Brain Matters: Author survives, thrives after aneurysm, eight surgeries

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Sept. 6, 2016 - PRLog -- A 26-year-old television news reporter, new bride, fit and active young woman suddenly finds herself embarking on a lifelong journey with intellectual and physical disabilities after suffering a brain aneurysm at the gym.

Eight brain and spine surgeries later, Amy Ofenbeck tells her story of perseverance with a remarkable positive outlook, as only Ofenbeck can tell it.  Brain Matters is a true story of survival, written by Ofenbeck of Fort Myers and her co-writer Dayna Harpster.

Ofenbeck will sign her books from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16 at the Goodwill Bookstore, located at 15165 McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers.

"Goodwill is proud to host this event. Amy exemplifies why we are dedicated to serving people with disabilities. Seeing her achieve success motivates us all," said Margaret Goodwyn, bookstore manager.

When health setbacks made it impossible to continue her on-camera career, Ofenbeck was referred to Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, which offers employment services. She soon found herself writing news releases for the non-profit's communications department.

She received a 2004 Fort Myers Mayor's Alliance award, which honors people with disabilities and their employers. Later, she transferred to the company's E-Commerce Department, using her skills to write online descriptions for merchandise listed on ShopGoodwill.com.

"I was beginning to embrace the fact I was a disabled worker. I thought this could be a good, positive thing," Ofenbeck says in her book. "I wanted other disabled people to know they too can be successful productive members of society with a little hard work."

Ofenbeck and her husband Todd live in Fort Myers with their dogs, Satchmo and Miles.

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades Counties. The agency's mission is to help people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence. Goodwill's programs in Southwest Florida include Pathways to Opportunity and Pathways to Work, Job-Link resource centers, small business training classes, disability-accessible housing, the Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy charter school, and more.

For more information about Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, visit www.goodwillswfl.org.

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