Relentless
How a Massive Stroke Changed My Life for the Better
by Ted W. Baxter
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Pub Date Jul 24 2018 | Archive Date Jul 24 2018
Greenleaf Book Group | Greenleaf Book Group Press
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Description
In 2005, Ted W. Baxter was at the top of his game. He was a successful, globe-trotting businessman with a resume that would impress the best of the best. In peak physical condition, Ted worked out nearly every day of the week. And then, on April 21, 2005, all that came to an end. He had a massive ischemic stroke. Doctors feared he wouldn’t make it, or if he did make it, he would be in a vegetative state in a hospital bed for the rest of his life.
But miraculously, that’s not what happened . . .
In Relentless, Ted W. Baxter describes his remarkable recovery. Not only did he live, but he's walking and talking again. He moves through life almost as easily as he did before the stroke; only now, his life is better. He’s learned that having a successful career is maybe not the most important thing. He’s learned to appreciate life more. He's learned that he wants to help people—and that’s what he does. He gives back, volunteering his time and effort to help other stroke victims.
Relentless is a wonderful resource for stroke survivors, caregivers, and their loved ones, but it is also an inspiring and motivating read for anyone who is facing struggles in their own life.
Advance Praise
"When it comes to overcoming aphasia, Ted W. Baxter wrote the book. Relentless is a heartfelt lesson in perseverance, triumphs, and ultimate transformation to happiness." –Julia Fox Garrison, Speaker and Author, Don't Leave Me This Way (or when I get back on my feet you'll be sorry)
“I know what it feels like to lose everything because of a stroke and I recognize Ted's determination to make as complete of a recovery as possible. Relentless is an inspiring story that I hope encourages others to recover with the same resilience.” –Kevin Sorbo, Actor, Director, Author
"Author Ted Baxter, survives an extensive stroke, and devotes himself to
making the fullest recovery possible. This process, well chronicled by the
author, is truly remarkable. Mr. Baxter’s focus, motivation and successful
reestablishing of neurological function are a testament to the human spirit. By
accessing the best available clinical and rehabilitation expertise the author
arrives to a new life and a dedication to help others.
Relentless conveys two important take home messages. First, the human brain is extraordinarily plastic, i.e., the ability to use inputs (rehabilitative among others) to make new circuits that make new functions possible. Second, there is a clear need to identify individuals, who are the greatest risk for a stroke after a mini-stroke (Transient Ischemic Attack) or for secondary stroke. This latter unmet need is a problem that modern science and medicine must address in order to reduce the prevalence of stroke and its lifelong impact." –Howard J Federoff, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology and Former Dean University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine
“Ted’s inspirational story about his recovery from a near fatal stroke is extraordinary. His force of will through a combination of courage, determination and unrelenting resilience in the fight back from those earliest days to where he is now is profoundly inspirational.” –Gerald Beeson, Chief Operating Officer, Citadel
“I have known Ted since almost the beginning of his remarkable aphasia journey. His persistence and steadfastness in pursuit of regaining his life is inspirational, and his story needs to be heard. Throughout his recovery, Ted has maintained his grace, his good humor, his concern for others, and his broad interests. I am honored to have learned from him. His book will serve as a model for others who have had their lives touched by this devastating problem.”
—Audrey L. Holland, PhD, regents professor emerita, University of Arizona
“Nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year and those lucky enough to survive are often left with some level of disability. It's inspiring to read Relentless and get a glimpse of Ted's strength and determination during such an arduous time.” –Eric Haseltine, PhD, Neuroscientist and Author, Brain Safari
"In Relentless, Ted Baxter shares his experience of recovering from a stroke and the challenges and frustrations of aphasia. His determination to not let his stroke disable him and the entire process of rehabilitation and recovery can serve as an inspiration for stroke survivors and their families and loved ones." –Louis R Caplan MD, Professor Neurology Harvard University
"Relentless is an astonishing memoir of a man I knew who had everything needed to succeed in his personal life and his career and suddenly lost them battling a stroke. Now, re-energized, re-learning, and recovering, Ted shares the pieces of his completely different, new, and improved life together in this inspiring book. Inspiring wisdom for the rest of us." –Juan Pujadas, Retired Global Advisory Leader, Vice Chairman, PwC International LLC
“Of all the patients with stroke I’ve cared for, Ted easily is the most remarkable. I have never seen anyone with a stroke such as his and made the astounding recovery he did. And I might also add that the title for his book is apropos! Admiringly.” –Jesse Taber, MD, NorthShore University Health Systems
"Ted's passion and determination led to his
miracle recovery from a massive stroke. A truly inspiring book for
everyone!" –Wengui Yu, MD, PhD, Professor of Clinical Neurology and
Director, Comprehensive Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center, University of
California, Irvine
"This book is a most personal and poignant account of suffering a stroke and experiencing the painful challenges of its aftermath. It describes an episode that could happen to anyone of us and gives us some deep insights into what the experience is like and the challenge of recovery. Many of us may not be so determined (or lucky). Well done Ted Baxter for sharing your story and with such wonderful and heartening insights." –Mark Austen, Chairman of Alpha Bank, Ex Managing Partner of Financial Services Consulting at PWC, Director of PWC Global Board
"As an occupational therapist who has specialized in rehabilitating stroke survivors for 30 years, I must say I found Ted Baxter’s memoir to be inspirational and at times miraculous. This memoir is required reading for healthcare professionals to obtain critical insights from a patient’s perspective. Stroke survivors and their loved one are sure to be influenced by Ted’s resilience, courage, and motivation. This memoir is a gift to the stroke survivor community." –Glen Gillen, EdD, OTR, FAOTA, Columbia University, NY, NY
"This book is an inspirational story of the significance of daily perseverance and taking responsibility for your own future by setting incremental and achievable goals. Ted's writing is not only motivational, but a useful guide through the world of recovery for stroke survivors and their caregivers." –Jonathan Burke, President, Laguna College of Art & Design (LCAD)
"Relentless is a wonderful story that turns tragedy into triumph. I am very proud of Ted's accomplishments. He is an inspiration for all to never give up." –Dean Reinmuth, World renowned Golf Coach, Spokesperson, and Television Personality
Marketing Plan
- National trade marketing and sales campaign
- National broadcast and print publicity campaign
- Online marketing campaign including trade and consumer advertising
- Advance distribution of Digital ARC via NetGalley to reviewers, bloggers, journalists, librarians, booksellers, and media
- Author newsletter and exclusive downloads at www.TedWBaxter.com
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781626345201 |
| PRICE | $20.95 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Sondra B, Reviewer
I chose to read "Relentless" based on the belief that it was a memoir, but after finishing the book I felt I knew very little about the author, Ted W. Baxter. He and his wife provide information on a long string of events, but the reader is rarely allowed to experience much of their emotions or private thoughts. I was not allowed to get to "know" these people, and I felt shortchanged.
After Ted Baxter suffered a stroke, we learn of his hospital treatment, his education and career up to that point, and a little about his wife. But even this knowledge left me with more questions than answers. I really wanted to know how the stroke affected them at the core, not just on such a surface level. Did the stroke cause him to lose his love for her? Did he fully know who she was? If so, when? Did he lose all sense of closeness and intimacy? Did she secretly resent the demands his illness placed on her and their relationship? Why did the author wait so long to reveal the pre-existing and developing strain on their marriage?
The frequent point-of-view changes were jarring, especially when several other family members' experiences of the event were sporadically inserted. There were times when a POV change would occur and I couldn't remember what relation the person was to the author.
The book will no doubt provide invaluable information for medical professionals, caregivers and/or family members dealing with stroke survivors. The author's options, choices, self-experimentation, setbacks, progress, etc. will provide a wealth of guidance. I do, however, hold the opinion that a more personal voice should have been adopted in telling the story of his illness and recovery.
Educator 253159
Kudos to the author for overcoming such unbelievable odds! The backstory is thoroughly created, and the scientific information is not overwhelming to the layperson. One thing that was distracting was when it jumped back and forth in perspectives....some of them are clearly marked, while others are not (this may just be in the e-version). One thing that stuck out over and over again, however, was the author's ability to overcome. By this, I don't mean his tenacity....obviously, that is something necessary and something that anyone could have. I mean his half-percent status. No 'normal' person could invest, financially, in the amount and type of therapy that he received...as well as the support from someone who clearly wasn't having to work and juggle his care. As I said, he's done an admirable job, but to think that his story is one that many others could replicate is a bit of a stretch.
Jread S, Educator
Wow - a shocking story of loss and rebuilding. This is a book that makes you consider the arbitrary moments in life that result in outcomes no 40-something should be experiencing.
It feels a privilege to be given these insights into the thoughts of a stroke victim and family members desperate to communicate.
Thank you
Literary R, Reviewer
What an inspirational story! At 41, the author had a massive stroke that seemed sure to kill him. But he survived and through sheer relentless will and many years of treatment recovered to a remarkable degree. Highly recommended!
Thank you to the author, Greenleaf Book Group and NetGalley for the review copy in exchange for my true feedback.
#Relentless #NetGalley
Cristie U, Book Trade Professional
This was a great book about resilience and living each day to the fullest! Ted's stroke could have put his life on a downward path if he had given up and not chosen to be relentless to get back to "normal".
Susan K, Reviewer
Ted W. Baxter, a high-powered financial consultant who had had a meteoric rise in his field, suffered a massive stroke after developing a blood clot after a long International flight. He was so physically and mentally damaged by his personal traumatic brain injury, that his life hung in the balance for some time.
This book is the story of his recovery. He details in excruciating detail the kinds of therapy he experienced on his long road to recovery. Sadly, this is presented almost clinically, without any insight into the emotional or psychological challenges that Mr. Baxter surely experienced. And, the multiple therapies that he experienced were most likely only possible because he had the means to travel around the country for two years in his quest, certainly rigorous and challenging, to do so. The closest thing to emotion is the divorce he eventually gets from his wife, who was his prime cheerleader during his recovery, and even this is mentioned as casually as one might describe getting their teeth cleaned.
Indeed, Mr. Baxter’s recovery is something to celebrate, as is his incredible tenacity in pursuing it. Most people who had the massive stroke that he had would not have recovered to the extent that he has. However, the writing is ragged and not compelling. While I realize this book was written by someone who continues to struggle with aphasia, it would most likely have been far more compelling had he employed a ghost writer. I can’t recommend this book to the general reader. However, it might be interesting and useful for clinicians who work with stroke and traumatic brain injury patients.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. I thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for making this book available to me.
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