Inspiring People and Organizations

Lou Figueroa
Inspirational Speaker and Train Accident Survivor

Growing up in Southern California before moving to Colorado with his family in 1991, Lou Figueroa was an avid snowboarder and mountain biker who enjoyed the great outdoors.

At the age of twenty-seven years old, while out with a group of friends in the downtown district of Denver, Lou encountered a beverage laced with an unknown substance, experiencing a rapid onset of intoxication. In a daze, lost and disoriented, he walked nearly two miles before stumbling into the Union Station rail yard. In the early hours of the morning, a train was approaching when they saw Lou’s body at the last minute. The conductor and the engineer on board believe Lou had been struck fifteen minutes prior to their arrival. The result would be the loss of both legs.

After surviving a week-long coma gripping to life, Lou awoke in the hospital on life support and feeding tubes to the realization his life would never be the same. Since his amputations, Lou has traveled across the globe sharing messages of hope and inspiration to hundreds of audiences including medical associations, colleges, and universities.

His passion is taking business professionals through the journey of change and transformation. Lou speaks on topics relating to limb loss, pain management, substance abuse, and wellness following traumatic injury.

Today, Lou lives in Santa Barbara, California where he advocates for drink safety and alcohol awareness.

Keynote Presentations / Breakout Sessions

Overcoming Crisis – Surviving A Train Accident

Session Summary – In this keynote presentation, Lou shares how tragic events can lead to depression and the inability to cope with loss. Attendees will hear Lou’s amazing story of survival and his transformation from a wheelchair to walking again. This 45-minute presentation highlights Lou’s recovery and focuses on collaborative care.

Key Learning Objectives

After the presentation, participants will be able to:

• Develop a family framework of support
• Identify how traumatic events can lead to prescription medication abuse
• Examine caregiver stress and the difficulties associated with round-the-clock care
• Summarize the process of disability case management
• Analyze how physical and occupational therapy are essential for quality of life

Exploring the Many Skills and Talents of Occupational Therapy

Session Summary – In this presentation, Lou focuses on activities of daily living, functional transfers, and mental health following traumatic events. Attendees will hear how occupational therapy taught him the life skills necessary to function in everyday environments.

Key Learning Objectives:

After the presentation, participants will be able to:

• Explain how occupational therapy plays a critical role in the rehabilitation process following life-changing events
• Develop a better understanding of occupational therapy’s role with clients who are coping with limb loss and amputations
• Discuss how meaningful activities are impacted by the sudden loss of mobility and how occupational therapy can help clients return to a healthy quality of life
• Explore occupational therapy’s role in addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of a patient

Pain Management and Prescription Awareness

Session Summary – In this continuing education seminar, Lou explains how pain management and psychological trauma affect a patient’s mental well-being. Attendees will hear a patient’s perspective of recovery and have an open discussion of the healing process.

Key Learning Objectives

After the seminar, participants will be able to:

• Explore the long-term effects of limb loss and amputation
• Describe the importance of establishing a short and long-term treatment plan
• Discuss ways of treating pain appropriately without the use of heavy narcotics
• Implement a health and wellness plan for patients and caregivers

How to Find Your Reset Button – Lessons for Quality of Life

In this one-hour seminar, Lou Figueroa shares the importance of rest, relaxation, and wellness. Lou explains his journey of healing through nature. His travels have taken him worldwide exploring botanical gardens, national parks, and inspirational landscapes. Attendees will learn techniques for coping with stress, anxiety, and overcoming fears by removing negative thought patterns and creating a healthy balance between life, work, and family. Lou teaches executives how to hit the reset button to clear the mental clutter.

Key Learning Objectives

After the presentation, participants will learn how to:

• Apply basic principles to establish a healthy work-life balance
• Recognize opportunities for mental health and wellness in the home and workplace
• Develop a personal wellness plan for self-care.
• Identify healthy boundaries between work and life.

Request Lou’s Services