After a terrible accident, Rhoda Stevens found it important to share her story of survival.
An active and healthy athlete in high school, Stevens went on to play volleyball for Ohio State and Rhode island in the 1980s.
Diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 17, Stevens rarely suffered from the effects of the syndrome.
in 1994, though, she had a seizure and fell into a campfire. When her friends returned to find her, she had second, third and fourth degree burns on over 80 percent of her body.
expecting a year-long stay in the hospital – and even longer recovery – she lost her left hand, left ear, and lost the complete use of her right hand. After 30 surgeries, and three months in the hospital, Stevens was on the road to recovery.
Now, Stevens shares the story about that life-changing experience with many in Central Ohio. She has given motivational speeches to many sports teams and spoken to American electric Power about the effects that accidents have on the whole family – not just the person injured. Stevens has taught elementary schools about fire safety, and presented her real-life story to firehouses and nursing organizations across the state.
She shares a message of hope and optimism. “Joy is a beautiful thing,” she says. “And nothing feels better than bringing joy to others.”
Someday, Stevens hopes to travel across America in an RV, and inspire the people of our nation to “pay it forward.”
It is a spirit that helped her recover – and keeps her going today.
“If i was not who i was before the incident, i would not have had the same outcome.”