"Although Erika often refers to me as her “guru,” she fails to realize how inspiring she is. Within minutes of meeting, I felt she had potential, and after reading her book, am convinced.” - Kevin Craig West, Actor, Director - SAG, AFTRA, AEA
"This is indeed a story about the triumph of the human spirit. Yet, Erika tells it with an unflinching honesty and humor that makes you unable to put her book down. This is the real deal, not the sugar-coated version, and we, in the end, are left dreaming Erika's dreams with her." - Liz Tuccillo, Author, He’s Just Not That Into You, Staff Writer, Sex in the City
"I'm Going To Dance brings the heroic and the everyday together in a way that makes this memoir of her miracle journey both affecting and accessible." - Mary Pat Kelly, Author and Filmmaker: Martin Scorsese: A Journey and Special Intentions, Proud with Ossie Davis
I'm Going to Dance
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“Erika Kirtoglou is courageous woman with a compelling story to tell. I’m Going to Dance, a memoir of Kirtoglou’s devastating traumatic brain injury and her remarkable physical and psychological recovery process, never downplays the daily hardships that Kirtoglou faces and never tries to hide her own missteps. But, always, I’m Going to Dance beats with the steady rhythm of pure determination, jazzed up by riffs of pure faith. Readers of this book will come to see that not only is dancing part of Kirtoglou’s future, dancing is what she has been doing all along—waltzing herself out of despair with grace, strength and spirit.”
-Hollis Seamon, Professor, The College of Saint Rose, Author, Body Work: Stories and Flesh: A Suzanne LaFleshe Mystery
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“The writing, I’m Going to Dance, by Erika Kirtoglou is an inspirational testimony of an atypical human being who overcomes seemingly insurmountable physical and emotional obstacles to pursue her dreams. The strength of the words rests in the message; namely, that there’s a major difference in thinking what we WOULD LIKE to change as opposed to what we WILL change. The writing brings us above the level of despair, to the point of inconceivable achievements. Erika, dance on!”
-Richard L. Sartore , Educator/Author
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"Erika's story is one of great hope for all who struggle with impediments. It is a very human story of a young lady pressing on to freedom despite severe handicaps. This tale of everyday heroism will touch the heart of all readers."
-Fr. Mike Scanlan, Author, Let The Fire Fall, Chancellor, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, Ohio
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"Erika Kirtoglou's memoir expertly weaves together the different fibers of her life story: she braids details about life with impairments
after a traumatic brain injury, and reflections about how society disables bodies that deviate from its norms, together with astute observations about love, longing,
ambition, faith, rejection, and the pleasure of movement. Kirtoglou spins the minutes of everyday life into a compelling narrative as she traces her steps, after her
accident, from despair through dance as a means of ensuring her survival. Highly recommended."
-Kathleen LeBesco, Ph.D, Associate Professor, Communication Arts, Marymount Manhattan College, Humanities Book Review Editor, Disability Studies Quarterly
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“It has been my pleasure to watch Erika grow from a young, damaged, teenage patient into a capable, talented and impassioned young woman. For anyone this would be an accomplishment. Erika’s severe brain injury precluded her from taking the path of least resistance. I believe the path she has chosen, resulted from her great inner strength, the support and love of her family and her stubbornness. The headstrong young patient I battled with to keep from lurching forward to chart her own dangerous course has used this bullish strength to write her own book. This is truly an outstanding accomplishment, which gives me pause and makes me fiercely proud of her.”
-Debra Q. Virtanen, MS, PT, Erika’s therapist at Riverfront Physical Therapy
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With disarming honesty, Erika Kirtoglou takes us through the many highs and lows of her journey after sustaining a devastating brain injury. Her humor, insight, and description of her experiences give the reader a real sense of life with a brain injury. Erika’s ultimate belief in herself and in the goodness of life are an inspiration for all. Knowing this lively and enthusiastic young woman, and reading of her struggles and all she has overcome, instill in the reader a sense of wonder. Kudos to Erika – you continue to inspire by your example.”
-Judith Avner, Esq., Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS.)
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