TEDx Speaker, Artist and Local Author Amy Oestreicher Discusses Memoir at Danbury Library February 22

Amy Oestreicher is happy to be alive. Growing up in the area, Oestreicher was “your everyday teenager.”  At nearly 18, she was headed for her prom, college, then hopefully, Broadway, until a blood clot caused her stomach to literally explode, setting her off course. Amy slipped into a coma for months, only to emerge to be told she may never eat or drink again, while coming to terms with a long-kept secret — that she was sexually abused by a trusted mentor. After twenty-eight surgeries and nearly seven years unable to eat or drink anything by mouth, Amy’s digestive system was miraculously surgically reconstructed, and the ability to savor food once again is a joy for which Oestreicher is infinitely grateful. Today, the author is thrilled to share her story with the community while discussing her newly released memoir, My Beautiful Detour: An Unthinkable Journey from Gutless to Grateful. Amy will be the featured speaker at Danbury Library on Saturday, February 22nd from 1 -2pm at 170 Main Street, in Danbury CT. Amy will discuss her journey of resilience through creativity, followed by a question and answer segment and book signing. There will also be giveaway of her original mixed media artwork.

Amy is now 32 and has done much since that fateful hospital stay, which wouldn't be her last. In fact, she's endured 28 surgeries and survived seven years without food or drink, while her digestive system was repaired and her inner self, healed from devastating trauma. The good news, is, Amy has made it to the spotlight and has beyond thrived: She's not only a memoirist, but an Audie Award-nominated author, PTSD peer-to-peer specialist, artist, speaker for TEDx and RAINN, award-winning actress, and playwright. Amy is also a mental health advocate, workshop leader, clothing designer and all-around dynamo, despite her continued challenges.

"I'm excited to share my story: how I navigated a seemingly impossible situation to find the real gifts that anyone can discover from facing obstacles of their own. I wrote My Beautiful Detour to convey my unwavering love of life and to set a template for those who follow. I'm grateful for all who have played unmatched roles along my journey and am proud to speak at Danbury Library," said Amy Oestreicher.

Amy's story starts senior year in high school, chronicles her betrayal from a longtime teacher that corresponded with her medical emergency, and takes the reader to present-day. The memoir illustrates how Amy used creativity to help transform adversity into personal growth, and invites others to do the same. Her miraculous comeback stems from more than a decade of intense resilience-building. And she knows what she writes: Amy has survived organ failure and powered through the PTSD that comes from both emotional and physical trauma. In addition to her moving memoir, Amy is a regular lifestyle, wellness, and arts contributor for over 70 online and print publications. In addition, her story has been featured on NBC's Today, CBS, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen Magazine, Washington Post, Good Housekeeping, and MSNBC, among others.

Author Amy Oestreicher has much to celebrate and welcomes all to her February 22nd Danbury Library event for conversation and community, but especially to come away hopeful about reframing life's detours. To learn more about Amy Oestreicher as well as her book, her performances, and other appearances, visit her website, amyoes.com.

The talk will take place in the Farioly Program Room 170 Main Street Danbury, CT 06810 203-797-4505 for more information visit:

https://danburylibrary.org/my-beautiful-detour-author-talk-with-amy-oestreicher/