STORIES OF RESILIENCE Meningitis Survivors and Advocates Share Their Journeys

Welcome to another special and poignant episode of the Destiny is Debatable podcast. As we acknowledge World Meningitis Day on October 5th, we are honored to present a collection of heartfelt stories from around the globe, shared by individuals whose lives have been profoundly affected by meningitis.

Christine Bennborn from Sweden recounts the harrowing experience of losing her son, Mathias, to meningitis and sepsis in 2019. Driven by this tragedy, Christine founded Meningokockfonden in Sweden, dedicating herself to spreading awareness and advocating for better vaccination policies.

From Georgia, Shaquille Hodge, who transformed his grief into action after his wife, Percilla, succumbed to meningitis while they were on vacation. Shaquille established the PAMAH Foundation, named in honor of his wife, to educate and raise awareness about this silent killer through car shows and scholarship programs.

Katie Thompson, a meningitis survivor from South Carolina, who faced excruciating pain and near-death but emerged as a passionate patient advocate. Katie's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the importance of vaccination and awareness.

Claytone Musungu from Kenya shares his journey of founding the Meningitis Information Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya after witnessing the devastating impact of meningitis on a close friend’s family. Claytone's efforts to educate the public and work with the government aim to defeat meningitis by 2030.

Jayme Fahrer from New Jersey, who survived bacterial meningitis in 2009. Despite enduring severe physical and mental challenges, Jamie's determination to spread awareness and support others is truly inspiring. Her story emphasizes the urgent need for prompt medical care and the importance of prevention.

Tom Nutt, Chief Executive of Meningitis Now in the UK, sheds light on the critical work of his organization. From funding research and raising awareness to supporting affected individuals, Tom’s insights underscore the multifaceted approach needed to combat this disease. He also highlights the importance of vaccination and knowing the signs and symptoms of meningitis.

John Grimes wraps things up with a reminder of hope. Through his experience with meningitis, he quickly learned that survival wasn’t the end of his journey, it was just the beginning. John also offers his advice on the importance of acting now to shape your life into the future you want.

Throughout this episode, you'll hear powerful narratives of loss, resilience, and hope. These stories serve as a compelling reminder of the impact meningitis can have and the importance of continued efforts to spread awareness and promote vaccination. By sharing their experiences, our guests not only honor their loved ones but also strive to protect others from this preventable disease.

Through these efforts we will not just defeat meningitis, we’ll make meningitis nothing more than a historical footnote.

🎙️ PODCAST LINKS ⬇

JOHN GRIMES' MENINGITIS STORY :: https://podcast.johnbgrimes.com/blog/destiny-is-debabable-the-story-summary/

GET YOUR OWN DONT WAIT MUG! :: https://amblind.creator-spring.com/listing/destiny-dont-wait-black?product=1565

For show notes, guest profiles, photos, blog, social media links & more, visit JohnBGrimes.com

.:: Destiny is Debatable is a Cemblem production and made possible by the generous support of our listeners and Executive Producer, Erin Grimes.

Please consider supporting to sustain our content. :: https://ko-fi.com/ambiguouslyblind

.

Kevin's story begins with a passion for motocross, fueled by the adrenaline of performing gravity-defying stunts. But life took a dramatic turn when a catastrophic accident left him paralyzed. In a split second, Kevin had to decide between two grim outcomes: staying on his bike and risking a broken neck or jumping off and potentially breaking his legs. He chose the latter, leading to a life-altering injury that would test his resilience and spirit.

As fate would have it, Kevin wasn't new to the world of spinal injuries. Just a few years earlier, his father had suffered a similar accident, leaving him paralyzed. The irony of both father and son facing such challenges is not lost on Kevin, who candidly shares the emotional and physical toll it took on his family. His mother, a beacon of resilience, navigated the turbulent waters of having both her husband and son in wheelchairs.

Kevin's recovery journey is a testament to human spirit and determination. From wiggling his first toe six weeks after the accident to walking and riding again within a year, his path was anything but easy. Along the way, he discovered a new passion in Paralympic sledge hockey, eventually earning a bronze medal in Sochi. This experience led him to a new calling: sharing his story and inspiring others through public speaking.

In his keynote presentations and coaching program, Kevin delves into what he calls the "Hero Mindset." He offers invaluable insights into navigating life's transitions, whether due to disability, career changes, or personal challenges. His message is clear: acceptance doesn't mean giving up; it's the first step toward a fulfilling life.

Kevin's humor and candidness make his story relatable and engaging. From humorous anecdotes about crop-dusting VIP audiences to the heartwarming tales of his current life with his girlfriend and her two children, Kevin's narrative is a rollercoaster of emotions and life lessons.

Join us for this compelling episode of Destiny is Debatable and discover how you, too, can adopt the Hero Mindset to overcome life's obstacles and build the life you want.

Don't wait—tune in now and start your journey toward a resilient and fulfilling life!

🎙️ EPISODE LINKS ⬇

Kevin's Profile (bio, social inks, etc.) :: https://podcast.johnbgrimes.com/guests/kevin-rempel/

Kevins's Website :: https://kevinrempel.com/

🎙️ PODCAST LINKS ⬇

JOHN GRIMES' MENINGITIS STORY :: https://podcast.johnbgrimes.com/blog/destiny-is-debabable-the-story-summary/

GET YOUR OWN DONT WAIT MUG! :: https://amblind.creator-spring.com/listing/destiny-dont-wait-black?product=1565

For show notes, guest profiles, photos, blog, social media links & more, visit JohnBGrimes.com

.:: Destiny is Debatable is a Cemblem production and made possible by the generous support of our listeners and Executive Producer, Erin Grimes.

Please consider supporting to sustain our content. :: https://ko-fi.com/ambiguouslyblind

.

In this episode, host John Grimes sits down with Jonathan Tuteur, an executive leadership coach, speaker, and author of the forthcoming book, Seizing Today, to discuss his remarkable journey with epilepsy.

Johnathan shares his story, from frequently being misidentified as John Stewart to his life-changing epilepsy diagnosis at the age of 30. With over 500 seizures, multiple brain surgeries, and countless tests, Jonathan has faced significant challenges. Through his trials and tribulations, he has discovered a new purpose and authenticity in his life.

Listen in as John talks about the complexities of epilepsy, the importance of de-stigmatizing the condition, and his efforts to raise awareness. He also discusses his upcoming book, "Seizing Today: Discovering Purpose and Authenticity in a Life-Changing Diagnosis," which provides an in-depth look into his experiences that highlights resilience, the power of finding your true calling, and the significance of a supportive community.

Does Jon Tuteur look like John Stewart? See for yourself.

🎙️ EPISODE LINKS ⬇

Jonathan Tuteur's Guest Profile (bio, social inks, etc.) :: https://podcast.johnbgrimes.com/guests/jonathan-tuteur/

Jonathan's Website :: https://triplepllc.co/

Jonathan's Authority Magazine Article :: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/unstoppable-how-jon-tuteur-has-redefined-success-while-navigatin

🎙️ PODCAST LINKS ⬇

READ JOHN GRIMES' MENINGITIS STORY :: https://podcast.johnbgrimes.com/blog/destiny-is-debabable-the-story-summary/

GET YOUR OWN DONT WAIT MUG! :: https://amblind.creator-spring.com/listing/destiny-dont-wait-black?product=1565

For show notes, guest profiles, photos, blog, social media links & more, visit JohnBGrimes.com

.:: Destiny is Debatable is a Cemblem production and made possible by the generous support of our listeners and Executive Producer, Erin Grimes.

Please consider supporting to sustain our content. :: https://ko-fi.com/ambiguouslyblind

.