<p>The very personification of courage, optimism, and resilience, former U.S. Congresswoman Gabby Giffords shares her remarkable story on stage, joined by her renowned speech pathologist, Dr. Fabi Hirsch Kruse. </p><p>Gabby Giffords’ story of perseverance and hope is unparalleled. The youngest woman ever to serve in the Arizona State Senate and a trailblazer in other offices, Gabby became a rising star on the national stage after being elected to the U.S. Congress in 2006. Revered for her exemplary public service, integrity, and bridge-building politics, Gabby was a beloved leader with an auspicious future. </p><p>On January 8, 2011, the nation was shocked by the news that a Congresswoman had been the target of an assassination attempt during a meeting with constituents in Tucson, Arizona—a mass shooting that left six people dead and over a dozen more injured. </p><p>Though Gabby survived the shooting, a bullet wound to her brain caused Aphasia, a speech and language disorder that affects many stroke and brain injury survivors. While her intellect wasn’t affected, it became difficult for her to translate thoughts into words.<span style="color: rgb(124, 131, 137); font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p>With near-daily therapy work and relentless encouragement from Dr. Fabi Hirsch Kruse—her speech pathologist and one of the country’s preeminent experts on Aphasia—Gabby has gone from only saying a few words to speaking publicly again. </p><p>Today, Gabby shares her extraordinary story in person, with the help of Dr. Fabi. Appearing together in a fascinating Q&A presentation, the two are accompanied by clips from the critically-acclaimed 2022 documentary<span style="color: rgb(124, 131, 137); font-size: 12pt;">, </span><em>Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down</em>, a film which perfectly chronicles Gabby's grit and determination, and her triumph in the wake of tragedy. <span style="color: rgb(124, 131, 137); font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p>In this unique program, Gabby inspires audiences to overcome whatever barriers they may face, challenging them to live and lead with unwavering positivity. </p><p>Gabby’s incredible bravery and strength have earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, and a place on TIME’s Most Influential People list, among many other honors. </p>
The former U.S. Congresswoman shares her inspiring story of resilience, joined by renowned speech pathologist Dr. Fabi Hirsch Kruse
<ul><li><strong>Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down</strong></li><li>This unique, in-person, 45-minute program features Gabby Giffords with her speech pathologist Dr. Fabi Hirsch Kruse, and includes the following components:<ul><li>Introduction from Dr. Fabi about Gabby's extraordinary journey battling Aphasia</li><li>Powerful Q&A discussion between Gabby and Fabi, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they’ve experienced, what they’ve learned, and Gabby’s incredible spirit of resilience and positivity</li><li>Inspiring clips from the acclaimed 2022 documentary, <em>Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down</em></li></ul></li></ul>