TBI – Survivors, Caregivers, Family, and Friends

Archive for the ‘Faces of Brain Injury’ Category

SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury Jenn Von Hatten

SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury – Jenn Von Hatten

presented by

Donna O’Donnell Figurski

 Brain Injury is NOT Discriminating!

bigstock-cartoon-face-vector-people-25671746-e1348136261718On Valentine’s Day 2011, I went to work only for a meeting. (I was a nurse at a long-term mental health facility.) Freezing rain struck during the meeting. The treacherous road condition was responsible for my car’s being T-boned at highway speed. That’s how I acquired my traumatic brain injury. The paramedics found me “clinically dead.” Obviously, I was alive. The pressure on my brain was monitored to see if I needed to have surgery. Also my liver was lacerated. Fortunately I did not need surgery for either. I was put into a medically induced coma because, in addition to my brain injury, I fractured a rib and three vertebrae. I was in a coma for over seven weeks. I managed to develop pneumonia and had to have a tracheotomy. I was discharged on July 14th. I Jenn Von Hatten Emma, & Hannasurvived to see my oldest children graduate from high school. Emma graduated in June 2013, and Liam, in 2014.

Spastic muscles affected my speeJenn Von Hatten & Liamch, so I went to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. My balance was severely affected. I used to be in a wheelchair, due to the fractured vertebrae. I since “graduated” to a walker, then to a quad cane, and eventually to a mini quad cane. Now I’m a fall risk. My life has definitely changed. I am no longer able to work as a nurse. I cannot say if my life is better or worse. All I can say with certainty is that my life is different.  I enjoy my time with Hanna, my 7-year-old daughter and youngest child. (I have joint custody. I remind myself that not many relationships survive a TBI.) I now have a cat, Spunkster, which I got from the local SPCA. When Hanna’s not with me, I hang out with Spunkster. I miss most my being able to work as a nurse. But as much as I would like to a work as a nurse, I know I would not be safe – physically (because I am a fall risk) as well as mentally Jenn Von Hatten & Hanna(in terms of remembering if I gave a client his or her medication or treatments). I had graduated as a nurse only seven months before my TBI. I had wanted to be a nurse for over fifteen years. At least I can say I turned that dream into reality! I sometimes miss being able to drive. My driver’s license has not been revoked, but my rehabilitation doctor says I still cannot drive, as my reflexes are not up to snuff. My plan is to help others that are TBI survivors or caregivers. I can provide info and support.

Disclaimer: Any views and opinions of the Contributor are purely his/her own.

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(Photos compliments of contributor.)

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SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury Tanner Thomas

SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury Tanner Thomas

presented by

Donna O’Donnell Figurski

Brain Injury is NOT Discriminating!

bigstock-cartoon-face-vector-people-25671746-e1348136261718It 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 – one view at a time.

Tanner Thomas (survivor) contributed by Molly Strieter Thomas‎ (mom and caregiver)

Thomas, Tanner Survivor 051015 Mom Molly Streiter ThomasMy six-year-old son, Tanner, had emergency brain surgery to deal with a ruptured cerebral AVM (arteriovenous malformation) on March 8th, spent two weeks in the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) for his coma, was in Pediatric Care another one and a half weeks, Thomas, Tanner Survivor 051015 Molley Strieter Thomas Mom 11138613_10206751047637517_944490406653736580_nand had another two and a half weeks of inpatient rehab. It was a delight to go home! We are continuing with outpatient therapy. The doctors are amazed with his rehab. They are calling him a miracle. He has come so far – nothing is slowing this kid down. He remains so positive. He never says “no” or “I can’t.” Tanner really is an inspiration! He is AWESOME! ❤

Disclaimer: Any views and opinions of the Contributor are purely his/her own.

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

(Photos compliments of contributor.)

As I say after each post: Please leave a comment by clicking the blue words “Leave a Comment” below this post.

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SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury Dale Christianson

SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury Dale Christianson

presented by

Donna O’Donnell Figurski

Brain Injury is NOT Discriminating!

bigstock-cartoon-face-vector-people-25671746-e1348136261718It 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 – one view at a time.

Dale Christianson (survivor) Christianson, Dale 1 050815Thirty years ago, my family was hit by a carload of drunken teens. My life slowly fell apart after that. I nearly gave up. For a long time, I thought that the guy who hit my car was the lucky one. He died in the accident, along with my stepdaughter. The only compensation that I got was $7,000. I have had a hard time holding a job or maintaining a relationship since then. My most successful relationship just ended. My fiancée of five years just gave up on me. She said it was too hard to live with me. My sisters and other family members won’t talk to me. They treat me like I don’t exist, or they wish that I didn’t. I am at another breach in my relationships, and I don’t have a job. I have anxiety and panic attacks. I take Paxil, and it helps tremendously. I understand that I’m difficult, but I haven’t given up on myself.

Disclaimer: Any views and opinions of the Contributor are purely his/her own.

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

(Photos compliments of contributor.)

As I say after each post: Please leave a comment by clicking the blue words “Leave a Comment” below this post.

Feel free to follow my blog. Click on “Follow” on the upper right sidebar.

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SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury Patrick O’Neill

Brain Injury is NOT Discriminating!

 

bigstock-cartoon-face-vector-people-25671746-e1348136261718It 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 – one view at a time.

Patrick O’Neill (survivor)

O'Neill, Patrick 2I am a 42-year-old survivor of brain injury. While walking home from a high school singing function in 1972, I was struck by a drunk driver. The result was hemiparesis (paralysis or weakness of one side of the body), four brain operations at Upstate Medical Center of New York, and a plate in my head. Regardless, I graduated from Florida State University in 1976. Later I obtained my Ph.D. there too. I soon moved to Atlanta, where I earned an MBA from Georgia State University. I enjoyed a fantastic career as a corporate credit manager for the oldest bank in Georgia at that time. However, I succumbed to the residual effects of paralysis while renovating my fifth house there. I moved to my parents’ state (Florida), where my body lay paralyzed from 1984 through late 1987.

In 1987, an international team of neurosurgeons at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, removed a 10-inch-long Arnold-Chiari malformation (a structural defect in the cerebellum), 42% of my medulla oblongata (which controls autonomic functions, such as breathing, heart function, blood vessel function, digestion, sneezing, and swallowing), a brain tumor (glioblastoma), and two inches of neck vertebrae. I was given ten months to live, without hope of walking, talking, or eating. Obviously, with Mother’s loving caregiving, proper therapies, and yoga, I have survived almost 28 years after my fifth brain operation. I volunteered with “Friends of the Disabled” for fifteen years. I am currently with OASIS (Okaloosa AIDS Support and Informational Services). I was also Vice-President of “Brain Injury Connection” and editor of BrainWaves for years. My website is “Against All Odds.”  .…And that is my story!O'Neill, Patrick

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Any views and opinions of the Contributor are purely his/her own.

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

(Photos compliments of contributor.)

As I say after each post:

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SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury Aaron Avila

Brain Injury is NOT Discriminating!

 

bigstock-cartoon-face-vector-people-25671746-e1348136261718It 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 – one view at a time.

Aaron Avila (survivor)

Avila, Aaron SurvivorFive years ago, at age 47, I had a major stroke. I had been the type of guy who could do about anything he set his mind to. Cutting down an 80-foot tree…no problem! Designing a rain harvesting system…no problem! Building a 100,000-gallon water storage tank…no problem! Running and owning my own companies (National Storage Tank and Rain Harvesting Solutions, Inc.) for over twelve years…done! Then the course of my life changed forever. I was doing the day-to-day grind. I truly believe that there was only one thing that could stop me dead in my tracks – my stroke and near-death experience. This event in my life forced me to fully re-evaluate all the things that I, like most everyone, took for granted – life itself, walking, talking, feeling one with my body, family, friends, etc.

I truly believe that the stroke has given me a SECOND CHANCE. I would come to believe Avila, Aaron 2wholeheartedly that this was a type of gift. Yes, this stroke is the hardest thing I would ever face. But, I was alive! I was given a gift that the majority of people on this planet don’t have – the chance to live two lives in this one. I was given a second chance to learn not to take it all for granted. In the beginning, part of me was angry and suicidal. I felt ripped off, but what I have learned since my stroke makes it all worth it. I should have a big sign on my forehead – “Under Major Reconstruction.” I would have to say, and I know with all my heart, that if it were not for my incredible family and friends anthis_body_is_under_going_major_re_construction_tshirt-p235029087676528180yenb_400d their support, I’d be in a much different place. Tears of thankfulness run down my face. Go stroke survivors!

WE’RE NOT VICTIMS; WE’RE SURVIVORS!

Disclaimer:
Any views and opinions of the Contributor are purely his/her own.

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

(Photos compliments of contributor.)

As I say after each post:

Please leave a comment by clicking the blue words “Leave a Comment” below this post.

Feel free to follow my blog. Click on “Follow” on the upper right sidebar.

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Faces of Brain Injury

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SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury Richard Johnson

Brain Injury is NOT Discriminating

 

bigstock-cartoon-face-vector-people-25671746-e1348136261718It 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 – one view at a time.

Richard Johnson (survivor) 

la5-seQbctqTwXPuELQm7w3ZPSPra73-BTYsV2TzFrmHjlfsj8CAdfvj1wnfejETg2tSTJ4rfqDvOL9oMI_160CYm__3H82mWGki2QEVhZYz8ZLYhqad7IsWyOqj_li8nObQrOkqqzVt95fKknyW4oNd7A0fSkhYMnExzhzeBcwPbATtvzU5LI-TdmefuMcdZc7l959--u6H5aNYtBUCZmiCBS0BWSmt

Hello, I’m a TBI (traumatic brain injury) survivor. In October 2003, I was cleaning the gutters on my house. The ladder slipped, and down I went, hitting my head on a concrete slab. I was admitted to HCMC (Hennepin County Medical Center), and I spent the first month there. I was placed into a medically induced coma and had a craniotomy, one session in the hyperbaric chamber, multiple MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans and/or CAT (CT, computerized tomography) scans, and a tracheotomy. A feeding tube was inserted. And, I was given a protective helmet.

During the second month, I was sent to Bethesda Hospital to help me “wake up” from my coma. There I had cognitive and physical therapies.  For my third month, I was transferred to Regions Hospital. I continued with speech, physical, and occupational therapies on a daily basis (two sessions a day, 45 minutes each).  In January 2004, I was released from the hospital and was able to return home. In February 2004, I went back to HCMC, where they placed my bone back onto my skull (and I was able to throw away my helmet). During January through September, I had daily outpatient sessions for speech and occupational therapies. In October 2004, I was able to start working again full-time at my “pre-injury” job.

My main “post injury” side effects are aphasia and a short-term memory issue. To “heal” my ongoing aphasia, to help other survivors (and their families), and also to inform the general public about brain injuries, I am a co-facilitator for a brain injury support-group in the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Center and a member of the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance Speaker Bureau. To help me recover from my short-term memory issue, I bought myself a mandolin.  I didn’t just buy it to play some tunes, but to remember the notes, chords, and lyrics for those songs hour-to-hour, day-to-day, and month-to-month. To me, playing my mandolin is self-help therapy and perhaps the best idea I’ve had after my injury.

Disclaimer:
Any views and opinions of the Contributor are purely his/her own.

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

(Photos compliments of contributor.)

As I say after each post:

Please leave a comment by clicking the blue words “Leave a Comment” below this post.

Feel free to follow my blog. Click on “Follow” on the upper right sidebar.

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If you don’t like my blog, “Share” it with your enemies. I don’t care!

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Faces of Brain Injury

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SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury Davien Lopez

Brain Injury is Not Discriminating

bigstock-cartoon-face-vector-people-25671746-e1348136261718It 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 – one view at a time.

Davien Lopez (survivor) contributed by Diana Lopez (mom and caregiver)

10501889_768245286553199_2546552260294944140_nI am the mother of a now six-year-old boy who has a TBI (traumatic brain injury). My son, Davien, was four and a half years old when people in a car were shooting at people in Davien Lopez with brotheranother car in front of our house. While Davien was napping in my arms, a stray bullet came through our bedroom window and the headboard and struck my son in his left frontal lobe. The bullet traveled diagonally across Davien’s face and lodged in the right side of his cheek. Davien suffers from bilateral frontal lobe brain damage. He had a fractured jaw, which is healed now. He is completely blind in his right eye. He has PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), a mood disorder, Davien Lopez 033015and an impulse disorder. A year and a half later, Davien runs around like nothing happened. He still has a ton of psychiatric issues, but that is nothing compared to what could have occurred. A smile emoticon here is a picture of Davien and Bruno (Davien’s service dog in training).

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Any views and opinions of the Contributor are purely his/her own.

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

(Photos compliments of contributor.)

As I say after each post:

Please leave a comment by clicking the blue words “Leave a Comment” below this post.

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If you don’t like my blog, “Share” it with your enemies. I don’t care!

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SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury Adam Pepiton

Brain Injury is Not Discriminatingbigstock-cartoon-face-vector-people-25671746-e1348136261718

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 – one view at a time.

Adam Pepiton (survivor) contributed by Tara Pepiton (mom and caregiver)

Pepiton, Adam 2Adam Pepiton, a graduate of Cesar Chavez High School, was living a full life as a college student studying Criminal Justice, working for Kmart, and spending time with family and friends. On September 5th, 2010, Adam’s life changed forever.  As he left a friend’s house after a barbecue, he became the victim of a drive-by shooting. He was shot in the head. The bullet entered on the right side and lodged in the skull on the left side. This type of injury has less than a 1% survival rate, so Adam’s surviving was a true miracle. After five weeks in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and Acute Care, Adam spent eight weeks at an acute rehabilitation facility. On December 2nd, he was discharged. While Adam’s return home was a significant milestone in his recovery, we recognized that there was still a long road ahead. Adam was diagnosed as a quadriparetic due to the brain injury.  Pepiton, Adam 1This means Adam has feeling throughout his body, but he can’t control his legs, trunk, and most of his left arm.  Adam has a power-wheelchair that allows for mobility, but he still has the goal of walking again.  He is going back to college part-time, and he has participated in sports, such as archery and power-soccer. He volunteers two days a week for the Red Cross, Greater Phoenix Chapter, and does many activities with old and new friends.  Adam works daily on improvements to meet his ultimate goals of living an independent life and of speaking to youth on violence and the decisions they make. Through all of this, Adam has kept his unwavering faith in God and his quirky sense of humor. We thank amazing family, friends, doctors, and outstanding therapists for everything they have done to get him to where he is today and to where he still plans on going.

Disclaimer:
Any views and opinions of the Contributor are purely his/her own.

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

(Photos compliments of contributor.)

As I say after each post:

Please leave a comment by clicking the blue words “Leave a Comment” below this post.

Feel free to follow my blog. Click on “Follow” on the upper right sidebar.

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If you don’t like my blog, “Share” it with your enemies. I don’t care!

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SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury Faith Neaves

Brain Injury is Not Discriminatingbigstock-cartoon-face-vector-people-25671746-e1348136261718

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 – one view at a time.

Faith Neaves (survivor)

11104222_10153117046022976_1329541496_nAbout seven years ago, I suffered a traumatic brain injury from a domestic-violence incident. My ex-husband knocked me completely unconscious when I walked around a corner. I was eight months pregnant at the time. I remember opening my eyes and not being able to see. I was lying in a puddle of blood. I never got help. I was too afraid because he was in the military. As I went in and out of consciousness, I wrote my little girls goodbye letters and hoped for the best. After that night, things were never the same. I struggled with severe depression, anxiety, crying spells, memory loss, raging, etc. – you name it. My moods would switch quickly. On a daily basis, I would forget names of people I knew or directions to places I used to go to. For the past eight years, I have been wrongly diagnosed as bipolar. I struggle with suicide, and I almost succeeded, which ended up with my being hospitalized and having more meds. Finally, I was diagnosed with a very severe frontal lobe brain injury with no hope of recovering. The doctor told me that I have a “light switch,” where most people have “thermometers.” It affects my personality, emotions, speech, and sleep. My brain has trouble with cognitive abilities, problem-solving, and conversations. I interrupt people a lot due to my brain trying to get out a word. I struggle with fatigue. The worry, anxiety, and depression are a lot to deal with, but at least I know that it’s not my fault – that it’s not from my being bipolar. 11077229_10153117046027976_657824417_nI have been exhausted, and I have felt crazy and indecisive. I have to write everything down on sticky notes – I forget dates, my phone number, and my address. My in-laws and family have judged me as crazy, having red flags, etc. – you name it. I feel they have no empathy. I’m not a victim, but a SURVIVOR. I miss me. I am devastated at who I used to be and what I have lost. I thought this was temporary and due to stress. I’m only 35, and I’m scared for my future. I’m devastated to carry the ugly scar now on both the outside and the inside. I pray that I will find love and support somewhere.

Disclaimer:
Any views and opinions of the Contributor are purely his/her own.

(Clip art compliments of Bing.)

(Photos compliments of contributor.)

As I say after each post:

Please leave a comment by clicking the blue words “Leave a Comment” below this post.

Feel free to follow my blog. Click on “Follow” on the upper right sidebar.

If you like my blog, share it with your friends. It’s easy! Click the “Share” buttons below.

If you don’t like my blog, “Share” it with your enemies. I don’t care!

Feel free to “Like” my post.

Category:

Faces of Brain Injury

Tagged with:

SPEAK OUT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faces of Brain Injury

Brain Injury is Not Discriminating

bigstock-cartoon-face-vector-people-25671746-e1348136261718It 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 – one view at a time.

 

Cam Compton (survivor)

11056773_804796876222530_117254145_nOn March 21st, I celebrated my “strokaversary.” Three years ago, I suffered a stroke. It has changed my life dramatically. I am still “me” – still Cam – but at the same time, I am not. I have learned to live and to love this new me. I have had fun. Whatever I was before (like fun or nerdy), I am still that, but three times more so now. I have met many new friends. I have done things that I would never have done if I had not had my stroke: my billboards, the talks, facilitating a stroke support-group, the stroke walk (mark April 18th on your calendar), and my newest – Brain Injury Radio host. I will be hosting my own show on the second Friday of every month. I’m happy to be here alive and on this side of the dirt.

 

Lindsey Dunn (survivor)

Dumm, Lindsey Survivor 032015 10686800_10101531483831264_2468134818312325958_nYesterday was two years ago that I fell about sixty feet on a spiral staircase in Valencia, Spain. I hit my Dumm, Lindsey Survivor 032015 10407045_10101650526873054_7173077641176124389_nhead on the way down (on one of the metal spindles), causing me to get a traumatic brain injury. I am actually very happy that this happened to me. I’m lucky that people have Dumm, Lindsey Survivor 032015 11043033_10101641035463914_6164584326813463685_nstuck by my side through this trial. Maybe my story will give hope to people and God can use it to help others.

 

Marcel’s moms (caregivers)

10711_356648177855326_33065405394910668_nWhen our son, Marcel, was eleven months old, he suffered a severe TBI. The doctors told us that he would never eat, walk, see, or talk – basically that he would be a vegetable. It’s been eight months, and his vision is starting to come back, he’s smiling and laughing, and he’s getting neck strength back. His limbs are getting stronger and starting to move a lot. MarcelHe’s learning how to eat again. And he babbles like a baby. Marcel has come so far, but he still has a long way to go. Obviously, God has plans for Marcel because he is a fighter. He was so close to dying, but he fought to stay here. A lot of people, doctors, and nurses told us all the things that our son would never do. Our boy will continue to fight and prove to everyone that he can. He’s doing many of them already.

 

Daniel Wondercheck (survivor)

Wondercheck, Daniel Survivor 0311815On July 23, 1991, I was involved in a construction accident that was serious enough to smash my hardhat, crack my skull, and knock me out for six days. I spent 85 days in the hospital, 95 days as an inpatient in a rehabilitation hospital, and another 186 days in rehabilitation as an outpatient. Now – twenty-three years and nearly eight months later, I still use a wheelchair, I talk funny, I have involuntary movements in my extremities, my left eye moistens itself approximately half as much as it should, and my right eye does not moisten itself at all. For 26.5 hours per week, I have a personal assistant who helps me with daily-living activities. (My personal assistant is also my best friend and “guardian angel.”) But, I do have enough mental ability to be a top-rated Power Seller on eBay and to be an administrator for an online support-group for traumatic brain injury survivors (Traumatic Brain Injury – TBI – Terrific Beyond Injury).

 

(Clip art compliments of Bing.)

(Photos compliments of contributors.)

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