Go Back and Be Happy

By Julie Papievis with Margaret McSweeney

A devastating injury left Julie at the gates of heaven…

“There is no better teacher than experience. Julie’s story is sure to touch and inspire the heart of every reader. Julie is a believer and a survivor, and she’s living proof that God answers prayer. This book will serve as an incredible source of encouragement and much needed hope for the victims of brain injuries and their families.”—Felicia Middlebrooks, Morning Drive Anchor for WBBM Newsradio 780/WBBM CBS

“Julie Papievis is truly a miracle.”—Dr. John Shea, Professor of Neurosuregery, Loyola University Medical Center, Illinois

“As an athlete who has faced some overwhelming physical challenges, I find such inspiration in Julie’s story. I admire her determination to live with joy and faith. Give this book to anyone who needs to feel better about life.”—Bonnie St. John, 1984 paralympic silver medalist in downhill ski racing, author of How Strong Women Pray

“Julie’s authenticity inspires me. Her miraculous story is a compelling testimony of perseverance through faith.”—Heather Gemmen, author of Startling Beauty

“To watch and listen to Julie will bring about feelings that we don’t often feel: astonishment, respect and awe. She truly personifies what a miraculous recovery is; not only did she survive after a severe brain stem injury (with a 4% chance of survival), she is positively thriving, and should be an inspiration to all– both able-bodied and physically challenged.”—Sophie Bartelt, RN, CMA

“And as someone who struggles daily with a chronic disease, this book was inspiring…reaffirmation that there is a reason I’m still here…a purpose for my life. And hope and courage to keep pressing forward each day.”—Marta H. from Ohio

Books and is distributed in North American by Kregel Publications.

Julie Papievis
On May 10, 1993 my life was changed forever because someone ran a red light. After a life-threatening car accident, I suffered a severe brain stem injury and medically died, rating a “3”, the lowest number possible on the Glascow Coma Scale. According to medical experts, 96% of the people with such a severe injury either die or remain permanently comatose. The few who survive typically face a non-functional life.

Paralyzed and unconscious, I was transferred to the locked brain injury wing of a rehabilitation facility, where I awakened with vivid memories of my near death experience. During “death” I saw my grandmothers in heaven. They instructed me to “Go back and be happy” and assured me that my body would heal. Although medical experts said I would never walk again, or be able to take care of myself, I didn’t listen. I believed the words of my grandmothers. Through extensive therapy, I relearned how to stand, walk, and swallow. However, I faced the daunting challenge of facing the able-bodied world as a disabled person. After overcoming paralysis and battling severe depression, I embraced my gift of recovery as a true miracle. In 1999, I ran in a 5K race near Chicago on Mother’s Day! In February 2007, I completed my first triathlon.

I have become an advocate for other survivors looking for hope and guidance. I work with the Brain Injury Association, the Spinal Cord Injury Association, and am a peer advisor to the Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse. As a VIP member (voice for injury prevention) for the international program of ThinkFirst, I speak to students about injury prevention and safe driving. I volunteer at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago in their Peer Support Program. I currently work part time as a community relations advisor for a top Chicago law firm. Featured on Lifetime’s “Beyond Chance”, CNN, Woman’s Day Magazine, The 700 Club, and top ranked WB’s WGN News, my story is gaining national media attention. I continuously seek to share this story with others, to share faith, determination, and inspiration to those dealing with sudden changes in life.

Go Back and Be Happy (978-0-8254-6276-4, $12.99 paper) by Julie Papievis released January 2009 from Monarch