Having overcome incredible hardships, my message is simple: dare to hope.
I’ve had the privilege of sharing my story with a wide range of audiences—schools, businesses, churches, hospitals, small group, libraries, and bookstores—encouraging listeners to face adversity head-on, never give up, and trust that there is purpose in the pain.
I welcome every opportunity to inspire others through my journey of faith, resilience, and healing. At its core, my story is about hope—hope that sustains, strengthens, and restores. I aim to motivate people around the world to live with greater tenacity, courage, and faith.
If you’d like to learn more about bringing me to speak to your group, please reach out through the online form.
Everything you need to know to book me for your next conversation! My media kit includes a book summary, author bio, suggested interview questions, and photos—all in one place!
Still Ticking delivers an inspirational perspective for enduring, adapting, and moving forward when life is not easy. When you need calm, clarity or courage, this is where you find it.
Neil Armstrong said, “One small step for man… one giant leap for mankind.” While my own journey to the moon is still TBD, I’m hoping to take one small step that leads to one giant leap for SickKids.
Today marks two powerful milestones this April.
April 6 was my 9th 'surgerversary'—9 years since my fourth open-heart surgery at the Ottawa Heart Institute, where my aortic arch ruptured and the team to save my life.
On April 10, a lifelong dream came true: I finally held a St. Jude mechanical aortic valve—the exact type implanted in me at age 14 at SickKids. Thanks to Abbott (who acquired St. Jude), I got to see and hold the device that’s been ticking inside me for decades.
What literally makes me tick? That little valve! What figuratively makes me tick? Watching impossible dreams become reality through persistence and kindness.
Grateful beyond words.
Last April, I had the honour of speaking at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute's Town Hall here in Ottawa. I was privileged to share my unique story and highlight the exceptional care I received as a patient. It was a special pleasure to meet Dr. Rob Beanlands, the Heart Institute’s President and CEO.
I remain deeply grateful for opportunities to share my journey and offer hope to others facing adversity.
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