Sheri Sobrato Brisson

Blogger, Philanthropist, Writer/Editor

Sheri Sobrato Brisson was given six-months to live following being diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in her early 20’s. Now 30 years later, Sheri shares her survivorship story and teaches us how to work through any personal challenge, as well as support others in discovering their own inner strength to heal and move on. Through the process of discovering her personal narrative, Sheri has learned the importance of moving beyond coping to truly healing emotionally. She has made it her life’s mission to help children and teens facing serious or chronic illness uncover their own inner strength through journal writing and coauthored, Digging Deep: A Journal for Young People Facing Health Challenges, used in children's hospitals nationwide. She blogs regularly on www.diggingdeep.org.

I am passionate about how the use of technology, introspection, art, and community can be used to help kids facing serious or chronic illness feel connected and heal emotionally.

How much would it help if sick kids were given the credit they deserve to work through their feelings and heal emotionally from the trauma of having a life filled with health challenge?

I'm a philanthropist, mom and wife, brain-tumor survivor, and friend to many. I help kids in hospitals because that is what I love. I co-authored Digging Deep: A Journal for Young People Facing Health Challenges, so that kids and teens could have a tool to heal emotionally and build resilience by discovering their own inner strength through journaling. I blog on diggingdeep.org about the need to support kids and teens emotional health in their wake of health challenge and offer practical suggestions as well. I am in the TED community to share what I’ve learned and continue to learn from others. I am inspired by art, nature, and honest conversation. I love people, being a mom, adventure, travel, skiing, great food, throwing parties, and just being a big kid at times. I get lost in ideas and thus, have never balanced my checkbook. Way back in my mid-20's I restructured my life to meet my needs and have connected in a real and honest way ever since. That is the real gift that cancer gave me.

I'm very open in sharing any talent I have with others and putting myself out there. so I cannot think of anything people don't know!