Aurita Maldonado : Purple Heart Recipient, Author, Inspirational Speaker

Join WVE&T (Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving) in person at the Hellertown American Legion and on zoom livestream for an evening of storytelling and dance by Aurita Maldonado, a Puerto Rican US Army veteran, Purple Heart recipient, best selling author, and Afro Latín dance instructor who has danced intimately with Death.

She served more than 8 years in the military including two combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan.

After a 200 lb. IED exploded directly under her vehicle and 3 rounds hit her pack, she chose to simplify her life and follow her dreams.

Aurita left military service and realized that society had become a place where combat veterans would rather commit suicide than live. Many who “have it all” are discovering that they still feel miserable but can’t figure outwhy. They feel powerless under the boredom of what society deems necessary.

Aurita moved to Haines, AK in 2010 to become a rafting guide in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and face her PTSD while running through the wilderness.

In 2012, she contracted a serious case of rat lungworm, which paralyzed her from the waist down, leaving her in a wheelchair with neuropathy over her entire body. Aurita was told she would not walk again, but they misjudged her determination. 

Her inspirational recovery to walk again and face her post traumatic stress disorder is an incredible story called "The Zen of Dancing in the Rain."

The Zen of Dancing in the Rain is a fascinating, inspiring story written in a fast-paced and easy to read style that will remind you that you can choose to become your own science experiment, your own work of art, your own dance. It will spark in you a transformation of perspective from being one's worst critic to one's best friend. Called by therapists, "A how-to on living authentically mind, body, and soul with the life you have been given and the life you get to create," Aurita's story will take you on a journey through war, paralysis, and sorrow mirroring love, adventure, and joy. It will remind you that you don't need permission to be the first person to do something differently in your family. You may find yourself changing your life after reading this book.

Buy here book here: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YL4KZKJ/ref=redir_mobile_desktop/141-7860105-6737819?_encoding=UTF8&fbclid=IwAR0z49OCeIN0XFdc0y5iXirG1c5oswFU4U7sIYCgrdljs2huJWa5Sf2thT4&qid=1694436549&ref_=tmm_kin_swatch_0&sr=8-1