A Journey Of Love And Courage

 

On May 18, 2018, my life changed completely. I suffered a severe stroke that nearly took my life. Because of the extent of the injury, the doctors gave me a very difficult prognosis. They believed I would never walk, speak, or eat through my mouth again.

But against all odds, I began to recover. I learned to walk, talk, and eat again. Every day since then has been part of an intense routine of therapies and small victories. I keep improving, step by step, rebuilding myself with the help of incredible people.

In the first months after the stroke, even with all the uncertainty about my future, I realized something profound: love makes all the difference when facing adversity. I received incredible expressions of love and support from many people, especially from my mother and my wife. My mother stayed with me all day long, while my wife, two months pregnant at the time, worked during the day and spent every night by my side during the 35 days I spent in the ICU.

My wife had to work through her pregnancy and motherhood while continuing to take care of me. I often wondered how I could ever give back all the love and support I received, and how I could adapt my work as a designer to this new life.

One year after the stroke, that reflection gave birth to Kosmic Design.

I truly believe that the love I received was the driving force behind my recovery and my positive attitude. That’s why I made a promise to myself: if I ever managed to work again, I would create products that carried a positive message and could offer emotional support to others.

By August 2019, as my recovery advanced, I began working between therapies to bring Kosmic Design to life. It took me seven months to design the brand’s first product, the Good Vibes Map.

Today, while I continue my daily therapies, I keep working through Kosmic to make a positive impact in the world.

I hope these products can inspire you and remind you that everything you need to overcome your battles is already within you. You just need to reconnect with it.

May the Good Vibes be with you.

Rodrigo Maroja