Olympic Injuries Demonstrate The Need For Spinal Cord Injury Awareness And Increased Support

WILMINGTON, NC, February 22, 2014 (Press-News.org) During qualifying at the Sochi Olympics two women snowboarders were carried off the Rosa Khutor Extreme Park course on stretchers following crashes. The crashes came one day after Russian skicross racer Maria Komissrova suffered a serious spinal injury during a crash on the same slope. These events have served to bring spinal cord injuries to the forefront of our consciousness, and to demonstrate the need for more research and support systems for those affected.

Spinal cord injury affects 1.25 million Americans. The aftermath of such injuries can be horrific, sometimes resulting in total paralysis. Gabriel Cordell suffered such an injury as the result of an auto accident. Whereas some people might simply give up, Gabriel instead found the courage to demonstrate the indomitable nature of the human spirit. His tale, one of many inspiring stories found in Tales2Inspire ~ The Topaz Collection (Stories of Awakenings & Aha Moments), and recounted by Lois W. Stern, is titled 'Roll of a Lifetime'. Gabriel takes on this new challenge by rolling across America in a non-motorized wheelchair. His personal awakening came as a result of the inspiration and support he received from those who stood by to cheer him on.

"Reading about the spinal injuries incurred by participants in the 2014 Olympic skiing events brings back memories of my story about Gabriel Cordell," said author Lois W. Stern. "At first Gabriel thought this challenge was all about him - a way to validate himself as a man and give his parents that moment of pride in his accomplishments. But one week into the 'Roll', he came face to face with his 'Awakenings' moment, suddenly recognizing that this trip was not about him, but about a way to inspire others to be better and do better with their lives. While we remain hopeful that none of the Olympic participants incur permanent spinal injuries, Gabriel's story reminds us that even those who face extreme physical challenges can find alternate paths to fulfillment."

'Tales2Inspire' is a growing collection of anthologies of varied themes, with each book containing a compilation of stories filled with uplifting, inspiring messages. Stern has authored some of these stories herself, but most come from winners of her annual 'Tales2Inspire' contest.

"Because each of the stories included in any of the Tales2Inspire collections is selected for its inspirational value, these books make ideal gifts for both those seeking a simple pick-me-up as well as those looking for uplifting, motivational messages presented in a very powerful way. Their appeal is not just for people with major injuries or illnesses - it could be for anybody - from a hospital patient who needs a major lift in spirits to those just wanting a good read with embedded 'feel good' messages."

In a recent review of 'Tales2Inspire', Bernie Siegel, MD, author of 'A Book Of Miracles' and '365 Prescriptions for the Soul' stated, "This is a book with a heart. Filled with stories which reveal what happens when we choose to live in a way that is life enhancing for all God's creatures. Our potential is miraculous when we choose to inspire the vapor of love. The people in these stories have always been my teachers. Read and learn the lessons of life."

Inspiring stories can be found everywhere. Stern continually seeks submissions by talented writers. Their Inspirational stories are judged by a peer group to determine eligibility for publication. There are no fees to submit for consideration, and winning authors receive many no-charge platform-building opportunities. Current submission categories include the themes 'Gifts of Compassion' and 'Echoes In the Mind'. Categories for future consideration are continually updated on the Tales2inspire website.

Lois W. Stern is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at tales2inspire@optimum.net. 'Tales2Inspire' is available at Amazon and other online retailers. More information is available at the website.

After twenty years as an active educator, Lois W. Stern continued to pursue her love for writing, and soon became co-editor of the then popular Long Island web-zine, LI EYE.

As she created and authored the column 'Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives', she solidified her special niche as an investigative journalist and put those same talents to work in 'Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery' while interviewing over one hundred women about some of the most intimate, provocative aspects of their lives. Shortly thereafter, Lois followed up with her second book, 'Tick Tock, Stop the Clock - Getting Pretty on Your Lunch Hour', as a means of helping to make affordable, less invasive forms of ageless beauty a reality for many women. Lois explains that she particularly enjoys the experience of getting to know each of her interview subjects as unique individuals. "There are some qualities one can't fake," says Lois, who firmly believes that much of her success as an author is due to her personal touch: her ability to develop sincere relationships, unique story angles, and skilled human-based presentations.

More than a creation, 'Tales2Inspire' has become a passion, to which Lois dedicates over 100 hours per week. She has published the first two of these inspiring story anthologies: Tales2Inspire ~ The Emerald Collection ('Beyond Coincidence' stories) and Tales2Inspire ~ The Topaz Collection (stories of Awakenings & Aha Moments). Her goal is to continue to publish more winning inspirational stories in a series of short gift book collections with the name of each author credited for their story.