In a March 17 Advocacy Network live stream, disability advocate, peer mentor, mother to a daughter with a spinal cord injury (SCI), and author of the memoir Struggling with Serendipity, Cindy Kolbe, was the featured guest advocate. Cindy has been an advocate for the disability community long before her daughter Elizabeth’s spinal cord injury. Struggling with Serendipity tells the story of Cindy and Elizabeth’s journey through Cindy’s depression and guilt, her daughter’s paralysis and the adventures that took them around the world.
As I spoke with Cindy it was easy to see the passion she has for helping others in the disability community, and her strong desire to raise awareness and make change. After the publication of her book in 2019, Cindy‘s network in the advocacy world increased through her book events, speaking engagements, and messages from readers, while also giving her the opportunity to play a part in changing stereotypes around disability and mental illness. She is working hard to change these negative stereotypes of disability, the need for widespread support for both the person with a disability and his or her family, and opening other’s eyes to the potential and possibilities that a person with a disability can achieve. Elizabeth’s accomplishments are a true example of why anyone with a disability should not be underestimated.
When asked about any advice she could give for new advocates or advocates who feel frustrated, her best advice comes from her book where she writes, “If you never give up? Hope wins.” She encourages advocates to go out of their comfort zone and to try something new no matter how daunting it may feel. A memoir such as Struggling with Serendipity can have a great impact on so many people whether it is someone with a spinal cord injury, a family member, friend or caregiver of someone with a disability, anyone struggling with a mental illness, or anyone looking for the motivation to make change where change needed.
If you are interested in reading more about Cindy and Elizabeth, or if you would like to purchase a signed copy of Struggling with Serendipity you can visit Cindy‘s website at https://www.strugglingwithserendipity.com.
