When I was diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury caused by Arnold Chiari Malformation, Type I (CM1), the first realization we made was that my dream to change the course of my Engineering career at IBM to pursue a full-tuition, fully funded package for the unprecedented Ed.L.D. doctorate Program at Harvard University was no longer my immediate assignment. It was time to fight. It was time to fight this disease, for my well-being and it was time to fight for my family. In order to get on the other side of tragedy, it would take a family that was ready to triumph through pain with a purpose.When our family elected surgery for decompression of the hindbrain to correct the CM1, we understood there was minimal risk.

Unfortunately, I walked into the operating room but did not walk out. After the protracted recovery period, I have had to overcome the physical recovery as well as the recovery of the syndrome for neurological damage using mobility aids. During this time, I was unable to care for my small children but found some assistance at First Baptist Church Woodstock, our community of faith, neighbors and extended family. The Shepherd Center, a leading Brain and Spine Rehabilitation facility in Atlanta, GA, provided me with multipurpose tools and training to begin to live life with a disability after I was left without full use of my lower extremities, cognitive and intellectual limitations. I had to understand that I was left with BOTH a disability and was disabled. After accepting that my 'brain broke', we had to react quickly to adjust our home, lifestyle and our many roles: Wife, Parent, Engineer, Teacher, Harvard candidate, entrepreneur, Toastmaster, friend and so many other important roles and responsibilities to fit my differently-abled world. This sudden shift has given our entire family a survivorship story that has blessed many and led us to believe that, "the scene of our greatest disappointment has become the setting of our most POWERFUL miracle." Yvette continues to use her pain for purpose by publicly sharing her testimony, advocating for women, protecting children and supporting ALL people with disabilities by providing Life Strategies as an, Adaptability Expert to show others how to, "Adapt, Achieve and Accelerate their Best Life.

"To learn more about Yvette Pegues and her young sons go to www.yourinvisibledisability.com.