Dearest Arianna,
Three years ago, you gave me an opportunity. I was broken and alone — literally. I had suffered a traumatic brain injury from a fall on the ice, and had turned to writing as my therapy.
You gave me an outlet to share my voice — an advocacy platform — and thousands of fellow brain-injured folks from around the world listened.
As you held my hand during the initial phase of setting up my contributor site, you were kind, gentle, and encouraging.
I thanked you profusely for the opportunity, and each time you would take time to write back, thanking me for the thank you.
I looked up to you, as a beautiful, strong, confident woman who was paving the way in an online world of news media, allowing contributors to help you grow your readership while giving them a place to share their personal messages.
You appreciated those who were part of your virtual team. It was even rumored that you were spotted reading MY book while waiting at your eye doctor’s office in Beverly Hills. Whether this is true or not, I believe that you were proud of me for publishing a book from my collection of Huffington Post essays.
Because of YOU … I now have a thriving TBI Tribe on Facebook with over 8,000 survivors and caregivers from around the world.
Because of YOU … I have helped save lives — literally.
Because of YOU … hundreds of thousands of brain-injured people around the globe are feeling a tiny bit less alone tonight.
I was thrilled for you when you left Huffington Post to start Thrive Global. You have also graciously given me a platform to contribute there as well. It was a well-deserved move for you, and I applaud you for following your heart
You are a remarkable woman, and I feel compelled to tell you so, as I am still a bit shell-shocked learning that Huff Post will no longer have 100,000 contributors helping them pave the way with revolutionary thinkers.
But it’s all okay. I know my advocacy work will continue through other outlets (such as Thrive). We woman know how to make the most of a situation, don’t we?!
From the very bottom of my heart, thank you dear Arianna, for being there for me when I needed you most!
Sincerely,
Amy Zellmer
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