Type of Media
Creative Writing

Artist Statement
It was after reading her grandfather’s poems that Elise found an interest in writing poetry. Writing poetry continues to be an outlet for her after her surgery to voice her struggles with a life after brain injury.

“Growing up, my life revolved around playing sports, so when my brain surgeon told me I could no longer play on a sports team, my life was shattered. I struggled to find new hobbies and interests to fill my time. I turned to activities such as scrapbooking, photography, and crafts, as well as writing poetry. Since then, whenever I’m struggling with the side effects of my tumor and stroke, I write, because it is easier for me, putting a pen to paper to express my feelings, rather than to voice them myself.”


Bio
Elise Rosati is a 23-year-old graduate student in recreational therapy at Temple University. She loves writing poetry and short stories, as well as reading. She loves photography, and scrapbooking. She also enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her pets.

Elise was diagnosed with a Craniopharyngioma at the age of 11 in April of 2008, and had a stroke affecting her left side during the surgery to remove it. She aspires to become a child life specialist at a children’s hospital, and is currently working on pursuing this goal.