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.

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 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.