Debra White’s life took a profound turn following a devastating car accident, which abruptly ended her career in social work on January 6, 1994, due to a traumatic brain injury.
Faced with the challenge of rebuilding her life, she embarked on a long and arduous recovery journey. While returning to traditional employment was no longer an option, she found renewed purpose through volunteer work and writing, ultimately reinventing herself in these meaningful pursuits.
“A fascinating look at the life of a strong resilient woman whose life was shattered by a car accident. Her spunk and petulance during rehabilitation will drive the reader to laughter despite the tragic circumstances… a must read for those who think they have been dealt a bad hand in life.”
~ Dr. Fawzia Mail Tung
An accomplished and award-winning freelance writer, Debra has contributed to an extensive array of prestigious publications, including The Bark, Animal Wellness, The Arizona Republic, The Sierra Club’s Magazine, The Latham Letter, Animal Sheltering, The Phoenix Business Journal, Social Work, Fostering Families Today, East Valley Tribune, Airports of the World, Dogs in Canada, American Jails, Psychology Today, Indian Country Today, Landscape Management, Back Home, Potato Soup Journal, Academy of the Heart and Mind, Breath and Shadow, and the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, among many others. Additionally, she reviewed books for Animal People, contributed a chapter to Dogs and the Women Who Love Them, reported for AZ Muslim Voice, and authored a breed-specific book for TFH Publications.
“Debra’s sense of humor when talking about putting herself back together is refreshing. Readers will see how someone who had the rug pulled out from under her rose to new heights and didn’t let her handicaps deter her from bettering the lives of others.”
~ Nazli Currim, Author
In 1997, Debra relocated to Phoenix, where she rekindled her dedication to volunteerism, particularly in animal shelters. Her commitment to service extended beyond animal welfare, as she became actively involved in various civic and humanitarian initiatives. She volunteered for John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign, provided administrative support in the office of former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, and assisted with clerical work for the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club. Her contributions also included participating in a children’s reading program, teaching English to refugees through the International Rescue Committee (IRC), sorting and organizing donations for the global humanitarian agency Helping Hands for Relief and Development, serving as a navigator at Sky Harbor Airport, offering pet therapy services, and engaging in numerous other charitable endeavors.
“Debbie’s story is one of resilience, persistence, healing and a commitment to community service. Her experience drives home how life can change in the blink of an eye and how it can either dig you into a hole or how you can climb your way up… reminds us that there is no better way to heal than by giving to others”
~ Sandy Bahr
For copies of her work or further inquiries, please feel free to contact Debra White.
About Debra White
Debra White, a former social worker, experienced a life-altering event on January 6, 1994, when she was struck by a car while walking her two dogs. The accident left her with a traumatic brain injury, resulting in permanent disabilities that affected her mobility, memory, and career. After spending two months in recovery, she returned home to an unfamiliar reality, forced to navigate life with new limitations. Despite these challenges, she embarked on a journey of reinvention, dedicating herself to volunteer work.
After relocating to Arizona, she resumed her commitment to animal welfare by volunteering at local shelters and serving as a pet therapist, providing comfort to residents in nursing homes and homeless family shelters. Her passion for service extended to numerous causes, including assisting refugees through the International Rescue Committee by teaching English as a second language. She also contributed her time to the office of former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, worked with the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club, and volunteered for the Arizona Department of Economic Security and a children’s reading program. Currently, she continues her volunteer efforts with Sky Harbor Airport, the Arizona Animal Welfare League, and Helping Hands for Relief and Development, a global humanitarian organization.
In addition to her volunteer work, Debra is an accomplished writer whose articles have been featured in numerous publications, including Animal Wellness, Animal Sheltering, the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Phoenix Business Journal, the Sierra Club’s magazine, Landscape Management, Dogs in Canada, Back Home, I Love Cats, Cat Fancy, Dog Fancy, the Latham Letter, NACA News, the Arizona Republic, Arizona Capitol Times, Indian Country Today, Social Work, Fostering Families Today, American Jails, Airports of the World, Potato Soup Journal, Literary Yard, and Breath and Shadow, among others. She contributed a chapter to Dogs and the Women Who Love Them, published by The New World Library in 2010, and authored a breed-specific book for TFH Publications that same year. In 2001, she self-published Nobody’s Pets, a book written partially from the perspective of animals, which sold 3,000 copies. Additionally, she reviewed books for Animal People and reported for AZ Muslim Voice, further showcasing her diverse writing portfolio.
