In the Blink of an Eye

THIS IS A HUMAN BEING LYING HERE
SHE UNDERSTANDS WHAT YOU SAY
PLEASE TREAT HER AS A PERSON

These words were printed and attached to the hospital bed by the husband of Kate Adamson, a 33-year-old mother of two. After suffering a severe stroke during a morning routine, Kate was completely paralyzed. “I am in a glass coffin. I can see and hear everything, but I am shut off from everyone.” Kate suffered from what is called ‘Locked-In syndrome.’ “You are totally paralyzed – unable to move a finger or a toe – you cannot even blink to let anyone know you are alive and aware.” Kate’s communication began only with eye blinking, but through hard work and persistence, progressed to uttering syllables to being able to speak in public and write a book. She is the author of “Paralyzed but Not Powerless,” a story of her journey.

After she got out of the hospital, she had to overcome many obstacles in order to pursue her passion for speaking. This included dealing with spasms, spontaneous emotional outbursts, and being physically able to get to the podium to speak. She did not want to think of herself as a disabled person, “but a person dealing with and overcoming difficulties and challenges.”

Kate acknowledges that it was not easy getting where she is today, there were many obstacles and her recovery did not happen overnight. She explains that it may seem like a lot of trouble, but not when you are in pursuit of your passion and you know more or less the kinds of things that will challenge you along the way.

Kate has testified before Congress as to the degree of pain and suffering in a locked-in patient, and advocating for the right to live. “One Hand Clapping” is the title of her popular keynote presentation. She speaks to those who feel paralyzed in their professional or personal progress. She focuses on “what they can do and not on what they can’t.” When asked what changes need to be made to the workplace, Kate feels that we need to focus on “one’s ability rather than their disability.”

To learn more about Kate and her inspiring story, please visit: http://www.kateadamson.com/