An Incredible Journey of Determination and Recovery

In 2005, Ted W. Baxter was at the top of his game. He was a successful globe-trotting businessman and in peak physical condition. Then, on April 15, 2005, Ted suffered a massive ischemic stroke. Doctors feared he wouldn’t make it.

But that’s not what happened…

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About The Book

Relentless

In Relentless, Ted W. Baxter describes his remarkable recovery from a massive stroke. He’s walking again. He’s talking again. He moves through life almost as easily as he did before the stroke, only now, his life is better. He’s learned that having a successful career is maybe not the most important thing. He’s learned to appreciate life more and that he wants to help people, and that’s what he does. He gives back.

Readers of Relentless will be inspired by Ted’s incredible journey of determination and recovery. This is a wonderful resource for stroke survivors, caregivers, and their loved ones, but it is also an inspiring and motivating read for anyone who is facing struggles in their own life

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Praise for Relentless

“When it comes to overcoming aphasia, Ted W. Baxter wrote the book. Relentless is a heartfelt lesson in perseverance, triumph, and transformation.”

Julia Fox Garrison Speaker and author of Don't Leave Me This Way (or When I Get Back on My Feet You'll Be Sorry)

“I know what it feels like to lose everything because of a stroke, and I recognize Ted's determination to make as complete a recovery as possible. Relentless is an inspiring story that I hope encourages others to approach their own recovery with the same resilience.”

Kevin Sorbo Actor, director, and author

“In Relentless, author Ted Baxter survives an extensive stroke and devotes himself to making the fullest recovery possible. This process is truly remarkable. Mr. Baxter’s focus, motivation, and successful reestablishment of neurological function are a testament to the human spirit. By accessing the best available clinical expertise and rehabilitation programs, the author is able to begin a new life in which he dedicates himself to helping others.”

Howard J Federoff, MD, PhD Professor of neurology, and former dean at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine

“Ted’s inspirational story about his recovery from a near fatal stroke is extraordinary. His force of will through a combination of courage, determination, and unrelenting resilience in the fight back from those earliest days to where he is now is profoundly inspirational.”

Gerald Beeson Chief operating officer, Citadel

“Nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year, and those lucky enough to survive are often left with some level of disability. It's inspiring to read Relentless and get a glimpse of Ted's strength and determination during such an arduous time.”

Eric Haseltine, PhD Neuroscientist and author of Brain Safari

“In Relentless, Ted Baxter shares his experience of recovering from a stroke and the challenges and frustrations of aphasia. His determination to not let his stroke disable him and the entire process of rehabilitation and recovery can serve as an inspiration for stroke survivors and their families and loved ones.”

Louis R. Caplan MD Professor of neurology at Harvard University

“Relentless is well written, highly informative, and inspirational for any one who has suffered a stroke, or their caregivers.”

Michael Brant-Zawadzki MD, FACR, Senior Physician Executive and Ron and Sandi Simon Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair for the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute at Hogue Hospital

“I have known Ted since almost the beginning of his remarkable aphasia journey. His persistence and steadfastness in pursuit of regaining his life is inspirational, and his story needs to be heard. Throughout his recovery, Ted has maintained his grace, his good humor, his concern for others, and his broad interests. I am honored to have learned from him. His book will serve as a model for others who have had their lives touched by this devastating problem.”

Audrey L. Holland PhD, regents professor emerita, University of Arizona

"Relentless is not a book about having a stroke. It’s not a book about aphasia. Relentless is about life and having the will to make your life what you want. If Ted can do it — we can do it! This is a must read for everyone who needs that push to get what you want out of life."

Mark Alyn Host, Late Night Health

"Ted W. Baxter was born brilliant and with innate courage. He found a way to overcome a terrible brain injury that should’ve destroyed his life. His determination to recover is astounding but his kindness to his fellow man by sharing his story of positivity is inspirational."

Steven Goins, M.D. Director Stroke Program of St. Charles Health System, President, Stroke Awareness Oregon

"Hope and courage are key to recovery from an event like a massive stroke. Ted in his book and his life shows us both in spades."

Dennis Schaberg M.D. MACP Chair of the Board of Directors of Stroke Awareness Oregon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ted W. Baxter

Ted W. Baxter was born and grew up on Long Island in New York.

He got his bachelor of business administration in three years at Hofstra University in 1984 where he majored in public accountancy. He took a job working for Price Waterhouse as an auditor and he passed all four parts of the CPA exam on the first shot. He then became a management consultant soon thereafter, focusing on financial industry clients. While he was working as a senior manager, he attended the Executive Masters Business Administration program at Wharton on the weekends, where he got his MBA, concentrating on finance and strategy.

He built a financial services consulting practice in Tokyo for Price Waterhouse and rose to partner in record time. For the next six years (1995–2001), he lived in Tokyo and Hong Kong, traveling almost constantly between ten Asia-Pacific countries, first for Price Waterhouse and then as a Credit Suisse First Boston managing director. He left Credit Suisse First Boston, eventually landing the global finance post as a managing director at a premiere hedge fund and investment institution, Citadel Investment Group, based in Chicago.

After spending twenty-two years in the financial industry, he retired as a global finance executive with expertise such as international banks and securities, risk management, financial products, controllership, team-building, change management, strategic planning, and information technology systems.

Ted experienced a massive ischemic stroke in April 2005.

Ted now volunteers his time at hospitals, universities and other health institutions in Orange County, California, providing his expertise and his experience as a stroke survivor in a communication recovery program. He is active in various philanthropic efforts and participates as a member of the board of directors of the American Heart and Stroke Association. He is also a speaker and an advocate for health issues such as stroke, aphasia, motivation and health wellness.

Ted lives in Newport Beach, California, with his wife, Michelle, and their dog, Zorro.

Speaking

As part of his recovery, Ted challenged himself to take part in more public speaking to improve his articulation and fluency. As a result, Ted is a dynamic and inspiring speaker and regularly shares the story of his journey with audience of all sizes.

If you’re interested in having Ted speak at your event, please submit details via the contact form.

Resources

If you, or someone you love, has suffered a stroke or currently have aphasia, please refer and download the samples of therapy exercises that aided Ted in his recovery.

Samples of Therapy Exercises

Is your book club, support group, or family reading Relentless? Download these questions for discussion and author Q&A to help facilitate conversation.

The Cause

Every year, approximately 800,000 people in the United States suffer a stroke. That’s one person every 40 seconds.

One of the major manifestations of stroke is the difficulty communicating with speech called aphasia, which affects over one million Americans.

Ted is committed to supporting organizations that assist with the prevention of and recovery from stroke and aphasia. If you’d like to get involved, please consider donating your time or dollars to these organizations.