Friday October 3rd was National Disabled Authors Day, and since I am a disabled author, it’s a topic I decided to talk about. So I filmed a video and put it on my YouTube Channel. Up until recently, I didn’t even know there was a day dedicated to us, but it’s wonderful that we have one.
As many of you know, my life changed abruptly in the summer of 2023 right after I had driven to Deadwood, South Dakota for a book convention. I went from traveling with my husband in the motorhome we live in full-time to national parks and hiking mountains with him, swimming for 45 minutes in a pool without stopping, and driving myself to book events, to dealing with unexpected medical issues and a sudden inability to do any of those things. I went from ICU in Billings Clinic, Montana, to the heart floor, to the neurological floor before I was released eighteen days later.
It’s been a long climb back from that to where I am today.
Today, I live with a vestibular schwannoma. What is the heck is that?
I had never heard of the term until I was informed last year that I had one. These are usually slow-growing brain tumors.
The schwannoma I have is in the myelin sheath which wraps around the nerves between my left ear and my brain. This is why it did not show up on brain MRIs. Sneaky little thing was hiding in there. It impacts my hearing with constant tinnitus, and it affects my balance.
“Just Do It Dizzy”
When I first came home from the hospital in 2023 facing 24/7 dizziness, I had a choice to make. I decided early on: well, I’m dizzy 24/7, so just do it dizzy. I wasn’t going to sit around in a chair and feel sorry for myself or act like a victim.
Having a disability doesn’t change who I am; it might just change how I do a thing.
Whether I’m using walking sticks on a better day or relying on my all-terrain rollator to navigate big crowds safely, I’m still out living my life.
One of my favorite phrases is, “That doesn’t work for me.” It’s a great line because it isn’t an outright refusal—it leaves the door open for negotiation and finding a solution that does work.
Brain Training and High-Tech PT
One of the most fascinating parts of my recovery is my weekly neural physical therapy at UNC Chapel Hill, where we work hard to build new neural pathways and neuroplasticity.
Lately, we’ve been using some incredible technology. From a special machine with an egg-shaped screen and shifting floor plates to a virtual reality headset where I dodge walls and slash targets coming at me with lightsabers while standing on a foam pad, it is intense—and so much fun!
I’ve learned an important lesson about the brain: our brains can learn at any age, but repetition makes them stop learning. Whether it’s trying things left-handed after the Bell’s Palsy symptoms I initially had to deal with, or changing up routines, we must keep our brains challenged.
After a heavy session of neural PT, I need a long power nap to recharge the battery!
Planning Ahead for Book Events
I haven’t stopped doing book signings, but it definitely takes more planning these days. Because I don’t drive and crowds can be overstimulating, I rely on a driver who is usually my husband, airport wheelchair services, and careful venue research. I need to know the table layouts in advance—because being shoved into a hallway with zero egress doesn’t work for me!
This photo is from 2023 when I had a booth at a local market, my second attempt at a signing. The old walker that came home from the hospital is behind me. I upgraded to a 27 inch rollator with all terrain wheels, and then progressed to two walking sticks.
Looking ahead, I am excited for these upcoming events:
• October 17, 2026: Rise and Shine Market in Mebane, North Carolina
• May 15, 2027: Feel the Heat in Huntsville, Alabama
• October 22–24, 2027: Royal Book Bash: Tropes in the Tropics in Coral Gables, Florida
Every Day Is a Beautiful Day
I don’t make a secret of my disability. It’s just a slice of the pie—not even 50% of who I am. As I work on improving every week, I keep my attitude positive, and I keep moving forward.
For years and years, I’ve said: every day we are alive is a beautiful day. I still believe that with all my heart.
Watch the full video below to hear more about my journey, the VR therapy, and upcoming events!
Crystal Stewart
Good for you being thrown a lemon in life [being disabled] and taking the Bull by the Horns and doing what you love read and write and other stuff
Debra Parmley
Thank you, Crystal!