Cazoshay Marie 4/21/24 Cazoshay Marie 4/21/24

Brain Injury Association of America: My Brain Injury Story

I’m honored to have had the opportunity to share a little bit about my journey with brain injury with the Brain Injury Association of America. I talked about how my family has been a great sense of support & much more in this feature! Click the link below to read the full story.

Read It Here

Cazoshay Marie 2/28/24 Cazoshay Marie 2/28/24

Disabilities As Superpowers

Question: What do J’onn J’onzz, Professor X & Geordi La Forge all have in common?

Answer: They all have disabilities & are also highly gifted!

Growing up, I was immersed in the fantastical worlds of superhero stories, comic books, & sci-fi shows & movies. In many instances these stories featured characters with extraordinary abilities, but what often fascinated me most were the ones who grappled with disabilities, yet still managed to shine as heroes. Characters like the Martian Manhunter, Professor X, & Geordi LaForge demonstrated that disabilities could be integrated into their identities, oftentimes even transforming them into valuable superpowers. Little did I know then that these stories were not just flights of fancy but reflections of real-life potential that I would have the opportunity to further explore after becoming disabled myself as the result of a life-altering traumatic accident.

In May of 2023, I had the opportunity to speak at the National Space Society’s International Space Development Conference. I shed light on an unconventional idea: disabilities can be superpowers, even in space. Historically, NASA's strict physical requirements have excluded individuals with disabilities from its astronaut program. However, a fascinating experiment in the late 1950s involving deaf individuals, known as the "Gadaullet Eleven," revealed an unexpected advantage. Their immunity to motion sickness due to inner ear impairments showcased how disabilities can offer unique strengths, and even advantages over able-bodied astronauts, in the field of space exploration.

The Power of Disability

In my research for my talk, I found very interesting information about how the plasticity of the brain allows for remarkable adaptations. When one sense is lost or absent, the brain compensates by enhancing others. This phenomenon, documented in a Stanford article, means that individuals with disabilities often develop heightened abilities in other areas. For example, blindness can lead to enhanced auditory awareness, making individuals more attuned to sounds around them.

My talk at the National Space Society’s International Space Development Conference

Harnessing Cognitive Diversity

Including individuals with disabilities in the design and planning of communities, events & environments offers invaluable insights. Our everyday experiences navigating accessibility challenges equip us with a unique perspective on designing inclusive environments. By incorporating the feedback of disabled individuals early in the design process, you can also help to avoid the need for costly retrofits later on down the line.

Pictured with Rod Pyle, Author, Editor-in-Chief, Radio Personality, Keynote Speaker for IBM, Smithsonian, NASA, BAE Defense, and others who also worked on the set of Star Trek!

Embracing the Potential

Often, disabilities are only limitations because society constructs them as such. Consider this: are disabilities inherent flaws, or products of an environment designed without diverse needs in mind? Reframing our perspective unveils new possibilities. Just as the deaf individuals in NASA’s experiments flourished in adverse conditions, our disabilities can propel us to creative solutions and inclusive designs.

Instead of viewing disabilities as limitations, why not explore how they can be utilized as superpowers? By harnessing the unique strengths that individuals with disabilities bring to the table, we can enhance the efficiency & inclusivity of the ways in which our world functions. Including disabled persons in these vital conversations not only expands our possibilities, but also fosters a more diverse and equitable future for all.

Conclusion

The examples I’ve shared here offer just a glimpse into the potential of disabilities as superpowers. Disabilities are not hindrances; they are superpowers awaiting discovery. By embracing the experience & expertise of those with disabilities, we can create a vibrant future that is truly accessible to all. As Professor X once said, "You have the chance to become part of something much bigger than yourself." Let's seize that opportunity and pave the way for a more inclusive journey into the future.

Pictured at my talk at the National Space Society’s International Space Development Conference

Sources

1. Stanford University School of Medicine. "Supersensors: How Loss of One Sense Impacts Others."

2. NASA. "How 11 Deaf Men Helped Shape NASA's Human Spaceflight Program."

3. Center for Universal Design. North Carolina State University.

4. Povinelli, Elizabeth. "The Case for Disabled Astronauts." Scientific American.

5. Astro Access. "About."

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©2024 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.

Cazoshay Marie 1/31/24 Cazoshay Marie 1/31/24

“Disabled & Elegant”

I have struggled these past few months with keeping my blog updated. Both physically & directionally. I’ve been endeavoring to post on my TikTok every day, have become an active member of the Brain Injury Association of America’s Advisory Council, have speaking events scheduled & I have an amazing Super Senior who is active & preparing for college. Needless to say, all that has been taxing on me physically & I haven’t been able to keep up with posting here.

I’ve also struggled with the direction that I want to take the blog in. I don’t feel like my previous posts, although many have been popular (“The Gentlemen’s (Southern") Spicy Pickled Eggs” from 2022 remains a top hit), I’m in a different place style-wise, & mentally as well.

When talking all this out with my Advisor (aka my much cooler than me Gen Z son), he said, “make it be about how you’re disabled and elegant. That’s you.”

Could it really be that simple?

He’s not wrong, that pretty much encompasses where I’m at in life. As a disabled person, especially as one living with invisible disabilities, there was a big part of me that felt like I had to present a certain way. Not dishonestly, but certainly holding back & not showing the real me for fear of judgment & negative reactions. (Which I have experienced more than my fair share of as a disabled person.

The real me loves fashion, luxury beauty (luxury anything really), etiquette, entertaining & dressing up for no reason other than that I’m grateful to be alive & realize what a blessing that is. Especially after being struck by a car traveling 48mph while crossing the street in downtown Phoenix. A traumatic event that could have easily taken my life. I’m no longer saving things for a “special occasion” because every day that God gives you is a special occasion.

Going forward, this blog will share even more about my experiences of living with disability, all from the perspective of an individual #SurTHRIVE-ing with elegance, grace & the vulnerability of showing who I really am as a person. Secondhand Chanel pumps and all. (Eco-friendly & cost-effective!)

All this means that there will still be recipes, but also tips for hosting easy & elegant dinner parties (hello, cloth napkin folding!) & maybe some outfit & beauty posts added for good measure. And of course I’ll be talking about life as someone living with traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, nerve damage & more.

I hope you’ll join along with me on the next part of my journey.

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Cazoshay Marie 6/14/23 Cazoshay Marie 6/14/23

ANNOUNCEMENT: MSKTC TBI Ambassador

I’m pleased to announce that I am now a TBI Ambassador for the Model System Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC).

MSKTC Offers Free Research-based User-friendly Resources for People Living With Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Burn Injury

The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC; https://msktc.org/) offers free research-based user-friendly information resources to support individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI; https://msktc.org/sci), traumatic brain injury (TBI; https://msktc.org/tbi), and burn injury (https://msktc.org/burn). MSKTC collaborates with researchers from the SCI, TBI and Burn Model System Programs to develop resources that cover a wide range of topics and are available in various formats such as factsheets (in both English and Spanish), infocomics, videos, and podcasts. MSKTC resources may be reproduced and distributed freely with appropriate attribution; prior permission must be obtained for inclusion in fee-based materials. Both the MSKTC and Model System Programs are funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, Administration for Community Living, US Department of Health and Human Services. For questions about MSKTC resources, please contact msktc@air.org.

Disclaimer: The contents of this resource were developed with funding from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DPKT0009). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this resource do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.

©Cazoshay Marie, 2023. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Cazoshay Marie 5/19/23 Cazoshay Marie 5/19/23

From Wreckage to Resilience: Celebrating Another Year of Overcoming and Embracing Life's Second Chance

They say that surviving a near-death experience changes you, and it couldn't be truer. Today marks the six-year anniversary since I emerged from the wreckage of a traumatic car accident, being struck by a car at 48mph while crossing the street in downtown Phoenix in 2017, and as I sit here, reflecting on the past year, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and resilience. Join me on this journey as I share my thoughts on this significant milestone and the lessons I've learned along the way.

Gratitude: Surviving a traumatic accident has taught me the true value of life. It's easy to take our existence for granted, but when faced with the fragility of our mortality, gratitude becomes an essential part of our daily lives. Every sunrise, every laugh, and every embrace takes on a newfound significance. I am grateful for the simple joys and the chance to experience them once more.
Resilience: The journey to recovery has been challenging, both physically and emotionally. But through the pain and the obstacles, I've discovered an inner strength that I never knew existed. The human spirit is remarkably resilient, and it's during our darkest moments that we find the courage to persevere. I've learned to face adversity head-on, embracing the challenges and transforming them into opportunities for growth with the help of God, my family and friends.
Perspective: Surviving a traumatic car accident has gifted me with a fresh perspective on life. The trivial worries that once consumed my thoughts have faded away, replaced by a profound appreciation for what truly matters. Relationships, love, personal growth, and making a positive impact in the world have taken center stage. I've learned to let go of the insignificant and embrace the beauty of the present moment.
Healing: Physical and emotional healing takes time, and it's a journey unique to each individual. As I reflect on my healing journey, I'm proud of the progress I've made, both physically and emotionally. Healing is not linear, and there have been many setbacks along the way. But with determination and the support of loved ones, I've learned to navigate through the ups and downs, celebrating each milestone as a victory.
Empathy and Connection: Having experienced the trauma of a traumatic pedestrian-car accident, I've developed a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for others. I now understand the importance of reaching out and supporting those who may be facing their own struggles. Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences has been invaluable, reminding me that I am not alone and that together, we can find strength in our shared stories. I am blessed to now be a speaker, content creator and disability advocate, sharing my experience and advocating for the disability community.

Surviving a traumatic car accident has forever changed me. Today, as I commemorate the six-year anniversary of that life-altering event, I am filled with a mix of emotions. Gratitude, resilience, perspective, healing, and empathy have become my guiding forces. The journey has been challenging, but it has also been transformative, reminding me of the incredible power of the human spirit. I look forward to the future with renewed determination and a deep appreciation for the precious gift of life.

©Cazoshay Marie, 2023. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Cazoshay Marie 4/29/23 Cazoshay Marie 4/29/23

National Distracted Drivers Month

Trigger Warning: Photos of facial trauma and injury after pedestrian-auto accident are shown in this post.

April is National Distracted Drivers Month, with the last week (April 23-29) being National Victims of Crimes Week. I couldn’t let this month end without sharing my personal experience with both of those traumatic subjects.

On May 19th, 2017 I was struck by a car traveling 48mph by a distracted driver who claimed to not have seen me as I crossed the street in a pedestrian crosswalk in downtown Phoenix.

The above photo shows what I looked like in the hospital after one of the top plastic surgeons in the state of Arizona spent two hours sewing my face back together. I sustained numerous injuries from the accident which have also resulted in several disabilities, including a traumatic brain injury, nerve damage and chronic pain-the effects of these conditions I deal with every single day.

Fast forward to 2023. Although my “invisible disabilities” still severely limit my activity, God has truly blessed me. I am grateful that I survived the accident at all, even though I must live with the negative effects of it every single day. The same night that I was hit, a man on a bicycle was also struck by a car but unfortunately he did not survive. So even though it’s difficult, I count myself blessed. Especially as a single mother, living with disabilities is not easy, but through my faith, family and friends I am able to endure.

Although I am unable to work due to my disabilities, when I am able to, I do speaking engagements and disability advocacy with the goals of not only educating the world about what the disability community faces (and how to make the world more accessible for us), but also about overcoming any kinds of adversities someone may be dealing with. The advice applies even to able-bodied persons. And I show you how to move forward with elegance and sparkle of course because that’s what makes all the difference, right? 😉

You can see the Events page for my upcoming speaking engagements, including the Rays of Hope Conference in Phoenix, Arizona and the International Space Development Conference in Frisco, Texas. Feel free to reach out to me and be sure to join me on my social media outlets where I share more lifestyle and disability content. Keep growing and glowing, friends!✨

Cazoshay Marie 4/27/23 Cazoshay Marie 4/27/23

ANNOUNCEMENT: Speaking at the 2023 National Space Society’s International Space Development Conference

I’m honored to announce that I will be heading to Frisco, Texas to speak at the National Space Society’s International Space Development Conference (ISDC) this summer to keynote on the topic “Disabled in Space: Accessibility Considerations on Space Settlements”. It's truly an honor to participate with visionaries & top personalities from NASA and newspace. The Society is doing incredible work by being dedicated to the creation of an all-encompassing spacefaring civilization. It is my privilege & blessing to continue to advocate for the disability community, even on the final frontier. See you soon, Texas!

Cazoshay Marie 3/13/23 Cazoshay Marie 3/13/23

Brain Injury Awareness Month Intro

Hello Darlings!

It has been quite some time since I’ve shared with you and I’d love to give you an update, but that is gonna’ take some time! March is Brain Injury Awareness Month and I’ve been sharing some great posts all about the subject on my Instagram, TikTok and Facebook pages.

Check out some of my tips below (stay tuned for part 2!) and look forward for more great ideas about how to be a #TBItastic #SurTHRIVEr after brain injury!

©Cazoshay Marie, 2022. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.