Auburn Sandstrom

I'm a professional writer, speaker and University of Akron writing instructor. My husband Chuck, an established community leader, survived a random violent assault in 2009. Though our lives changed overnight and we live with his severe traumatic brain injury and resulting impairments, we have found a level of great contentment and joy in our marriage and in our lives. We started with unconditionally forgiving the assailant and reaching out to his family. We are committed to carrying a message of hope to others. Recently, Chuck spoke on "Forgiveness as a Way of Life" at TEDx Akron, sharing the stage with the University of Akron president and other visionary leaders (see TEDx Akron link below). Our work centers on sharing our experiences with reconciliation processes, restorative justice, laughter, quality living and finding the "ability" in "disability."