At 33, with two small toddlers and sustaining a massive brainstem
stroke leaving her completely paralyzed, Kate Adamson's inner strength was most tested.
Who/what contributed to your inner strength?
Those close to me, family and friends along with the doctors, nurses and team of therapists,
all helped. My faith kept me grounded during those lonely days when I had no way of
communicating with anyone other than God. I never lost hope that I would receive a miracle.
When in your life was your inner strength particularly tested and how did you deal with the incident?
At 33, with two small toddlers and sustaining a massive brainstem stroke leaving me completely
paralyzed, I was most tested. I was aware of what was going on around me but totally helpless.
As scary and isolating as it was, the one move I could make was blink and that is where I
directed my complete will and focus. No matter how small it seemed, how insignificant, it
mattered and it made a difference. I communicated by blinking out letters on a chart to those
around me. Blinking was that first step toward my goal of regaining my life.
What suggestions do you have to help people realize their capabilities?
Focus on what you can do. Too many people focus on what they can’t do and become paralyzed by
the fear instead of what they can do.
Why is it important to focus on inner strength?
Until I was faced with adversity, I had no idea what my inner strengths were. Determination
along with inner strength and persistence are key elements for getting through any adversity.
Everyone at some point in their lives experiences a life-changing event. Will you be ready? Our
inner strength at some point will be tested. Getting through this only makes us stronger. No
matter how hard this was, I kept a positive attitude and stayed in the moment. I did not look at
the future or the past.
What are your next goals and what positive thoughts or activities keep you striving toward your goals?
I found out what those hidden inner strengths were through my experience, one being that I could
write an award-winning book, "Kate’s Journey; Triumph over Adversity." The book has been an
inspiration and hope to so many around the world who have had loved ones in the same position I
found myself. Drawing on that inner strength I have come out on top. I used to ask, why me? Now
I say, why not me? We never "arrive," but continue to strive to touch other lives making a
difference. That keeps me going. My next goal is to write another book, I got through this …
now what?
