Helen Ross Lee’s memoir The Phoenix Rising shows us a successful nurse, mum, and hang gliding champion at the top of her game. In 2008, she suffered a tragic accident in a practice takeoff maneuver that resulted in a grievous traumatic brain injury (TBI), which precipitated a coma and temporary amnesia. Helen refused to give up or give in, regardless of the gloomy prognosis from medical experts. Her ten-year struggle to rehabilitate and return to work (with the support of her family) will inspire anyone who has experienced or cared for someone with stroke, TBI, and other long term chronic illness.
"The Phoenix Rising is an original and bold addition to a growing number of memoirs by survivors of TBI. Shedding light on the TBI epidemic across the globe, Australian writer Lee guides readers from her days as a dedicated nurse, mother, wife, and adventurous hang glider pilot, and down into continual torment that is life and recovery from TBI—her honesty is stunning in detail. "
—Kelly Bouldin-Darmofal, TBI survivor, author of 101 Tips for Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury
“Go, Helen! You deserve all the recognition possible. Your book details an amazing fight for life and an incredible will to live that life to the fullest.”
—Barbara Proudman, editor, Tamborine Times, Queensland
“The Phoenix Rising is an ideal read for all people whom have been told that recovery is impossible, that hard work will not pay off, and that life with a acquired brain injury cannot be fruitful. Moreover, this book is a unique inspirational story from which all will draw strength and motivation to use in our individual lives.”
—Travis Docherty, MPhty, B Ex Sc, assistant professor, Bond University, director of Allied Health Services Australia
"It is a privilege to know you, Helen, and your story is worth telling the world about and sharing! Your determination will no doubt inspire others to never, ever give up! I thank you for not holding back and sharing intimate details of your life with the reader. I am so honoured to know the writer in person and to have been able to follow her amazing recovery over the years. You and your book are truly inspirational."
—Michaela Kloeckner, ceramic artist, Gold Coast Potters Association
Learn more at www.ThePhoenixRising.com.au
