Ability to Speak and Her Silent Struggle to Reclaim Her Voice and Life,” a book highlighting the psychological impact of ICU stays and PICS. Through her narrative, she seeks to illuminate these often-overlooked aspects of recovery and foster a compassionate environment for ICU survivors and their families.
Impact of NAU Education
Her education at NAU laid a crucial foundation in understanding neurological impairments and rehabilitation, providing her with insights that became invaluable during her own recovery as a speech pathologist.
Childhood Influences
Vanessa’s parents, exemplifying hard work and perseverance, profoundly influenced her. Their dedication instilled in her a sense of resilience that she drew upon during her ICU ordeal. Their example of enduring challenges with grace became her source of strength.
Personal Reflections and Aspirations
On her days off, Vanessa enjoys solitude, hiking, and self-care activities such as sound baths and massages. Her bucket list includes meeting friends from her medical journey in person, celebrating the 10th anniversary of her medical diagnosis in the Caribbean, and attending a health-focused mindfulness retreat.
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