In 1984, I bought my first personal computer. It was clunky, expensive, and most people thought it was just a passing trend. But I knew better. I sensed that computers were going to change everything—and I was right. They transformed how we work, connect, create, and live.

I was an early adopter then. And I’m proud to say: I’m doing it again now.

At 78, I’ve enrolled in Purdue University’s Generative AI for Business Transformation program. It’s not a whim. It’s not about trying to keep up. It’s about staying ahead—and using this technology to make a real difference.

You see, I know firsthand how life can change in an instant.
In 2009, a stroke took away the use of my non-dominant left hand and ended both my 25-year CPA career and a 20-year marriage. But it gave me something else: a second chance—and the fierce determination to live it fully.

Since then, I’ve written books, shared my story, created resources for other stroke survivors, and spoken to groups about resilience and recovery. Most recently, I’ve brought my cartoon brain character, Brainard, to life to help educate and motivate stroke survivors with humor and heart.

Now, I see Generative AI as the next step in that mission.

This isn’t just about tech. It’s about empowerment.

Imagine:

• A stroke survivor using a custom chatbot to find one-handed life hacks.
• A caregiver accessing automated encouragement messages during burnout.
• A senior using AI to write a memoir or communicate when speech is impaired.

That’s not the future. That’s the present.
And I want to be part of making it happen.

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from surviving a stroke, it’s this:

💡 Life can begin again at any time.

I’m not done growing. I’m not done learning. And I’m certainly not done helping others.
Follow along at CarolEYorkeAuthor.com — or better yet, join me. Let’s shape this future together.