Profiles
of Success - Erin Worsham
"Having ALS for at least six years, I have learned how important communication is to our existence," expressed Erin Worsham, a former actress.
After graduating from Western Kentucky University in 1980 with a degree in Theater and German, Erin started a career as an actress. "Following a very frustrating three year stint in the 9-to-5 world, Curry (my husband), enrolled me in Watkin’s Art Institute." Studying art became a salvation for Erin because in 1994, she was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and found that art was the key to her success — given the proper technology.
The Liberator has not only given Erin the ability to add her "two cents" in conversations, but also with the M.I.K.E.* program she is able to interface with her computer. With M.I.K.E. and a sensor taped to her eyebrow, she has been able to continue drawing. "I have vowed to resume my art career, not just as a hobby, but as my livelihood . . . it’s time I contributed to the family, too!" she exclaimed. Erin’s art has been displayed in a juried art exhibit in New York. "There are no words to express what drawing has meant to me!"
Along with her love and hobby of art, her son Daniel is another "hobby" she holds dear. She also uses her Liberator to keep a detailed journal of their lives together. "Curry calls me the ‘family scribe.’ Daniel’s journal has been a real labor of love, but it comforts me to know that, should anything ever happen to me, Daniel will have my thoughts and words always."
In one journal entry she wrote: 
"Red Grooms, a Nashville native and internationally known artist, has created a truly unique carousel on our riverfront. Instead of horses, the perches are famous Tennessee figures. I looked forward to its opening, because I had every intention of riding it with my son. Mr. Grooms had made it accessible! On Mother’s Day this year, Curry took Daniel and I to the carousel. Daniel got on, but the woman at the gate told me it was not accessible. Well, like any mature, 41-year-old would have done in my place, I burst into tears! Curry decided a second opinion was in order. The men selling the tickets told Curry it was accessible. Yes! Up I went. Daniel was thrilled to see his Mom getting on the ride with him. It was an exhilarating sensation to watch the world fly by. I could not keep from smiling for the rest of the day!"
Since her diagnosis with ALS, Erin has faced many obstacles. The most challenging one was getting out of bed after she got her tracheotomy and was placed on a ventilator. "It took three people to coordinate the lifting of my motionless body while watching out for tubes and moving the vent onto the back of my wheelchair. I had to place my complete trust in them. I overcame my fear by remembering each day it would get a little easier."
Erin has gained her strength through the love of her family and her faith in God. We wish you the best of luck with your career and look forward to seeing your art on display!
To view samples of Erin's art, click here.
Anyone interested in purchasing one of these limited edition prints, send a
check or money order for $48 ($45 + $3 shipping) to Erin Brady Worsham, 929
Cahal Avenue, Nashville, TN 37206. "Big Wheels" is 14 1/2" (H) X 9 1/2" (W).
"Range of Motion" is 14 1/2" (H) X 10 1/2" (W).
*M.I.K.E. is software that adds keyboard keys, mouse movement, and menu access to Unity vocabulary.