Meet Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D.
She shares the lessons she has learned since that fateful day, and demonstrates how to rise above misfortune and live life with conviction.
The definition of accomplishment is, “something that has been achieved successfully.” This is exactly what Rosemarie Rossetti has done in every endeavor she has delved into. On June 13th, 1998 Rosemarie’s life changed forever when a three and a half ton tree fell on top of her, paralyzing her from the waist down with a T12-L1 spinal cord injury. She had to, “look deep within herself, and find new strength and new resolve, rising above misfortune and live life with conviction.” And looking at her unbelievable track record, this is incredibly evident. Rosemarie has created several motivational programs, one specifically being, Just Like Riding a Bike: Coping with Change and Dealing with Adversity. She utilizes her own personal experiences, focusing in conjunction with what motivates people to better themselves. She hopes that the program will restore hope, and revitalize and recharge those affected by spinal cord injuries.
Rosemarie has even put together a program for healthcare professionals to learn ways in which to “create in their patients the desire to change, the confidence to act, and the tools to succeed.” The program is called Make a Difference! Motivational Strategies to Empower Patients for Life. Rosemarie has also been the author, co-author, and/or contributor to fourteen books; "Take Back Your Life!" being one of her motivational books. Her accolades and achievements do not end there, as listed below are her many awards and funds she has built and received:
- In the fall of 2014 the People of Distinction Foundation will be honoring Rosemarie with the Unsung Hero Humanitarian Award.
- In February 2008, Rossetti was honored as one of “20 Outstanding Women You Should Know” in central Ohio.
- She was selected as a national “Roll Model” on the runway in a New York City fashion show on February 6, 2007 for a spinal cord injury fundraiser sponsored by Discovery through Design.
- She holds the title, Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2004.
- In 2002, she carried the Olympic torch in Columbus, Ohio on its way to the Winter Olympics.
- She also received the Remarkable Women Award and a service award from the National Speakers Association, Ohio Chapter, in 2002.
- In August 2001, she founded the Rosemarie Rossetti Spinal Cord Research Fund at The Ohio State University.
- In 1999, she received the Woman Business Entrepreneur of the Year Award; Franklin Park Conservatory – Recognition of Service Award – Board of Trustees; and the Women in New Growth Stages – Women Honoree Award.
- The Ohio State University College of Agriculture gave her a teaching award in 1995.
Rosemarie and her husband, Mark Leder, have also contributed in amazing ways to universal design and green building. They are a shining example with their 3,500 square foot home that incorporates the finest craftsmanship and state-of-the-art products and services. They also built a national demonstration home and garden in Columbus, Ohio, the Universal Design Living Laboratory. It is the highest rated universal design home in North America earning three national certifications. If you would like to read more about universal design as well as green building, and its mission, please visit, www.UDLL.com.
Rosemarie Rossetti has also taught courses at The Ohio State University for fifteen years, which is also where she has received all of her degrees in teaching. She was also a Certified Interior Horticulturist.
This is a person who let nothing stand in her way when it came to accomplishing goals in her life. She writes, speaks motivationally, creates programs and funds, teaches at universities, and the list goes on and on. She crusades for people with disabilities to find something within themselves, to grab life by the horns, and let no one, including themselves, stop them from blazing their own path. Whether disabled or not, this woman is a shining example of how hard work pays off and to let nothing stop you from achieving.
Visit Rosemarie Rossetti's websites at: http://www.rosemariespeaks.com.
Watch her motivational videos here: http://www.rosemariespeaks.com/video/
