From Trauma to Triumph: Elizabeth Patterson’s Memoir and Mission to Empower Girls with Disabilities

In this episode of the Munn Avenue Muse podcast, host Charlie Levin talks with Elizabeth Patterson, a speaker, nonprofit founder, and author of My Life After Death, a memoir that redefines what it means to beat the odds. At just 18, Elizabeth survived a devastating car accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury. Doctors told her she wouldn’t walk, speak clearly, or live independently again—but that wasn’t the story she was willing to accept.Elizabeth’s memoir, published by Munn Avenue Press, is a deeply personal account of how she rebuilt her life and purpose after trauma. It’s also a reminder of how powerful and far-reaching personal storytelling can be, especially when it’s rooted in truth and service.Why She Wrote the BookElizabeth didn’t write My Life After Death to simply recount what happened. She wrote it to challenge assumptions about disability, about what’s possible after trauma, and about who gets to tell their story. Her journey took her from rehabilitation to earning advanced degrees, founding the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana, raising a family, and becoming an international advocate.In the episode, she shares how writing helped her process what she lived through and gave her the chance to speak directly to others walking difficult paths. Especially in Ghana, where disability often carries intense stigma, her story brings visibility, voice, and much-needed representation.Just Start and Tell the TruthOne of Elizabeth’s key takeaways for other authors is the importance of telling your truth, even when it’s hard. There wasn’t a perfect time to write her book; she started when she felt ready to be honest. That courage to begin and to be real is what makes her story resonate so strongly.Whether you’re writing a memoir, fiction, or something in between, Elizabeth’s story reminds us that vulnerability can be a source of power, not weakness.Amplifying Voices That MatterRepresentation matters. Elizabeth’s book doesn’t just serve as her personal narrative, it’s become a platform for advocacy. Proceeds from the book support her nonprofit, the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana, which helps ensure that girls with disabilities have access to quality education and a future of opportunity.The book also features a foreword by Lucy Quist, a globally recognized technology leader, who has reached readers in over 100 countries.A Reminder of Publishing’s PurposeAt Munn Avenue Press, we’re honored to help bring voices like Elizabeth’s into the world. Her story is a testament to the kind of change that happens when someone chooses to speak up and when the right team helps bring that story to life.You can find My Life After Death on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or request it through your local bookstore. Learn more about Elizabeth’s ongoing work at Girls Education Initiative of Ghana. My Life After Death is available on Amazon.This episode offers valuable insight for anyone considering writing their own story, especially those who’ve faced setbacks, questioned what’s possible, or wondered if their voice matters. Elizabeth’s journey is proof that stories born from adversity can carry the most power, and that sharing them can create real change, not just for readers, but for entire communities.If you would like the book you’re writing (or just dreaming about) to be a Best of 2025, let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & FounderAsk Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com