Keiko Honda: How do we bloom, not just survive, in chaos?

Join us for an evening with writer Keiko Honda, who will speak about her memoir and the question of how do we bloom, not just survive, in chaos?

Accidental Blooms (Caitlin Press, 2023), Honda's debut memoir, chronicles her transformative journey before, during, and after her diagnosis of transverse myelitis (TM), which led to her lifelong wheelchair use. She illuminates the profound humanity and enduring relationships that have supported her, weaving together her experiences with artistic practice, community involvement, motherhood, and the evolution of her identity.

Author bio:

Dr. Keiko Honda, formerly a cancer epidemiologist at Columbia University, experienced a life-altering transformation at 40, becoming a wheelchair user. This experience illuminated the vital role of social support networks. Arriving in Vancouver in 2009, she opened her home to launch a series of artist salons, earning the City of Vancouver’s 2014 Remarkable Women award. She then founded the Vancouver Arts Colloquium Society (VACS), fostering intergenerational connections, building resilient communities, and empowering marginalized voices through artistic self-discovery. In 2025, her dedication to community was recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. She currently teaches the aesthetic of co-creation and arts-based problem-solving at SFU's 55+ program. Her debut memoir, Accidental Blooms (Caitlin Press, 2023), details her journey, and Hidden Flowers (Heritage House, 2025 forthcoming) will continue her story. Keiko lives in Vancouver, BC, and enjoys watercolour painting and hosting her salons.

This presentation is made possible thanks to financial assistance from the Canada Council through The Writers' Union of Canada.