NYC Big Book Award: GAB TALKS with Terence Ang, author of Emerging From the Dark: Stroke...The Untold Stories

“Emerging From the Dark: Stroke...The Untold Stories,” by Terence Ang, is a collection of illustrated stories of people in all stages of stroke recovery. Ang, who himself has experienced a stroke, highlights post-stroke life in an interesting, unique, and powerful way. A stroke survivor himself, Ang’s right hand no longer functions like it used to, and using it is painful and agonizing. This is his second published book, and it is filled with illustrations that he drew himself. However, Ang has shown tremendous courage, grit, and determination in rebuilding his life.  What can you gain after losing so much? INTERVIEW PLEASE NOTE: The author has aphasia, a disorder that affects speech as a result of stroke. We have outlined his audio and video responses immediately after Gabby's question, but his full written response is included at https://www.independentpressaward.com/thegabtalks/emerging-from-the-dark...the-untold-stories There are different types of aphasia, which can affect individuals to varying degrees in their ability to speak, write, and understand both spoken and written language. Terence: Hi Gabby, thanks for having me.  Gabby: Terence, thank you so much for joining us today!  Before we talk about your book, "Emerging from the Dark: Stroke…The Untold Stories," can you please share with our listeners your story, beginning with that fateful day in August 2020? Terence (Audio/Video):  - That day in August was a turning point in my life - I had a stroke - And ended up in the hospital for the first time in my life - I couldn’t talk and nobody could understand me - It was a dark time - I felt hopeless - But I was determined to redefine my life - And I ended up writing about my journey - To prove that stroke was just a chapter in my story - And not the entire book Gabby: Your debut book, “A Cry in the Dark” was launched in June 2022. It eloquently detailed your journey from victim to survivor. You were subsequently asked by the WORLD STROKE ORGANIZATION to speak at the 14th World Stroke Congress 2022 in Singapore.  What inspired you to write and illustrate Emerging from the Dark: Stroke…The Untold Stories? Terence (Audio/Video):  - I was angry and frustrated in the first year of my stroke - So I channelled my feelings into writing “A Cry in the Dark” - Many stroke survivors reached out to me after that - Which inspired me to write the next book - And share the stories of other stroke survivors - I wanted to pay tribute to the strength and courage of - those who have walked the same Journey Gabby: “Emerging from the Dark: Stroke…The Untold Stories” is incredibly inspirational. The narratives you've included from both survivors and caregivers are filled with hope, determination and resilience. However, some of the narratives and illustrations are also dark and disconcerting.  Why was it important to share this side of recovery? Terence (Audio/Video): I wanted to be honest.  So that someone  -  who has not  experienced stroke would - learn about our struggles Each stroke survivor’s experience is unique  Some may find their recovery more manageable  While others face greater obstacles Through open conversation, I hope people can  understand the journeys of stroke survivors And learn more about our unseen struggles Gabby: What is the biggest misconception about strokes? Terence (Audio/Video): - Many people think that stroke only happens to older people - I used to think that too, - Being relatively young and healthy - But, the truth is,  - stroke can happen to anyone, at any time. - Even teenagers and young adults can also get it. - So it’s important to learn more about the condition See the full transcript of the audio/video portion here: https://www.independentpressaward.com/thegabtalks/emerging-from-the-dark...the-untold-stories as well as Terence Ang's full written responses. To learn more, please visit https://www.gratefulsteps.sg/ or www.theGABTALKS.com