Contact Rachel at:
E-Mail: mewie@citcom.net
Phone: (828) 883-3653
PUBLIC SPEAKING:
Since 1988 I have done innumerable presentations, seminars, and speeches on teen drug abuse and problem management. Venues included Rotary Clubs, high schools, middle schools, and local news affiliates (TV interviews, network and PBS/cable). I also appeared in an award-winning promotional video for Outreach, Inc.
I survived an episode of Sudden Cardiac Death, in December 1991, which caused temporary blindness and continuing visual impairment. I subsequently appeared on several television programs, and have been the subject of news articles in local periodicals and the nationally distributed Shape Magazine. I have been a guest speaker at local ICD (implantable cardio-defibrillator) support groups, various teaching institutions, and in-service seminars for nurses and other medical professionals.
Speeches include a presentation on surviving Sudden Death for the Arrhythmia Technological Institute, Greenville, SC in November of 2000,. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College RN program February 2001, in-service trainings for the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center of the Blind & Visually Impaired & the Heart Hospital of Austin (in Austin, Texas), March 2001, AACN Conference New Haven, CT on May 11,2001, University of San Francisco Nursing Program November 19, 2001. AB Tech Nursing Program January 31, 2002. SASEAP Conference September 2005.
REFERENCES:
Brenda Causey, MSN, RN
Chairperson, Nursing Program
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
340 Victoria Road
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 254-1921
Mark W. Sweesy, Director of Education Robert Hanich, MD
Arrhythmia Technologies Institute Asheville Cardiology Assoc.
255 Enterprise Blvd. Suite #170 5 Vanderbilt Drive
Greenville, SC 29615 Asheville, NC 28803
(864) 271-1444 (828) 274-6025
February 2001
"Dear Rachel,
You and your husband are such wonderful guest speakers, and so enjoyed each
time you visit. The students really lavish each of you with praise as they talk
with other instructors and among themselves about your visit. The dialogue
each create has the ability to make the students understand the importance
of meeting the needs of not only the "whole" person but their family as well.
Your knowledge of the complexity of the ICD, its components and its many
functions is to be admired.
You and Larry are very conscious of what it means to be a consumer of your own
health. It is your quest for knowledge and understanding that has allowed both
of you to focus on the many positives you have, even as you have adjusted to
life with the ICD. You are making a difference not just in you own lives...but
in the life of each person you speak to about the ICD. Thanks so much for
taking time to share this insight with the students these past two years."
Again, Many thanks
Brenda Causey
ABTCC Nursing Program
May 14, 2001
"Dear Rachel,
I wanted to share with you the reactions of the nurses at the
hospital I work at to your talk. They have overwhelmingly said that this and
your opening program was excellent....one of the best presentations we've
had. Your presentation moved me even more than your book. I didn't think
that was possible. It was also great to be able to meet Larry and see things
through his point of view. It really was a memorable presentation.
Thanks so much for coming and for telling your story. I am sure it will only
benefit other people with sudden cardiac death in the future."
Best of Life,
Denise Buonocore, NP
Chapter President SCCC American Association Critical Care Nurses
