Your mind wants to label me as a person with the disability, but I'm a guy out here trying to change the world by changing one person at a time." - Emeka Nnaka
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On today’s episode, I’m joined by my co-host, Avarie Wilson. She serves as the Association’s Assistant Director of Development.
Avarie and I are going to interview our guest and, actually, Avarie’s very good friend, Emeka Nnaka.
As so many Oklahomans know, Emeka has been in a wheelchair since he was 21. He was playing for a semi-pro football team when he tackled an opponent during a game in Arkansas. The opponent got to his feet. Emeka, sadly, was unable to move. Partially paralyzed, his life has never been the same.
Despite his challenges in life, Emeka has become an inspiration through his determination, grit, compassion and his exemplary volunteer work. Most notably, he’s been an amazing advocate and volunteer for Mental Health Association Oklahoma, the Tulsa Area United Way, the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges, among others.
In late 2018, Emeka was invited to be on Ellen DeGeneres’ show after 50 people wrote letters to let her know how “incredible” Emeka is.
While on the show, Ellen read aloud a letter that described Emeka as a Tulsa treasure. Avarie and I could not agree more. And we’re so thrilled that Ellen and Cheerios gifted him with a check for $100,000 to celebrate his work in the community.
Dr. Robin Aupperle, Elisabeth Akeman and Dr. Hannah Berg talk about their work at Laureate Institute for Brain Research
Carolyn Burns, LCSW from the School of Social Work OU Online Campus discusses trauma and its effects on the brain
Juli Leber and Emily McPherson from Healthy Minds Policy Initiative
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Cheryl Step on ACEs and the impact of trauma in youth
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Carly Dunn on NEAR Sciences and ACES
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Susan Magsamen, author of NYT Bestseller Your Brain on Art
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Dr. Xavier Amador and Mark Davis talk about anosognosia
MHAOK Programs: G Pratcher will help you find A Better Way
MHAOK Story: Stephanie Newman - housing to healing to wholeness
National Hispanic Heritage Month Platicas w/Jocelin Baeza and Omar Isias
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Care for the Caregivers with Maggie Shaffer from the Alzheimer's Association
Community Story: Jon Haverfield on finding healing and support in the midst of tragedy
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Exploring Adventure Therapy with Cian Brown & Evan Smarinsky
A Meditation Episode: A Focus on Forgiveness with Collin Walke
A Meditation Episode: Finding Focus in the Chaos with Shannon Stephens
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Claudia Black on Family Systems & Addictive Disorders
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Session: Elena Joy Thurston on Finding Family & Belonging
Karen LaPlante on Zarrow Mental Health Symposium 2022
Sgt. Aaron Quinonez on veteran mental health and healing through service
Pat Nichols: Parents of Loved Ones Struggling with Addiction
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