S. Dawne McKay has recently released her book titled Talk Crash to Me, which was written to help motor vehicle crash victims navigate through what can often be a long recovery from the life-altering experience.
The 52-year-old Brechin resident is a crash victim herself, surviving a collision back in 2012.
“I was leaving Brechin to go to work and my life took a different turn that morning,” McKay said.
During the first month of the COVID-19 pandemic, McKay decided to write a book to create a template or a guide to help motor vehicle crash victims through the process of recovery.
“I didn’t ever think I would write a book, but I decided to do it to keep busy during the first month of the pandemic. It helped turn another negative situation into a positive,” she said.
The book shares tips and advice for crash victims and helps point out things that survivors wouldn’t necessarily be aware of when they first set out on their recovery journey.
“When I was discharged and sent home, nobody really handed me anything and it was just numerous doctors appointments and rehab, there wasn’t really a ton of support,” McKay reflected.
“I realized that crash survivors don’t really get the support they need, so at that time, I created an online support group, I write a newsletter for crash survivors, and I’ve set out on a mission to help crash survivors through what they are going through as best as I can.”
McKay’s online support group has attracted survivors from all around the world.
“I have people from the U.K., Hawaii, and Australia, who are joining my support group to connect with other survivors who are going through the same things,” she explained.
“You watch the lives of your friends and family continue while you remain stuck for quite a while. Because of that feeling of being alone and isolated I felt that I needed to do something to let crash survivors know that they aren’t alone.”
Since McKay’s book was released in March, she says she has received positive reviews and feedback.
“In some of the reviews I’ve been getting survivors that are saying it’s like a giant hug they needed, it’s inspiring, motivational, it gives survivors confidence that they can get through it, and a recovery is possible,” she said.
“This is a book that I wish somebody handed me when I started my recovery because it’s just so overwhelming all the things you have to go through, it’s quite a journey to get your life back on track," said McKay.
McKay hopes her book gets shared globally and helps crash survivors who need a helping hand.
“My dream would be to get my book into the hands of every crash survivor out there to help the people who are really struggling,” she said.
“There are people who have lost their homes, some of them are single parents, some have lost their job, it’s very life-altering.”
McKay also hopes her book helps spread awareness for crash survivors.
“There is simply not enough awareness. There is support for cancer victims, ALS, etc., but when it comes to crash survivors there isn’t really the support that there should be,” she said.
You can purchase McKay’s book for $13 here.
