Background & Previous Experience
Passionate. Strong. Courageous. My greatest desire is to inspire and motivate you to feel fully alive. Speaking is what sets my heart on fire. Married to my dear husband (and Omaha NE native) John Pivovar for nearly 25 years. We've have raised our 4 boys in Kansas City, Two sons now attend KSU in Manhattan, KS. My education includes Notre Dame de Sion and Creighton University (BS Occupational Therapy, 1993).
Personal Background: Mother of 4, Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor 1998. In 2007, at age 37, I contracted what appeared to be a flu-like illness. It was far worse. First given 30 min to live, and then a 98% chance to die, bacterial meningitis, nearly took my life in just 20 hours and devastated my family. My children were nearly left without a mother, and my husband without a wife. Miracles still happen! I wish I had known before then just how preventable this disease was. Recovery from brain trauma, organ failure, psychological trauma and the loss of my legs might have ended me, Instead, it made me stronger with exuberant joy! My purpose and passion is to speak a message that will touch you and show you how to face your unique challenges a with clarity, courage and direction..and don't forget, laughter! Blogging, writing and speaking is my purpose and passion.
Live speaking over 200 programs both locally and nationally to audiences of students, churches, youth groups, healthcare workers, health departments, and therapists
Media: Montel Williams Show episode (“When Tragedy Strikes) aired February 10, 2008, which was followed several appearances for live local news, and publications such as: Kansas City Star, M Magazine, Kansas City Nursing News, Advance for Occupational Therapy, and online at AOL.com
Personal Background: Mother of 4, Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor 1998. In 2007, at age 37, I contracted what appeared to be a flu-like illness. It was far worse. First given 30 min to live, and then a 98% chance to die, bacterial meningitis, nearly took my life in just 20 hours and devastated my family. My children were nearly left without a mother, and my husband without a wife. Miracles still happen! I wish I had known before then just how preventable this disease was. Recovery from brain trauma, organ failure, psychological trauma and the loss of my legs might have ended me, Instead, it made me stronger with exuberant joy! My purpose and passion is to speak a message that will touch you and show you how to face your unique challenges a with clarity, courage and direction..and don't forget, laughter! Blogging, writing and speaking is my purpose and passion.
Live speaking over 200 programs both locally and nationally to audiences of students, churches, youth groups, healthcare workers, health departments, and therapists
Media: Montel Williams Show episode (“When Tragedy Strikes) aired February 10, 2008, which was followed several appearances for live local news, and publications such as: Kansas City Star, M Magazine, Kansas City Nursing News, Advance for Occupational Therapy, and online at AOL.com
Awards/cOMMUNITY
2007 Shawnee Mission Hospital Patient of the Year.
2011 "Tragedy to Triumph" award from the Mid-America Immunization Coalition (MAIC).
2014 Occupational Therapist of the year by Advance for OT (July)
Amputee Coalition of America Certified Peer Visitor
Mid-American Immunization Coalition (MAIC Member).
Maggi’s Foundation/Maggi's Walk (2011-2014) has blessed other meningitis survivors with hope while assisting them to meet their medical and prosthetic needs.
2011 "Tragedy to Triumph" award from the Mid-America Immunization Coalition (MAIC).
2014 Occupational Therapist of the year by Advance for OT (July)
Amputee Coalition of America Certified Peer Visitor
Mid-American Immunization Coalition (MAIC Member).
Maggi’s Foundation/Maggi's Walk (2011-2014) has blessed other meningitis survivors with hope while assisting them to meet their medical and prosthetic needs.
MY PASSIONS & FUTURE PLANS
In addition to speaking and blog writing, I raise and show Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Ragdoll Cats. My husband "loves" it, and has been known to say, "We might as well add elephants." Like many of you, I am a taxi driver, tutor, house cleaner and driver's ed teacher, I'm also a confessed plant killer and lover of Jesus, my Lord and Savior, without whom I could do nothing
You ARE my future plans: Your church, your company, your women's conference/group. Invite me. I will come.
You ARE my future plans: Your church, your company, your women's conference/group. Invite me. I will come.
