Hear from #REHAB2022 keynote speaker, Kelsey Tainsh

Kelsey Tainsh has been through more in her 31 years than most will endure in a lifetime. Successfully overcoming a brain tumor at only 5 years of age, Kelsey went on to be a happy, healthy kid and a champion athlete. 10 years later, at 15, it all came crashing down when the tumor returned followed by a crippling stroke.

Learn more about her story in her inspiring keynote presentation at #Rehab2022 in San Diego.

1. Tell us about what the audience can expect from your speech
The audience can expect a mixture of humor and storytelling as I share the incredible difference rehab nurses have made in my life and lessons learned going from world champion athlete to paralysis. They will walk away with a resilient new mindset and a fresh appreciation for the gift of work, accomplishment, and the relationships we all share.

2. Why are rehab nurses a great audience for your story?
I owe much of my success in recovering from a stroke to the rehab nurses I had. My rehab nurses believed in me when many others did not think I could recover. They taught me that there is more than one way to do things in life and that if I learned to adapt I could re learn to do anything. I would just need to do it differently.

3. What is your most memorable experience from giving speeches across the country?
A few years ago I spoke for an organization and it was one of the best speeches I have ever given. What I did not know before I got on stage is that the event manager that hired me was taking a chance on me as the CEO of the company had told her he was not sure I was the best fit for the job. As the engagement ended, I stayed to speak with attendees and as I got ready to leave the event manager came up to me and said "he stayed, he never stays for the speaker." The CEO comes to the event every year but he always leaves right as the keynote speaker starts speaking. This year he stayed for the entire presentation and came up afterwards and thanked me. As I stood speaking with the event manager at the end of the event, I realized that what I have to say really does matter and I am making a difference.

4. What do you look forward to the most from attending the ARN conference?
I look forward to reminding nurses that what they do matters. Despite the exhaustion, sacrifices and feeling like they are giving when they have nothing more to give, what they do matters more than they will ever know.

Learn more about Kelsey at www.KelseyTainsh.com