For our final episode in our Caregiving series, we speak with Debbie Fisher. Debbie is a full-time caregiver for her daughter, Grace, who is paralyzed from the neck down as a result of a virus called Acute Flaccid Myelitis. Debbie speaks to the very real struggle of being a caretaker and the tools she has developed to find joy and not lose her own identity in the process.
Debbie Fisher was a physical therapist for over 20 years and is now a full-time caretaker for her daughter, Grace.
In 2014 during her senior year of High School, Grace Fisher’s spine was ravaged by a virus leaving her paralyzed from the neck down. She was diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis and sent to Craig Rehabilitation Hospital in Denver, CO.
At Craig Hospital, she was introduced to music therapy and adaptive art. This not only helped strengthen her neck but also helped heal her mind and soul. She worked with Make-A-Wish Foundation to fulfill her desire to help other children with disabilities through art and music, by starting The Grace Foundation, which brings the healing touch of art therapy to other children living with a disability.
Debbie resides in Santa Barbara alongside her husband, Bill, and their daughters, Grace, and Emily.
Resources:
Visit the Grace Foundation
Watch the Trailer for Amazing Grace
Check out Grace’s Blog