SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury – Natalie Collins (survivor)
presented
by
Donna O’Donnell Figurski
Brain Injury is NOT Discriminating!
It can happen to anyone, anytime, . . . and anywhere.
The Brain Trauma Foundation states that there are 5.3 million people in the United States living with some form of brain injury.
On “Faces of Brain Injury,” you will meet survivors living with brain injury. I hope that their stories will help you to understand the serious implications and complications of brain injury.
The stories on SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury are published with the permission of the survivor or designated caregiver.
If you would like your story to be published, please send a short account and two photos to me at neelyf@aol.com. I’d love to publish your story and raise awareness for Brain Injury.
Natalie Collins – Brain Injury Survivor
Natalie Collins (survivor)
I am officially two years away from the day of my car wreck. My “new birthday” was a few weeks ago. So much has changed in my life. I see life so differently than most people. I know what it’s like to face death. That changes who you are. Not only do I have memory problems, trip all the time, have constant headaches, and have less proficient reading and comprehension skills, but also emotionally I’m a different person. I’m less tolerant of things that don’t make me happy. There’s a dark side as well. Total recovery isn’t ever expected to happen. I’ve lost many friends, found out who my real friends are, and have been in 
need more times than not. (I try to do things on my own, but I have accepted that I need assistance with some things. I attempt to hide that part of this traumatic change in my “new” life.) I understand life isn’t always pleasant. It’s “a bunch of roses,” and roses have thorns. I get stuck many times, but I simply walk away. This is part of the change. Overall, I’m just me.
Thank you Natalie Collins for sharing your story.
(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)
(Photos compliments of contributor.)
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Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury 
Comments on: "SPEAK OUT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faces of Brain Injury . . . . . . . . . Natalie Collins (survivor)" (3)
Natalie, it sounds like you have really progressed. You recognize your problems and how to advance past them, that is great. You are a youngster still, so it is great how far you have came. I will be 31 yrs post come Nov 15 this year. The physical and cognitive (memory and thinking skills), seizures will be forever for me, but I do my best. Congrats on you being a survivor.
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2 years is still being a BABY! I am now 38 years. I had headaches for 2 years and then I realized that I walk in such a position that it screws up my back. Just carrying your purse a different way helps. Try different things. I also go to the chiropractor once a week. He also got me into orthodics for my shoes. BIG BIG difference. You need to be inventive. Good luck on your NEW journey. We are all here for you.
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Lee, thanks for offering advice that works for you. When we share it can help others.
Donna O’Donnell Figurski
survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com
donnaodonnellfigurski.com
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