Podcast appearances and mentions of geralyn ritter

How do we find hope and resilience when faced with unimaginable trauma or even everyday challenges? In 2015, Geralyn Ritter was returning from a business trip when her train derailed at 106 mph. She was not expected to live. Geralyn spent the next several years undergoing dozens of surgical procedures, on total disability leave from her job, and facing the mental health challenges associated with physical trauma and pain. She joined us to share her journey back to life as mom, wife and CEO. Be inspired by her story and lessons learned finding strength – and hope – in adversity.Watch the original Wednesdays with Woodward® webinar: https://institute.travelers.com/webinar-series/symposia-series/story-survival-webinar ---Visit the Travelers Institute® website: http://travelersinstitute.org/ Join the Travelers Institute® email list: https://travl.rs/488XJZM Connect with Travelers Institute® President Joan Woodward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joan-kois-woodward/

On May 12, 2015, Amtrak 188 derailed outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Eight passengers were killed and over 150 were injured. The National Transportation Safety Board concluded that the conductor had “lost situational awareness” and sped through the sharpest curve in the Northeast at more than double the maximum speed limit. Geralyn was on her way home from an ordinary business trip when the accident happened. She was crushed in the crash, which killed eight and injured hundreds. Her abdominal, chest, pelvic and orthopedic injuries were overwhelming, and she was not expected to live. In a split second, she went from being a devoted mother of three boys and globe-trotting senior executive at one of America's largest companies to an immobilized ICU patient on a ventilator facing a highly uncertain future. And for her family, the hard-charging working mom that could be counted on to shake off the jet lag of a flight from Asia and make the middle-school baseball game on time, turned into someone almost unrecognizable and completely dependent on their care. Geralyn's doctors use the word “miraculous” to describe her survival and recovery. Today she lives a full life inspired by gratitude and offers hope and healing to many others. She is known for her distinctive laugh that fills a room and determined resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges.  Bone by Bone is the author's account of suffering near-fatal injuries  and her long recovery in the years since. The forthcoming book deals honestly with the long-lasting impact of sudden trauma and offers hope – from the perspective of someone who has been there. And back.

Oh, how my heart (and face) smiled throughout this empowering and enlightening conversation with Geralyn Ritter, executive, author, advocate, speaker, wife and mother. Please join us as we discuss: the compelling story behind her memoir, Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healing her insights on traumatic injuries mindset strategies for surviving and thriving … Read More Read More

What kind of company would you create if you could start from a blank slate? Despite being spun off from 130+-year-old Merck, Organon had this unique opportunity. The women's health, biosimilars, and established medicines company started from the beginning, defining a new mission, establishing a board of directors, and unifying their impact around a commitment to the global health of women and girls.Nearly half of the world's pregnancies are unintended. Organon is working to change that by ensuring women around the world have the power to decide when and whether they will start a family, enabling them to live their promises. Through the Her Promise Access Initiative, Organon collaborates with organizations in the world's least developed regions to offer education, training, and affordable contraceptive options. Central to this effort is "Her Plan is Her Power," which empowers women to manage their reproductive health, reducing unplanned pregnancies and disparities in high-need areas.We invited Geralyn Ritter, EVP of Corporate Affairs, Sustainability & ESG, to explain how Organon was structured to create meaningful change and empower women to live their promise.Listen for insights on:How Organon established the most gender diverse Board in the S&P 500Articulate values to influence behaviorExpanding internal benefits to be more inclusive of women's health needsResources + Links:Geralyn Ritter's LinkedInHer Promise Access InitiativeHer Plan is Her PowerMerck for MothersGeralyn's First Purpose 360 Episode “An Act of Grace” (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Geralyn Ritter from Organon (02:28) - Geralyn's Background (06:13) - Merck for Mothers (07:36) - The Name (09:17) - Board Members (12:15) - Their Purpose (14:55) - Values (16:23) - Innovation (20:13) - Her Promise Initiative (23:41) - Partners (26:11) - Measurement (28:40) - Recruiting Actions (29:50) - Recognition (30:51) - Last Insights (32:53) - 2030 (34:50) - Wrap Up

Bad things happen. It's what we do with them. Grace is defined as an undeserved, unmerited gift. I've been given a gift. ~ Geralyn Ritter: 'Bone by Bone Have you ever experienced devastating trauma? We've all had challenges, but thankfully, most of us have never had to deal with crushing, life-altering trauma. Geralyn Ritter knows what can happen to change life in an instant. In 2015, a terrifying train crash changed Geralyn's life in a moment--forever changing who she was and who she would continue to become. Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we talk often about life's challenges, but rarely do we encounter someone who so perfectly personifies the Brilliantly Resilient mindset. Geralyn has utilized her experiences to become a force of light and life to all who hear her story. Learn more about Geralyn's best seller, Bone by Bone, below: Geralyn Ritter: Bone By Bone  On May 12, 2015, Amtrak 188 derailed outside of Philadelphia going 106 miles per hour. Geralyn Ritter was thrown from the train and sustained catastrophic injuries to her chest, her abdomen, and her pelvis. After enduring weeks in the ICU, dozens of surgeries over the following years, unremitting pain, PTSD, depression, and opioid dependence, Geralyn was faced with a daunting question: beyond mere survival after trauma, where is the path back to joy? Bone by Bone shares her powerful story of resilience with humor, grace, and no-holds-barred honesty. Bone by Bone addresses the long-lasting impact of sudden trauma and extends hope--from the perspective of someone who has been there and back. Tune into Geralyn's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient Podcast! Be sure to pick up a copy of Bone by Bone and click here to get the full Brilliantly Resilient Summer 2023 Reading List! Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! XO, Mary Fran & Kristin

Surviving disaster is a testament to human resilience, the will to live, and the courage to heal. Today, we welcome a truly extraordinary guest, Geralyn Ritter, whose story is an inspiring manifestation of this spirit. As an executive vice president, board director, and author of the memoir 'Bone by Bone,' she recounts her journey of survival, recovery, and acceptance after a deadly train derailment in 2015. Listen in, as Geralyn shares the profound physical and psychological impact of the accident on her life, the challenges of managing potent pain medications, and her path towards acceptance of her life-altering experience. Geralyn's story is more than just overcoming trauma; it's about finding balance and reclaiming life after the unthinkable. Our conversation delves deep into her healing journey, the frustrations she faced, and the silver linings that emerged along the way. She candidly shares her struggle to find equilibrium in life while managing her medical vulnerabilities and her newfound purpose to help other trauma survivors. This episode is not just about survival; it's about resilience, healing, and reclaiming life after a devastating trauma. Listen in and be inspired by Geralyn's courage and determination, a compelling testament to the strength of the human spirit. In this episode, you will hear: Surviving a deadly train derailment Unrealistic recovery expectations and depression The difficulty of managing both the physical pain and psychological trauma  A radical acceptance of her traumatic experience Finding balance while managing her ongoing medical vulnerabilities Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: Bone by Bone by Geralyn Ritter https://www.amazon.com/Bone-Memoir-Trauma-Healing/dp/1950465551  NovusMindfulLife.com Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“My family was advised that they needed to come very quickly to say goodbye," says Geralyn Ritter. "My brother packed a dark suit for my funeral.” For Ritter, a near-fatal experience on the 2015 Philadelphia Amtrak derailment was the life-altering catalyst for a complete life and career reinvention. Her 2022 book, Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healing, details the story of her remarkable journey to recovery, moving through grief, trauma and healing. “The main reason I wrote it was to try to help other survivors,” she tells CoveyClub founder Lesley Jane Seymour in this candid conversation. “It has been enormously healing for me to be able to share my story.” Listen in to hear her insights on overcoming and the resources that supported her along the way.   Free gift! Grab our new ebook, 5 Days to More Time for You! We've packed it full of our favorite time management hacks to help you conquer your to-do list and create more time for the things that matter most.   About Geralyn Ritter Geralyn's doctors use the word "miraculous" to describe her survival and recovery. Today she lives a full life inspired by gratitude and offers hope and healing to many others. She is known for her distinctive laugh that fills a room and determined resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges. ​ A recognized expert in healthcare policy, Geralyn was determined to re-start her career after years of disability leave following the accident. She is currently executive vice-president at Organon & Co., a new company dedicated to women's health. Prior to the launch of Organon in 2021, she was a longtime senior vice president of Merck & Co., Inc., one of the largest biopharmaceutical companies in the world. At Merck, her passion was leading the Company's engagement on social and community issues and supporting forward-thinking governance at the highest levels of the company. ​ Geralyn and her husband Jonathan have been married for almost 25 years. Jonathan and their three sons traveled every step of the recovery journey with her, and their experiences as unexpected caretakers are an important part of her story.   Connect with Geralyn: Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour & CoveyClub: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Join CoveyClub  

Geralyn Ritter knows about personal and organizational resilience. She was on Amtrak Train #188, which derailed outside Philadelphia in 2015 at 106 miles per hour. The crash killed eight people and injured more than 200. Geralyn was critically wounded. Her doctors use the word “miraculous” to describe her survival and recovery. She also knows about organizational resilience, as the current Head of External Affairs and ESG for Organon, following twelve years at Merck, where she held numerous leadership positions, including Senior Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Assistant General Counsel, Head of Global Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility, and President of the Merck Foundation. She is the author of Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healing. In part one of this two-part podcast, Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center, speaks with Geralyn about surviving the accident, her road to recovery, and lessons in personal resilience. They discuss the importance of optimism, acceptance, an action orientation, connection, and a sense of purpose. They discuss how these traits are equally important for leaders, organizations, and society.  In part two, they go deeper into the subject of organizational resiliency, with practical insights on how to develop a more resilient organization, including the role of ESG in creating a healthy organization, the link between resiliency and sustainability, maintaining resilience in a hybrid work environment, and the value of sharing stories of personal resilience in building a stronger organization.  The discussion spans 9/11 to the COVID-19 pandemic to Silicon Valley Bank, with insights for all of us on resilience. Related Resources: Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healing, Geralyn S. Ritter, June 2022 Consider Operational Resilience a Competitive Advantage, The Conference Board, 2023 C-Suite Outlook 2023: On the Edge: Driving Growth and Mitigating Risk Amid Extreme Volatility, The Conference Board, January 2023 Crisis Management in the Era of "No Normal," The Conference Board, September 2021                                                                Five Ways a Sustainability Strategy Provides Clarity During a Crisis, The Conference Board, April 2020.  

Geralyn Ritter knows about personal and organizational resilience. She was on Amtrak Train #188, which derailed outside Philadelphia in 2015 at 106 miles per hour. The crash killed eight people and injured more than 200. Geralyn was critically wounded. Her doctors use the word “miraculous” to describe her survival and recovery. She also knows about organizational resilience, as the current Head of External Affairs and ESG for Organon, following twelve years at Merck, where she held numerous leadership positions, including Senior Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Assistant General Counsel, Head of Global Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility, and President of the Merck Foundation. She is the author of Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healing. In part one of this two-part podcast, Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center, speaks with Geralyn about surviving the accident, her road to recovery, and lessons in personal resilience. They discuss the importance of optimism, acceptance, an action orientation, connection, and a sense of purpose. They discuss how these traits are equally important for leaders, organizations, and society.  In part two, they go deeper into the subject of organizational resiliency, with practical insights on how to develop a more resilient organization, including the role of ESG in creating a healthy organization, the link between resiliency and sustainability, maintaining resilience in a hybrid work environment, and the value of sharing stories of personal resilience in building a stronger organization.  The discussion spans 9/11 to the COVID-19 pandemic to Silicon Valley Bank, with insights for all of us on resilience.   Related Resources: Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healing, Geralyn S. Ritter, June 2022 Consider Operational Resilience a Competitive Advantage, The Conference Board, 2023 C-Suite Outlook 2023: On the Edge: Driving Growth and Mitigating Risk Amid Extreme Volatility, The Conference Board, January 2023 Crisis Management in the Era of "No Normal," The Conference Board, September 2021                                                                Five Ways a Sustainability Strategy Provides Clarity During a Crisis, The Conference Board, April 2020.

Host's Note: If you'd prefer to watch this interview, check out the Youtube video.This episode features our guest, Geralyn Ritter, survivor of the 2015 Amtrak 188 derailment and author of Bone by Bone, a memoir including her lessons learned during her arduous recovery process. TOPICS COVERED:- Unexpectedness of sudden trauma and the most difficult parts of her story- Uncertainty and learning to give up the need to know and control- Being inside the pain makes it so hard to see progress and the path ahead- Resiliency - how her family kept her going- Being as present as she could for her teen sons- Finding positives in her journey- The impact of her husband and kids being unexpected caregivers- The importance of caregivers having outside support- Recovery is hard and different for every single one- Optimism v. realism (finding balance) - Not being in charge of her healing time table- Realizing how broken she was and why she sometimes felt like a failure- PTSD and the depths of depression and darkness- Physical pain and mental health link- Why she wouldn't have had such a desire to live had it not been for her prescription drugs- The patient perspective on the opioid crisis- Stigma and shame of fighting for pain medications- Opioids have to have room for nuance and the new CDC guidelines and initiatives- The risk of suicidality without weaning off drugs- Why laughter kept her going and why it's okay to find joy and silliness inside of heartacheGUEST'S MOST USEFUL RESOURCES IN THEIR HEALING:1.  Laughter!   Laughter gives you a glimpse of normality inside of grief. 2. Learning about trauma to find ways to connect to others to be less lonely. FOR MORE INFO ABOUT OUR GUEST:1. Website 2. Book site 3. Organon & Co - a company launched in dedication to women's health where Geralyn is an exec VP4. FB 5. IG  Tags:  #traumarecovery #traumarecoverycoach #traumahealing #healingfromtrauma #traumasurvivor #survivorhood #ifsinformed #amtrakderailment #amtrak188 #acutetrauma #bonebybone #broken #suddentrauma #uncertainty #resiliency #findingpositives #caregivers #optimism #realism #ptsd #physicalpain #opioids #findingbalance #patientperspective Support the showTrauma Survivorhood is hosted by Sara Miley, CTRC-A, IFS - an IFS-informed certified trauma recovery coach with her own private practice called Full Circle Wellspring LLC. For one-to-one coaching, IFS guidance, classes, and more - visit: www.fullcirclewellspring.comLike and Follow for latest news and promotions: www.facebook.com/fullcirclewellspring For all past episodes, check out the Trauma Survivorhood's podcast home: www.traumasurvivorhoodpodcast.comFor all the episode videos, check out: www.youtube.com/@fullcirclewellspring © 2021-2023 Trauma Survivorhood with Sara Miley and Full Circle Wellspring LLC

Geralyn Ritter survived near-fatal injuries in the derailment of Amtrak 188 outside Philadelphia where eight passengers were killed and over 150 injured in 2015. She is an author, a mum of three and currently Executive Vice President of External Affairs and ESG at Organon, a health care company focused on women's health.    Learn more about Geralyn Ritter-        LinkedIn-        Geralyn's Website-        Organon Executive ProfileTop 3 Lessons:1.     Resilience is a skill anyone and any company can build2.     What pain can teach us about perceptions and brand reputation3.     How to build a personal brand while being an employeeEpisode website URL:https://www.howiechan.com/blog/podcast-geralynritter-ep16  Resources-        Bone by Bone by Geralyn Ritter (100% of proceeds go to non-profit organizations that support trauma professionals and trauma survivors Ways I can help you:Subscribe to Healthy Brand Mondays: Leverage brand thinking to accelerate your growthDownload free guides and tools: Learn from my years of experience as a brand strategistWork with me: Be a podcast guest or hire my services for your brand Connect with Howie: LinkedIn TwitterInstagramTikTokYouTubeGet more from Healthy Brands: Subscribe to Healthy Brand Mondays: 1 branding lesson every Monday in your inbox Download messaging toolkit and other free brand strategy guides Work with me Connect with Howie: LinkedIn Twitter Instagram TikTok YouTube

On May 12, 2015, Geralyn Ritter, Senior Vice President at pharmaceutical company Merck, was flung from her train car in Amtrak's deadliest train derailment since 1987. Of 238 passengers, over 200 people were injured and eight were tragically killed. Geralyn was the most critically injured of those who survived.It took just seconds for Geralyn to go from being a senior executive at one of America's largest companies to an immobilized ICU patient facing an uncertain future. Despite intense pain, years of recovery, and a continuing struggle with trauma, Geralyn came to view her situation as an act of grace – an undeserved, unmerited gift – that empowered her to rebuild her body and re-establish her career, “bone by bone.”We invited Geralyn Ritter, now Executive Vice President of External Affairs, ESG, and Sustainability at Organon, a new women's health organization and spinoff from Merck, to talk about her recovery and return to work through the lens of gratitude, grief, resilience, and, of course, purpose. Listen for more insights on:Servant leadership and its transformative impact on employees.How to balance realism and optimism – both at work and in life.Why being open to new solutions and opportunities can improve your resilience in new and challenging situations.Resources + Links:Geralyn Ritter's LinkedInBone by BoneMerck for MothersOrganonWhy You Don't Need a Dedicated ESG Strategy (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Geralyn Ritter (03:13) - Meet Geralyn (05:42) - Scale and Impact (06:24) - Her Role at Merck (11:50) - Outcomes (13:20) - The Crash (16:10) - The Book (17:54) - Reslience (20:50) - Dealing With the Pain (24:34) - Applying Lessons to Work (29:25) - Organon (34:30) - God's Reason (35:56) - New Purpose Perspective (36:57) - Goals for Organon (38:50) - Servant Leadership (41:08) - Advice for Leaders (42:43) - Advice When Going Through Trauma (45:10) - Final Thoughts (45:42) - Wrap Up

Welcome to episode # 77My guest is Geralyn RitterGeralyn is the author of Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healing. It's about her recovery from injuries in the 2015 Amtrak derailment. She is a frequent public speaker on the topics of personal and professional resilience, trauma recovery, the patient perspective on the opioid crisis, and the power of grace. She is also a recognized expert in healthcare policy and the executive vice president at Organon & Co. Geralyn is a mother of three young men and has been married for 24 years to her loving husband, Jonathan.She is here to share her incredible story of physical and mental hardship in her journey to recovery after the 2015 Amtrak accident. Ultimately, this is a story of hope and survival against incredible odds that offers lessons in resilience for all of us at all levels, from the patient to the caregivers and people around us. Geralyn is vulnerable, authentic and shares the good, the bad and the ugly. Geralyn has made it a priority to give back to the hospital community that saved her life. She lives in New Jersey, USA.Let's enjoy her story. To connect with Geralyn: www.GeralynRitter.com BEHAS TEAM: behas.podcats@gmail.com - to share your story.@behas.podcast

Bad things happen. It's what we do with them. Grace is defined as an undeserved, unmerited gift. I've been given a gift. ~ Geralyn Ritter Those of us who live in the Philadelphia area remember with great clarity the early evening of May 12, 2015, when an Amtrak train bound for New York from Washington, D.C. derailed in Philadelphia, killing 8 and injuring over 200 people.  Geralyn Ritter, our guest today on the Brilliantly Resilient podcast, was on that train, and was one of the 11 people critically injured whose lives would be forever changed. Taken unconscious to a nearby hospital, Geralyn was without identification and was unable to contact her husband and children, who searched desperately for her all night. Geralyn speaks of her experience, how she survived her trauma (doctors said her survival was nothing short of miraculous) and how she has dedicated herself to helping others heal from devastating challenges by sharing her story, especially through her book, Bone by Bone. With a determined, resilient spirit, Geralyn offers lessons to navigate crisis and even find the true purpose within them.  Tune in to this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast to hear more of Geralyn's truly inspiring story. Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! XO, KS & MFB

The grit and resilience-filled comeback story of Geralyn Ritter who was critically hurt in a 2015 Amtrak train accident that killed 8 people and injured more than one hundred others. At the time, the mother of three was a senior VP at the pharmaceutical company Merck & Company—an A-type essentially— used to moving fast and getting things done. Here she shares with Linda her journey over the past 7 years, including how she has kept her chin up through an emotionally challenging time at a residential rehab center and endured more than 30 surgeries. She also talks about how tapping her "spiritual side" helped her cope with pain and despair. Plus, the life lessons she has learned and how they have inspired her to change her life—everything from how she now deals with her girlfriends and her kids—and why she accepted a position at a new company. Geralyn is the executive VP at Organon & Co., a Fortune 500 healthcare company aimed at women and the author of Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healing.

Today's guest is Geralyn Ritter. A recognized expert in healthcare policy, Geralyn  is executive vice president at Organon, a new Fortune 500 healthcare company dedicated to the health of women.  She is also the author of a memoir about her recovery from the 2015 Amtrak derailment, Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healing. This episode aired LIVE on Fireside, Wednesday, October 2nd and has been edited due to technical issues.    

Susan, your host, welcomes Geralyn Ritter to today's episode. Geralyn is a recognized expert in healthcare policy and an executive vice president at Organon & Co., a new Fortune 500 healthcare company dedicated to the health of women. She was formerly senior vice president at Merck & Co., Inc., one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. She has spearheaded global government affairs and policy, led initiatives on corporate governance and corporate responsibility, created and launched a widely acclaimed half-billion-dollar philanthropic initiative to end preventable maternal deaths around the globe, and has served as President of the Merck Foundation. In 2020, on behalf of Merck, Geralyn accepted the Disability Employer of the Year award. She is now the author of a memoir about her recovery from the 2015 Amtrak derailment titled: Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healing.   Key Takeaways: Geralyn shares her story as a survivor of the 2015 Amtrak derailment. Geralyn talks about the confusion that took over her when she woke up after the derailment: “It seemed too unreal to be true.” Susan shares her thoughts about the day her life turned upside down; she remembers thinking: “This can't be happening to me.” Geralyn talks about first feeling grateful for being alive and then, realizing how life-changing the derailment was going to be, she really started to crash. Geralyn couldn't accept that somehow she deserved to survive. Geralyn came to the realization that she did have the right to grieve even though she had survived. Geralyn talks about the difficult task of accepting the lack of control. Keep your hope; you can't control the time frame, remember that grieving has no schedule and that you will get better. Life has unlimited opportunities; you will find joy, and grief will be less searing.   Resources Tendrilsofgrief.com Email Susan: susan@tendrilsofgrief.com   Meet Geralyn Ritter Learn more about Geralyn Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healing.

After a horrific and tragic Amtrak train crash in Philadelphia 2015, eight passengers died and many severely injured. Geralyn was thrown from the train with such force that she sustained catastrophic injuries to her chest, abdomen and her pelvis, she was not expected to survive. The irony was that she worked as a senior leader of a global healthcare pharmaceutical company, who also helped her to heal, which took years of emotional and physical therapy. I have worked with Geralyn for many years helping women around the world as mothers. This is her incredible and inspirational story of resilience and repairing "Bone by Bone", also the title of her book.

In this episode, Al interviews Geralyn Ritter, executive vice president at Oregon, trauma survivor, and author (recorded 9-8-22). May 12, 2015 started out as a typical day for Geralyn. She was on a train that she had taken many times. Only this time, soon after leaving the Philadelphia station on a train that would normally be a short ride to her home, she felt some unusual shaking as she had stood up to get something from her briefcase that was on a luggage rack. She grabbed the luggage rack with an unbelievable sensation that the train was tipping. Later, she was to find out that the Amtrak 188 train was traveling at a speed of 106 mph on a curve designed for a speed of 50 mph. After screaming, realizing that the train actually was tipping, her next memory was waking up several days later in the ICU of a hospital with a breathing tube down her throat. Geralyn describes how her family, too, struggled to even find her after the tragic accident, as she was clinging to life as a Jane Doe. She shares her incredible, inspirational story of surviving through unimaginable physical injuries, terrible pain, and debilitating depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Hear how this tragedy changed the trajectory of Geralyn's work and inspired her to write a memoir in the hopes of helping others. You can find her memoir, Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma & Healing, at BoneByBoneBook.com. You can also find out more about Geralyn on her website, GeralynRitter.com. If you have listened and feel that you have received some value from the podcast, please consider supporting the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/thedepressionfiles. You can begin to support the show with as little as $1.00/month! In addition to The Depression Files podcast, you can find Al's blog at TheDepressionFiles.com. There, you can also find out how to work with Al as a coach or schedule him for a public speaking event. You will also find Al on Twitter @allevin18. Lastly, it would be greatly appreciated if you would subscribe to the show and take just a minute to leave a review and rating.

What does one do when they get a second chance at life? Would you live your life any differently?May 12 of 2015 seemed like a typical day as passengers were travelling on Amtrak 188 Northeast Regional train from Washington, DC bound for New York City.  Many would have been commuting for work just as they had done many times before.No one could have anticipated there would be a mass train derailment killing 8 people and injuring 200 others.  My guest Geralyn Ritter author of “Bone by Bone – A memoir of Trauma and Healing” knows first-hand what it is like to have a second chance at life.  As a passenger in the first car of the Amtrak train that fateful day Geralyn reflects on the moments leading up to the derailment, the extensive injuries she suffered as a result of being thrown from the train, and her long arduous journey toward healing.  With several surgeries under her belt, and a renewed sense of appreciation for life, she is sharing what is important to her now, the resilience practices that served her, and why she is on a mission to help others. Website:  https://www.geralynritter.com/book

Bone by Bone: A Memoir of Trauma and Healing with Geralyn Ritter On May 12, 2015, Amtrak 188 derailed outside of Philadelphia going 106 miles per hour. Eight passengers were killed and many more severely injured. Geralyn Ritter was thrown from the train with such force that she sustained catastrophic injuries to her chest, her abdomen, and her pelvis. Found unconscious, unable to breathe, and suffering massive blood loss, she was not expected to survive. After enduring weeks in the ICU, dozens of surgeries over the following years, unremitting pain, PTSD, depression, and opioid dependence, Geralyn was faced with a daunting question: beyond mere survival after trauma, where is the path back to joy? With humor, grace, and no-holds-barred honesty, she describes the journey back to life and offers support and encouragement for others. Bone by Bone addresses the long-lasting impact of sudden trauma and extends hope-from the perspective of someone who has been there. And back.  A recognized expert in healthcare policy, Geralyn Ritter is executive vice president at Organon & Co., a new Fortune 500 healthcare company dedicated to the health of women. She was formerly senior vice-president at Merck & Co., Inc., one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. For more information visit: www.geralynritter.com *************************************************** For more information about BITEradio products and services visit: http://www.biteradio.me/index.html To view the photography of Robert at: rpsharpe.picfair.com

On this episode I am joined by Geralyn Ritter. She has recently released a book: Bone by Bone a Memoir of Trauma and Healing.  She was on her way home from an ordinary business trip when Amtrak 188 derailed outside of Philadelphia. She was crushed in the crash, which killed eight and injured hundreds. A hundred percent of the proceeds from the book will be going to trauma professionals, medicine and survivors as well.We talk about what the immediate aftermath of the accident was like for her and her family.  She shares her experiences with trauma, resilience and gratitude. She also shares how devastating and depressing this time was for her and her loved ones. The resentment and pain her and her husband endured trying to find a way to go from a typical husband and wife to a care-giver and patient. The overwhelming support of her community and how it really helped her prioritize relationships in a way that most of us take for granted. Her experience really shows that two things can be true at the same time. You can wish something didn't happen and be grateful for some of the lessons it brought as well.About the Book | Geralyn RitterGeralyn (@geralynsr) • Instagram photos and videosGeralyn Ritter | FacebookAshley (@filledupcup_) • Instagram photos and videosFilled Up Cup - Unconventional Self Care for Modern WomenSOLD On The DreamWhat's a life selling real estate really like? This humorous guide tells it, as it is!Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Guest, Geralyn Ritter, Health Care Policy Expert and Author

Lisa Erickson, Senior VP/Head: Traditional Investment at US Bank Wealth Management, discusses the economy and markets amid inflation and the war in Ukraine. Angie Gildea, KPMG US Energy Sector Leader, talks about rising oil prices. Mary Ellen Iskenderian, CEO at Women's World Banking, discusses women working in finance and job opportunities in the sector. Geralyn Ritter, Head of External Affairs and ESG at Organon, discusses the company's vision, women in the workplace, and women's health. Hosted by Matt Miller and Sonali Basak. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On December 20, 2020, our host Dr. Marianne Ritchie was joined by Emily Rubin, RD, LDN​ for a discussion on how to eat and drink safely over the holidays.Emily Rubin, RD, LDN is the Director of Clinical Dietetics and Dietitian for Celiac Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.​Your Real Champion: A Christmas Miracle​Each week we highlight the #RealChampions in your life! Your family, friends, or colleagues who go the extra mile to help others in their community. For this week, Your Real Champion was Ms. Geralyn Ritter, the Executive Vice President for External Affairs and Corporate Governance of Organon & Co; a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.On May 12, 2015, Geralyn Ritter was a passenger on the ill-fated Amtrak train that was taking her home to central New Jersey after a long day of meetings in Washington, D.C. In an instant, this mother of three and international health care executive went from being a fast-paced globe trotter to a completely dependent patient. communities and their country