Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Renee Walker.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It’s been a long road, but my story began on June 1st, 2008, three other young ladies and I were involved in a tragic accident that left one dead, two emotionally wounded with minor injuries, and me shot in my head by a stray bullet, two days after my 21st birthday. I lost conscious and was immediately rushed to Saint Louis University (SLU) Hospital. Upon arrival, I had to have a procedure that involved draining my brain to reduce the swelling before proceeding to surgery. After surgery, I was put in a medically induced coma, which I remained in for a month and a half. I had to have a trach in my throat to help me breathe, a feeding tube, I lost my ability to speak for four months, and the ability to walk.
For several weeks my status was extremely critical. The doctors had a talk with my parents and suggested pulling the plug because they felt I would be a vegetable, due to the lack of brain activity. However, they chose not to and wanted to give me a chance, which I’m thankful they did. After a few weeks, I was taken to an extended care hospital, but I was having trouble breathing and an infection was found in my head. So, I was transported back to SLU Hospital, where I had to undergo my 2nd brain surgery.
After the 2nd surgery, I began showing brain activity, so I was then transported to Saint Mary’s Hospital, where my rehabilitation journey began, and I made major strides in my recovery. Where I regained my speech, I gained control of my head, my trach was removed along with my feeding tube. It was recommended that I go to an advanced facility for rehabilitation, and even though it was hundreds of miles away from my family, I went. After being there for a little over a month, I was then taken to a nursing home because my family didn’t have an accessible Home.
At last, I’m home continuing physical therapy, inching closer every day with a smile on my face, and for that I give God Glory. I have also graduated college twice, am a Professional Speaker, have a published book, working on my 2nd one, ”Dear June 1st,” became a Filmmaker, helping other survivors share their story on my interview platform called, TBI Uncovered, on social media, and offering coaching services for those with a TBI.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has not been smooth, but rather bumpy along my journey. It’s as if I’m a baby all over again because I’ve had to learn how to redo several things beginning with learning how to hold my head up, relearning how to sit by myself to maintain my balance, relearn how to talk again, and now, relearning how to walk. On the journey of relearning how to walk, I had to undergo Achilles tendon lengthening surgery to have the ability to stand and ultimately without having an arch in my feet.
However, all that I’ve been through has shaped and molded me into who I am and for that, I’m thankful.
There’s Beauty Inside TBI Coaching – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) Coach, who assists survivors with transforming their mindsets from their traumatic experiences to purpose. I am most proud of the responses I’ve received from other TBI survivors and seeing their transformations that they desire.
What sets me apart is that I too am a TBI survivor, so I can relate to other survivors in a way that other people who haven’t been in a traumatic situation can.
I’m an Author of my book “Through the Lens: A Book of Short Stories,” and my new upcoming book about my personal story, “Dear June 1st,”
As well as a Professional Speaker, who was the Keynote Speaker at the 15th Annual Brain Injury Association Conference for the state of Missouri, Filmmaker that has created several documentaries, and lastly, I assist others with their film productions and documentaries and held the roles as Casting Director, Campaign Manager, and Associate Producer.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as fulfilling your God-given purpose that you were placed here on Earth to accomplish all the while helping others along the way. My criteria for success is prayer, being thankful for the knowledge and skills you have acquired, and working hard at what you desire to achieve. It’s a journey to become successful, but with faith and patience, you will get there.
The markers I look out for is one’s character and ability to remain humble, no matter what plateau or level of success they have reached.
Pricing:
- The prices for my TBI Coaching services vary depending on the time frame and how often coaching is needed.
- The price for my 1st book “Through the Lens: A Book of Short Stories,” is $10.95 on both Amazon and Barnesandnoble.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theresbeautyinsideTBIsupportgroup
- Email: ericarenee878@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericarwalker878/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricaRWalker878/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricaReneeWalk8
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgDYjxwPn9mzMH85FmUIkg/featured?view_as=subscriber
Image Credit:
Zachary Clark, Mia Bible, Alyssa Grese and Keta Rice.
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