Kate Adamson
At the age of 33, Kate Adamson suffered massive brain injury due to a brainstem stroke. This stroke left her "locked in", leaving her completely immobile – unable to walk, talk, move, or swallow.
Surviving one in a million odds, Kate overcame her paralysis and has become a tireless advocate for the disabled. She inspires corporate and government audiences to appreciate how those who effectively deal with their disabilities tend to develop levels of creativity and resourcefulness beyond what they would have had they never suffered the disability.. Her unique story not only applies to any individuals feeling trapped – paralyzed - by limitiations, but also directly relates to corporations experiencing their own forms of paralysis due to global changes in their business, the economy, human resources issues, government regulations and more.
Kate is author of "Paralyzed but Not Powerless" and brings audiences to their feet in enthusiastic appreciation, moving them to action with focus, determination and courage.
Topic Categories
- Motivation, Inspiration
- Health, Wellness
- Disability
Accomplishments
- Kate became a director of the Stroke Association of California and later a National spokesperson and local board member for the American Heart Association. Last year, she testified before Congress on behalf of the AHA for an increase in federal funding for stroke and heart research, and was a spokesperson at last year's AHA Volunteer Leadership Conference in Washington. She has visited the White House and discussed issues involving Americans with disabilities with the President's policy making staff on health. Currently, Kate is involved with United Way in Los Angeles and has spoken at their pledge campaign functions.
- She was appointed to the University of Southern California, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy Board of Counselors.
- Her story has been featured in Redbook, Prevention, and many other national magazines. She was a finalist in the Prevention magazine's national Picture of Health competition and has appeared on Larry King Live, CBS Sunday Morning News, CNN, Fox News, The O'Reilly Factor, The Abrams Report, MSNBC, ABC, 700 Club, Coral Ridge Ministries and the Trinity Broadcast Network.
In Her Words
"A powerful and inspiring story for providers and patients… "
--Michael A. Elliott, MD, Medical Director, Neuroscience Institute, Virginia Mason; Director, Stroke Center; Section Head, Neurology
"Inspiring and informative. Strength of will is the most important element of rehabilitation." --James Gordon, EdD, PT, FATPA Assoc. Dean & Chair, USC Division of Biokinesiology and PT
Key Notes
Fee Range: 5,000 to 7,500 USD Lives In: Redondo Beach, California
Books
Presentation Titles
- Kate's Story: The View from the Other Side of the Bed --
This presentation gives healthcare professionals and patients' advocates a chance to see the view from the other side of the bed. Kate shares her experience of being a critically ill hospital patient, unable to communicate but fully aware of the work going on around her. She speaks about the contribution that doctors, nurses, physical and vocational therapists, hospital administrators and even insurance companies made in her recovery. Kate's husband, attorney and patient advocate Steven Klugman, is available to participate in breakouts and panel discussions and share valuable insights into the role of an advocate. Her experience powerfully illustrates the miracle of healing and the opportunity for healthcare professionals at every level to bring about that miracle.
Kate's story has been featured in various national magazines, including Redbook, Vim & Vigor, Caregiver, Keeping Well, Prevention and The Female Patient. She has done numerous national and local radio and TV interviews, including Larry King Live, The Bill O'Reilly Factor, The Abrams Report, Fox News, MSNBC, ABC, NBC and the 700 Club, Coral Ridge Ministries, and Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN). She has been featured on Lifetime TV's 'Speaking of Women's Health.' Kate was one of five national finalists in Prevention magazine's 'Picture of Health' competition. She is a published author of Paralyzed but not Powerless. - One Hand Clapping: Appreciation before Accommodation --
This presentation focuses on disability issues including human resources and compliance issues. Kate shows that employees and executives who have had to persist in spite of disabilities tend to develop uncommon creativity, determination, and resourcefulness that can lead to extraordinary contributions in the work place. Accommodation held in this context becomes a wise business move and a pleasure for all. Kate is determined to shift the attitude and approach of businesses and government agencies regarding disability accommodation. She shows employers how to shift the burden of straight jacket regulations, policies, procedures and legal requirements the government forces upon them into an opportunity to increase efficiency and productive in their work place.
- One Hand Clapping: Paralyzed but not Powerless --
This powerful presentation engages your audience and lets them experience what it is like to face million-to-one odds and still prevail. Once considered dead – her life not worth saving – Kate recovered from locked-in syndrome (total paralysis while conscious) and is now a professional author and speaker. Kate's presentation shows her audience that the techniques she used to overcome her paralysis can help them overcome professional and organizational paralysis. Kate's story demonstrates that there is nothing you cannot accomplish with the right attitude and the right tools.
- The "I" in Team --
Have you ever wondered why some people win against overwhelming odds, when almost everyone else loses in the same circumstances? What makes a winner? What makes a hero?
This exciting new speech provides the audience with a detailed road map that explains step by step how Kate managed to go from virtually dead to vibrantly alive. Kate explains how she was able to find the inspiration and inner strength to create a team to help her do the impossible, and how you can do the same in your life. Kate's lessons and her system for breaking through against hopeless odds teach us all how we can overcome the challenges that keep us from moving forward in our lives and achieving our goals. This inspirational program will empower your group to create exceptional results in both their personal and professional lives.