ECU alumna publishes story of life since paralysis
The ECU community is familiar with the tragic story of Rachelle Friedman of Raleigh, who was paralyzed from a swimming pool accident at a bachelorette party in 2010. She would never walk again but she never stopped moving forward.
She became a motivational speaker, an advocate for the disabled and an inspirational role model. Now she’s also an author. In “The Promise,” Friedman tells her story, beginning with the night her life changed.
She confirms, as has been reported, that the five girls at the bachelorette party “made an unspoken agreement to never reveal the name of the friend who had pushed Rachelle into the pool–and their bond has remained unbroken.”
A true love story, “The Promise” chronicles Rachelle’s relationship with Chris Chapman ’05 ’08, their struggle with her paralysis and rehab, the physical challenges of intimacy, and ultimately, their fairy-tale wedding.
Friedman recently was interviewed by Katie Couric and Oprah and discussed her book on NBC’s Today Show, HLN, ABC News, Reddit, and Huffington Post.
Friedman is scheduled to appear at a book signing on July 12 at Greenville’s Barnes & Noble.
“The Promise:
A Tragic Accident, a Paralyzed Bride, and the Power of Love, Loyalty, and Friendship”
Available from Amazon
211 pages
Hardcover, $18.60
Kindle, $9.99
– Steve Tuttle