When Kristin Beale was a teenager, a Jetski accident left her paralyzed from the naval down. Her determination to disapprove the diagnosis was only the beginning of a new life for Kristin.
Kristin is the author of three books, a nine-time marathon finisher, and a nationally competing wheelchair fencer. She is the creator of a weekly comic on Instagram.
Her book, Date Me, is in the process of becoming a TV series. You won't want to miss that!
In her interview, Kristin will motivate you to never give up, soar to places you were told you could not go, and have fun while doing it.
Date Me is a collection of comics that tells stories of dating in a wheelchair, social situations sculpted by people’s response to a wheelchair, and the struggle of trying to fit in from a different perspective. Dating is hard enough as an able-bodied person. Throw in the variable of a wheelchair and the “hard” becomes “almost not worth it.”
Kristin Beale shares stories of her crazy family, the unique and often lousy ways people interact with her because of her disability, and her often failed attempts at dating in a wheelchair with a strained, but ongoing determination not to give up.
Relatable for many people who have dated in the 21st century, Date Me offers a different perspective from a wheelchair user and how to interact with them.
A true story of disability and determination: “From flat-line to sunshine, this story takes you on an unbelievably heart-crossing journey.” —Scott Pettit, Double Take
At age fourteen, Kristin Beale was enjoying a happy summer vacation when a Jet-Ski accident turned her life upside-down—and nearly ended it. Ever since then, she has had to struggle to overcome not only the physical but the psychological toll of her injuries—and her grit and courage have been an inspiration to countless people.
In Greater Things, Kristin offers a raw perspective on everything from how people react to her, to learning how to navigate in and through an inaccessible world, to just trying to make the best of a crummy situation. Filled with honesty, humor, and hope, it’s a realistic yet ultimately uplifting portrait of what it takes to endure hardship with your spirit intact.
A Million Suns is a continuation, of sorts, of Greater Things. These stories tell of my journey to find the passion that I lost with paralysis. That looks like: trying every adaptive sport, modeling, traveling the world and, eventually, meeting a man whom I love. This one is a lot of fun and I'm excited to share with you!
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This sounds fascinating. I'm always so impressed by people who don't let their disability stop them from living. What determination, and a great role model! Thanks for bringing her work to my attention.
ReplyDeleteAnd...she has a tremendous sense of humor!
DeleteI can just imagine all the possibilities. I have a good friend that is wheelchair bound and I know some of the struggles. Watching her gives me a great thankfulness that I am not in her position, because, to be honest, I don't think I'm strong enough.
ReplyDeleteWhen you are faced with these types of situations, you may be surprised how strong you really are.
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