Local & Community

Palm Desert Woman Brings Awareness to Post Intensive Care Syndrome In Her New Memoir: Speechless

One day, Vanessa Abraham, local Palm Desert woman, was a thriving speech pathologist, using her expertise to help children find their voices.

The next, she was trapped in her own body—unable to move, eat, or speak—completely dependent on others for survival because of a rare neurological disorder.

In her newly released memoir, speechless, Vanessa shares the harrowing reality of sudden paralysis and the devastating psychological toll of post-intensive care syndrome. Mary Strong sits down with Vanessa Abraham to talk about her experience and her new book.

By: Mary Strong

April 21, 2025

speechlessmemoirvanessa abrahammary strongpost intensive care syndrome
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Palm Desert Woman Brings Awareness to Post Intensive Care Syndrome In Her New Memoir: Speechless