GRIT: My Recovery Story

My name is Dr. Kimberly Emanuel and until January 7, 2021 I was living my best life- or so I thought. I fell ill and it would become the most catastrophic event in my life. You see, I was in severe sepsis shock and my chances of living were less than 40%. To save my life, I was given pressors designed to pull blood from all of my extremities to my heart. As a result, my limbs developed gangrene. The only medical solution was to remove all affected areas- both legs and both arms. I became a quad amputee at the age of 50. Most recently, I suffered two strokes. Without grit and God’s grace, I would not be here today.

Fortunately, I am much more than my illness and disability. I have two grown adult daughters and a growing collection of grandsons. My husband and I have been married for 28 years and we enjoy camping and fishing. As a recently retired educator, my advocacy and Sepsis Awareness platforms have enhanced my public speaking and writing skills. I am interested in modeling adaptive fashions and serving as a motivational speaker to various audiences. My presence is a blessing and I hope to inspire just one person to keep on going!

Please follow me on FB, and Instagram @Kimberly_thequadexperience.