Julie Papievis died in a car accident. But God had other plans...
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Dear friends,
On May 10, 1993 my life was changed forever because a teenager ran a red light. I suffered a severe brain stem injury and medically died. Immediately, I was transported to heaven's doorstep. Knowing I was surrounded by loved ones, I felt like I was "home". I saw my grandmothers, who told me my body would heal. They said, "Go back and be happy."
A month later, I awoke and found myself paralyzed and helpless. I was in a locked brain injury wing of a rehabilitation hospital. Although medical experts said I would never walk again, or be able to take care of myself, I didn't listen. I believed the words of my grandmothers.
Through extensive therapy, I relearned how to stand, walk, and swallow. Though I faced daunting physical challenges and battled severe depression, I embraced my gift of recovery as a true miracle. It was a painful but remarkable recovery. Just five years later, I ran a 5k race and in 2007 completed a triathlon.
More than a physical road to recovery, I took a spiritual journey to a rich and satisfying faith. I now share my story with thousands of people every year, and am currently working with Lani Netter Productions in Hollywood to bring my story to many more. I hope my story of determination offers an inspirational and practical approach to dealing with sudden changes in life.
Thanks for stopping by the site. I hope to meet you soon. Julie
Proudly sponsored by Romanucci & Blandin, LLC
Trial Attorneys
After a horrific car accident sent her to the gates of heaven and back, Julie Papievis had, at best, a four percent chance of survival, rating a "3", the lowest number possible on the Glascow Coma Scale. The few who survive typically face a non-functional life. She, however, completely beat the odds even though she remained in a coma for over a month.
Today, Julie has a national speaking and lecturing career as a survivor of traumatic brain stem injury. She has appeared on The 700 Club, CNN, WGN News and many others. She has also been featured in First for Women Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, Woman's Day Magazine, and Lifetime TV's "Beyond Chance" to share her story. She is based in the Chicago area.
The author of Go Back and Be Happy , Julie is an advocate for other survivors looking for hope and guidance. She works with the Brain Injury Association, the Spinal Cord Injury Association, and is a peer advisor to the Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse. As a VIP member (voice for injury prevention) for the international program of ThinkFirst, she speak to students about injury prevention and safe driving. She volunteers at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago in their Peer Support Program. She currently works part time as a community relations advisor for a top Chicago law firm.
Photo by Al Buschauer
What People Are Saying:
"There is no better teacher than experience. Julie's story is sure to touch and inspire the heart of every reader. Julie is a believer and a survivor, and she's living proof that God answers prayer. This book will serve as an incredible source of encouragement and much needed hope for the victims of brain injuries and their families."
Felicia Middlebrooks, Morning Drive Anchor for WBBM Newsradio 780/WBBM CBS
A devastating injury left Julie at the gates of heaven...
Julie's story has been featured on national television shows and in newspapers across the country. Now you can read it for yourself. Buy Go Back and Be Happy at these fine retailers.
Outside United States
Inside United States
Lion Hudson
Amazon
"An unbelievable, inspiring true story."
Basil and Spice
Click here to read more
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble
Eden.co.uk
Borders
Family Christian Stores
"Julies authenticity inspires me. Her miraculous story is a compelling testimony of perseverance through faith."
Heather Gemmen, author of Startling Beauty
Kregel Publications
Christian Book Distributors
Read an excerpt!
Books-A-Million
Indie Bound
For an autographed copy;
$12 + $2 S&H = $14
"As an athlete who has faced some overwhelming physical challenges, I find such inspiration in Julies story. I admire her determination to live with joy and faith. Give this book to anyone who needs to feel better about life."
Bonnie St. John
1984 paralympic silver medalist in downhill ski racing
Author of How Strong Women Pray
"Julie Papievis is truly a miracle."
Dr. John Shea
Professor of Neurosurgery
Loyola University Medical Center, Illinois
Proudly sponsored by
Romanucci & Blandin, LLC
Julie and her story have been featured on numerous television shows, in many nationally-circulated magazine articles, and in newspapers across the country, including these:
Watch Julie on The 700 Club (CBN.com)
Broadcast Outlets
ABC 7 NEWS - Karen Meyers
The 700 Club - CBN
LeSea Broadcasting's "The Harvest Show"
TCT's "Alive" with Walt & Betty Mills
TLN's "Aspiring Women"
LifeTime Television's "Beyond Chance"
CNN - "Survive Your Drive"
WB Network - Channel 9 News
American Family Radio
Relevant Radio
Kitchen Chat with Margaret McSweeney
Published Articles
Geico Direct Magazine
Suburban Life Newspaper "Care of the Acutely Ill"
Suburban Life Newspaper "Survivor Completes Triathlon"
First For Women Magazine "A Near-Death Experience"
Daily Herald Newspaper "Picking Up the Pieces"
Chicago Tribune "Comeback Kid"
Woman's Day Magazine "The Fight of Their Lives"
WTTW Channel 11 Newspaper "They Have Clout"
Daily Herald "Woman's Road Back Leads to Race"
Suburban Life "Athlete's First Race Follows Steps of Difficult Recovery"
Chicago Tribune "Runner Makes Strides for Mom"
Downers Grove Reporter "Learning To Live Again"
Click the PDF icons to open
press materials for
Julie Papievis and
Go Back and Be Happy
As a VIP speaker for ThinkFirst Injury Prevention Foundation and a featured speaker for the Disability Outreach Partnership of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Julie has visited numerous classrooms, recovery groups, and professional organizations, including these:
WINGS 2009 Fashion Show (speaking on hope and perseverance)
Regional Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (speaking on what matters most)
Regional Hospice Conference (speaking on the experience of death)
Carmelite Spiritual Center (speaking on hope)
Midwestern University (speaking to medical students on the patients' perspective
Advocate Good Samaritan Wellness Center (speaking on the importance of physical fitness)
Illinois Optometric Association Executive Council (speaking on visual disability)
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (speaking on hope and inspiration)
Daughters of the American Revolution (speaking on the ability to overcome diversity)
Loyola Trauma Symposium (speaking as a survivor)
American National Bank (speaking on motivation)
Illinois State Trooper Conference (speaking on safe driving practices)
Waubonsee College Administrative Professionals Luncheon
AWSA Conference
Christian Book Expo
The Gathering of Church Bookstores
Invite Julie to speak to your school, group, or organization by filling out the form on the contact page.
Speaking Onesheet
Click the PDF icon for a free download that describes the topics and audiences Julie speaks to.
Have an idea for an event? Contact Julie and she will create a program specifically for your audience.
Professional Affiliations
Other Helpful Resources
Member, IL Assoc. Brain Injury Association
Member, IL Assoc. Spinal Cord Association
Brain Injury Association of Illinois
www.biail.org
Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse
www.braininjuryclubhouse.org
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
www.ric.org
Pearl Girls, founded by co-author Margaret McSweeney
www.pearlgirls.info
Spinal Cord Injury Association of Illinois
www.sci-illinois.org
Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital - Wheaton, IL
www.marianjoy.org
Julie's story has ignited national discussions and awareness about injury prevention, determination, and overcoming incredible odds. Now you can discuss her story with your book club or discussion group. Just click the PDF below for a FREE downloadable discussion guide.
Julie is VIP (Voice for Injury Prevention) member of:
Organized into easy to read sections (Chapters 1-4, Chapters 5-9, Chapter 10-15, and Chapters 16-23) you and your group can read and discuss such topics as:
Julie is a proud member of:
Julie is proudly sponsored by:
All of your comments and suggestions are welcome!
Fill out this form to contact Julie to arrange speaking opportunities in your organization, ask questions, and more!
For media inquires or to request an interview with Julie
please contact her at:
jp_gobackandbehappy.com
