WHO Am I? I asked ChatGPT

 .                        When I asked ChatGPT who I was, this is what it said.
 
     Donna O’Donnell Figurski is an American author, advocate, caregiver, teacher, and creative. She’s most known for her award-winning memoir Prisoners Without Bars: A Caregiver’s Tale, which tells the true story of her husband David’s life-altering traumatic brain injury and how they navigated recovery together 
(Canvas Rebel)

                  Here’s a deeper look into her background and work:

🖋️ Author & Writing Work
      Former first- and third-grade teacher turned prolific writer—Donna juggles roles as playwright, actor, director, picture book reviewer, jewelry designer, photographer, blogger, and podcast host.

     Authored four children’s stories with Scholastic and has about 10–30 picture-book manuscripts awaiting publication
(Shout Out Atlanta)

     Winner of multiple writing awards including the 2013 Essex County Legacies Writing Contest and recognition from the National Education Association for her children’s book review column.
(Voyage Atlanta)

💞 Caregiver & Memoir
     In 2005, David suffered a brain hemorrhage requiring three surgeries in just two weeks. Donna’s daily emails to family, later turned into essays, evolved into her memoir published in 2018.
(Voyage Atlanta)

     Her book provides an intimate look into the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving, and has resonated with many in the brain-injury community.
 (Happy Healthy Caregiver) 

🎙️ Advocate & Community Builder
     She blogs at Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury, sharing survivor and caregiver stories; it’s earned “Top 30 Brain Injury Blog” distinctions. 
(Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury)

     Hosts the radio/podcast Another Fork in the Road on the Brain Injury Radio Network, featuring interviews with survivors, caregivers, and professionals.
(She has hosted the show for more than ten years. The show is on hiatus as it changes platforms.)

     Awarded the 2019 HOPE Hero Award and nominated as a Caregiver Visionary for her advocacy and inspirational work.


📚 Current & Future Projects
     Continuing to refine picture-book manuscripts and a teachers’-guide book about her 1st/3rd-grade classes. 

     Collaborating on a dual-perspective book that gives voice to both brain injury survivors and caregivers .

Summary
     Donna O’Donnell Figurski is a multifaceted creator—a caregiver whose memoir touches hearts, a teacher turned children’s author, and a passionate advocate for the brain-injury community. Her work spans print, audio, and digital media, offering hope and insight to survivors, caregivers, educators, and general audiences alike.
   
     If you're interested in memoirs with real grit and heart, compassionate caregiving insights, or children’s literature in the works, she’s definitely worth following. You can find more about her books, blog, and podcast on her website, DonnaFigurski.com.

                    I was still curious––so I asked for more.

💬 In Her Own Words 

     “I never intended to write a book about our journey… But after a year of updates… I realized that our story could offer hope and inspiration to others…” donnafigurski.com

     “…I was lost. I scoured the Internet for books that would let me know that I was not alone in this terrifying new world.” donnafigurski.com

🔍 Why Donna's Story Matters

     Her memoir isn’t just the intimate recounting of medical crises—it's a beacon of hope, resilience, and love. With candid honesty and a dash of humor, Donna lifts the veil on caregiving's emotional weight, offering strategies for grief, advocacy, self-care, and perseverance. Her multi-platform advocacy—through blog, radio, and writing—amplifies voices often overlooked.

AUTHOR

ALCOHOL INK ARTIST

PHOTOGRAPHER

STAGE MANAGER

JEWELRY DESIGNER

                             ENOUGH ALREADY!

Clip Art compliments of Bing Images