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 person-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. Emma has just published her first memoir, ‘Reinventing Emma’. Emma is passionate about enhancing person-focused 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.

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’. 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. For anyone that encounters seemingly insurmountable challenges in life. Read how Emma reinvents herself and develops resilience.

7 Reasons to Buy Emma’s Book

Develop RESILIENCE

Grow PERSPECTIVE

Be INSPIRED

Gain UNDERSTANDING

Choose to VALUE

Be CHALLENGED

Learn to EMPOWER

Available in all good book stores and via this website.

$29.99 for 1 book
$29.00 per book for 2-4 books
$28.00 per book for 5-7 books
$27.00 per book for 8-10 books

For orders of 10 or more, please contact us using this form.

When our beautiful daughter had a debilitating stroke at just 24 we thought we had lost her. Thankfully she survived. But the grief, helplessness and devastation that we felt was immense and is, in fact, ongoing. Such journeys are harrowing for any carer but we are in awe of the way she has guided us along the way, reinvented herself and found purpose and meaning through her disability. Her story not only details her own survival, but shows how grueling the process is for all those who support her. Em’s book, like her life, is just plain inspirational.

Lyn Gee
Emma’s Mother & Carer

‘What a wonderful book! If you find yourselfcomplaining about life’s foibles, coughs, colds, traffic tickets, waiting in queues or the weather, read this book. Some books are for entertainment, education or filling in time. This book is life changing. Emma’s story is one of courage, acceptance, compassion and resilience. With the love and support of her wonderful family, Emma takes you on a journey from great expectations and prospects to sudden and painful loss and back to a bright future. An extraordinary book written with candour, humour and hope. This book will change your attitude to misfortune and complaining and affirm your belief in the power of optimism, gratitude and the love of a close family.

Paddy Spruce
Award winning Speaker, Training Facilitator, MC and Coach.