I am the Central Park Jogger book cover, by Trisha Meili.
Trisha Meili will be the guest speaker at the 10th Anniversary of the “Possibilities: Siskin Hospital Celebrates Life Beyond Disability” Luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 13. The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Ms. Meili's story is about the capacity of the human body and spirit to heal. It is a story of hope and possibility; however, it didn't begin that way. On April 19, 1989, Trisha went for a run in New York City's Central Park shortly after 9 p.m. Hours later, two men found her near death from a brutal assault. In a coma, with 80 percent blood loss, a traumatic brain injury and severe exposure, doctors at Metropolitan Hospital worried that this young woman might not survive. The story seized headlines, not only in New York City, but also around the world.
Ms. Meili revealed her story of survival and recovery 14 years later in her best-selling memoir, "I Am the Central Park Jogger: A Story of Hope & Possibility." The horror of the attack brought an outpouring of support and love from family, friends and even strangers. Ms. Meili credits this support as part of the miracle of her recovery as she relearned how to do simple things, such as rolling over, telling time, buttoning her blouse or identifying simple objects. The support allowed her to move from victim to survivor, reclaim her life and become whole.
Ms. Meili has appeared on numerous television shows including a Katie Couric Special, The Today Show, Dateline NBC, Larry King Live, The CBS Early Show, CNN and Fox News. Today, she speaks to audiences across the globe about her journey to recovery and healing. Her story has encouraged people worldwide to overcome life's obstacles- regardless of what they might be- and get back on the road of life.
Ms. Meili explains, “I am extremely excited about sharing my message of hope and possibility at the 10th Anniversary of Siskin Hospital's Possibilities Luncheon in February. I am eager to let attendees know that whatever the challenge, we can do more than we ever thought possible, especially with the help of an exceptional facility like Siskin Hospital.”
The Possibilities Luncheon will also feature personal stories of how patients have overcome their disabilities to achieve incredible accomplishments. There will be a patient video with footage of Siskin Hospital patients who have a recovery story to share. Love, courage and perseverance helped each person turn tragedy into triumph, as they discovered that life is full of possibilities.
A steering committee is working with Siskin Hospital employees to help coordinate the luncheon. Barby and Tom Edd Wilson are the 2013 steering committee co-chairs. The Possibilities Luncheon is Siskin Hospital’s only community-wide fundraising event, with proceeds helping to provide needed services for patients without adequate insurance to cover the cost of their care.
Individual tickets to the event are $75. Platinum sponsorship tables of eight are available for $2,000, Crystal sponsorship tables of eight for $1,500 and Patron sponsorship tables of eight for $1,000. For more information or to reserve a place at the Possibilities Luncheon, contact Sandy Howell by phone at 634-1208 or by email at showell@siskinrehab.org. Online registration and donation opportunities are available by visiting www.SiskinRehab.org.
Barby and Tom Edd Wilson