Childhood Brain Cancer Survivor, Professional Athlete and Actress to Speak About Overcoming Obstacles

Kelsey Tainsh

Kelsey Tainsh, a brain cancer survivor, world-champion wakeboarder and actor, will be speaking about overcoming challenges on Friday, Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. in the University of Findlay’s Ritz Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
Tainsh has overcome two brain cancer bouts, the first when she was five and a reoccurrence at age 15. The latter required her to find innovative solutions to tasks she once took for granted, such as brushing her teeth and tying her shoes. Her tenacity allowed her to exceed expectations – she wasn’t expected to ever again run, swim or even style her hair, but she relearned how to do these activities and more.
Prior to her second cancer diagnosis, she had garnered international attention for her wakeboarding skills and had been featured on “Entertainment Tonight.” She had also landed roles in film and television, appearing in productions such as “Rumor Has It” with Jennifer Aniston and Mark Ruffalo, and on “Gilmore Girls” and “Desperate Housewives.”
Her mental prognosis also wasn’t initially positive, but Tainsh persisted with her studies, graduating from high school with honors, and from college with high honors. She then worked for a Fortune 100 company before launching a speaking career.
Tainsh enjoys providing her own perspective on life and emphasizing that everyone has the ability to overcome struggles. Her discussion at UF, co-sponsored by Disability Services and Student Activities Board, campus’ source for Diverse Edutainment.
Kelsey’s presentation is expected to be inspiring as well as informative. She will also answer audience questions at the conclusion.
Questions about the event may be answered by calling the Student Activities Office: 419.434.4606