About Ali Rheaume

• Grew up in Blackstone, MA
• Former Elementary School Physical Education instructor, High School, Field Hockey, Softball & Track Coach, and Kids Ministry Director 
• Passion for people
• Connector - love bringing people together
• Creative Individual (studio art)
• Collegiate Field Hockey Athlete 
• Fun Fact: “Love Nature and will live in a treehouse if I could”

Discussion Topics 

A Journey of Physical Activities & Health

• From an overweight kid to a “gym rat”  
• Early years: Soccer, Field Hockey, Softball, etc.
• Adult years: Crossfit Athlete, Zumba Instructor, Paddle-board instructor, runner (casual 70 miles a week)

Total Shift - sustaining a traumatic brain injury (life-changing)

• From 100-10% function level 
• Rehab journey (5+ years in the making)

The impact of functioning at a 10% level 

• Physiological changes 
• Physical adjustments
• Emotional adjustments - “we can't wait to get the old Ali back” 
• Setting new goals
• Celebrate the small successes/the current moment and not be so quick to jump into the future

The days of challenges & frustrations 

• “I felt alone”
• In the deepest, darkest times, jump into scripture
• Allow yourself to go through the process of emotions 
• Remember your WHY (it will allow you to go much further, to eliminate comparisons) 

The will to fight (Why & How?)

• “I feel like I was born that way”
• Staying faithful during challenges
• Knowing your purpose
• Run the race of your own intentions and your own goals

Lessons learned through the journey 

• You’re worth it 
• Communication & Advocacy
• The importance of setting boundaries
• Do you only see people because of a common ground of a physical location, or are your relationships beyond that? 
• There is no shame in slowing down

Reflecting on the injury - Why you? 

• “God will always bring me through” 
• Be a light-being Jesus with skin on 

Utilizing Social Platforms to be a light

• Facebook & Clubhouse: Ali Rheaume
• Instagrams: @ali.rheaume

What does the future look like for Ali?

• Writing a book
• Public speaking & community engagement

NOTE: We are grateful to Ali for the knowledge, wisdom, and being an inspiration, a gift to the world! We look forward to having you back!