Today is a very special episode sharing the incredible story of Amara Riccio. She is a brain injury survivor and has experienced a life changing neurological condition over the last few years which has significantly reduced her capacity for movement - yet she continues to D.A.N.C.E. with such joy! Amara’s motto is: D.A.N.C.E - discover, accomplish, nourish, create, embrace!

•CONNECT & MORE INFO•

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden

IG: @declarationlife | @cristabellebraden

FB: @declarationlife | Join the group! facebook.com/groups/declarationlife

Website: cristabellebraden.com/declarationlife

Intro/Outro Music: "Not Giving Up" by Cristabelle Braden

•ABOUT AMARA•

Amara Elise Riccio is the creator and vice president of the nonprofit organization, Riccio Pick-Me-Ups. She is a traumatic brain injury survivor, former health care professional, expressive artist, and patient of a life-changing condition. It has been her life's mission to provide aid and inspiration to individuals and families in need.

She resides with her "super" parents, two quirky brothers, and two cats who keep them all sane; fulfilled at home in a whimsical room full of art, unicorns, teddy bears, medical equipment, the color pink, and all that jazz. Learn more at amarariccio.weebly.com.

Book - This is Why I D.A.N.C.E. - Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/This-Why-N-C-Discover-Accomplish-ebook/dp/B08BJDY4D5

Riccio Pick Me Ups: email ricciopickmeups@gmail.com or directly to Amara at ricciomiracle13@gmail.com

Amara's IG: @dancewithamara

•ABOUT CRISTABELLE•

Cristabelle Braden is an award winning singer/songwriter, keynote speaker, writer, and podcast host. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, she began to write music. Since then, she has surpassed medical expectations and thrived in her newfound gift of music; she has come from re-learning daily life tasks in brain injury rehabilitation to setting her feet firmly on the ground as a songwriter, speaker, and artist with a message of hope. She is also a graduate-level Biblical scholar, currently working on a Masters in Theological Studies. She hosts two podcasts: Declaration Life, a faith-based podcast about living intentionally, and Hope Survives, a brain injury podcast. Her journey has inspired her to become a passionate advocate for brain injury, lobbying on a statewide and national level with the Brain Injury Association of America, as well as personally working hard to provide support and encouragement to brain injury survivors and their families through her online community Hope After Head Injury.

Website: cristabellebraden.com