TBI Caregiver | Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury

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Posts tagged ‘TBI Caregiver’

SPEAK OUT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

presented by

Donna O’Donnell Figurski

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty Giant Steps will provide a venue for brain-injury survivors and caregivers to shout out their accomplishments of the week. If you have an Itty-Bitty Giant Step and you would like to share it, just send an email to me at neelyf@aol.com. If you are on Facebook, you can simply send a Private Message to me. It need only be a sentence or two. I’ll gather the accomplishments and post them with your name on my blog approximately once a week. (If you do not want your last name to be posted, please tell me in your email or Private Message.) I hope we have millions of Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

Here are this week’s Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

Anna Bailey (caregiver)…How can I not get excited! I’m not even two days out of nesting (the babying you get before thrown to the wolves on you own), and I got a 100 on my QA. I am surpassing department goals. (That has been the case since I’ve been taking calls.) And, I actually exceeded team goals, which are higher than the department goals. I really love my job! Bring on the money!

Anna Bailey (caregiver)…Well, today my husband’s day couldn’t have been made any better. He loves his diesel trucks, and I entered to win some tickets to the diesel nationals and won! They asked about his story because to win we had to say whom we would take and why we should get picked. I mentioned that he is a wounded warrior and that he has wanted to go since he heard about it. They picked us, and they asked if we needed any special accommodations. I told them we do – that our service dog is coming. They then upgraded us to hang out in the suites. 🙂 He needed this, and I was shocked that I won. My husband is amazing. He has done so much for our family, and I am glad I could help make this wish come true.

Nate Croom (survivor)…I had my TBI in 2008. I had to relearn how to walk, and I still have balance issues. But, this past Sunday, I ran my first marathon (in Lincoln, Nebraska).

Gill Evans (caregiver)…Had a moment today. We were walking our border collie through the park. Although it was cold, the sun was shining. Hubby grabbed my hand. No words were said. I felt a feeling I haven’t felt for quite some time – relaxed and happy. Precious times.

Kristina Hopkins (caregiver)…I can’t believe that exactly five years ago, I married the most amazing man. Not only did we exchange vows and rings that day, but he also got on his knees and gave my girls rings and vows as well. I am so honored and proud to have this remarkable man in my life. Tommy, I love you, Sweetie! You truly are my partner in every way. I can’t believe it’s only been five years when it feels like forever. Thank you for marrying me, Tom Hopkins, Jr.!

Jasmine Oldham (survivor)…We had a win today! Ten months post injury and my husband was admitted to an outpatient rehab program in Toronto. They’re going to include couples counseling for us! It also means two months off work for him, so maybe I’ll see snippets of the guy I love, now that he will have less on his plate. For today at least, I’m hopeful and excited.

Bobbi S. Poff (survivor)…I had four strokes within the last four years, and I had fourteen aneurysms and fourteen seizures. I can walk and talk now. I’m proud of my accomplishments. It’s been a long, hard battle, but I did it!

Lc Sossaman (survivor)…After four years post TBI, I made it to my and my husband’s 10-year anniversary. The last four years have been quite a bit for any regular couple to make it, but we did. The memory of what was and now what is has made the last four years more difficult. I have to pat myself on the back. (LOL) I was a nice person before, and I still am or try to be, but I am hardheaded about things I believe in, and I make it quite clear. I didn’t do it before accident, but I do it now. I am happy with it, just fine. So, learning to be more clear about things is my accomplishment.

Jenn Von Hatten (survivor)… My TBI occurred on Valentine’s Day 2011. My car was T-boned due to freezing rain. I was only going to work for a meeting. I survived to see my oldest children graduate from high school. The father of my youngest child, Hanna, decided he wasn’t happy and kicked me out. For the next 2-3 weeks, I looked for a place to live in our small community, as Hanna goes to school there. During that time, Hanna’s father mentioned 50-60 times that I was brain injured and that my frontal lobe was injured. I wasn’t sure if I, as a TBI survivor, could live on my own and have joint custody of Hanna, who was only five at the time.

My Itty-Bitty Giant Step is: YES, I CAN! With a frontal-lobe injury, which affects my executive functioning, I am able to take care of Hanna, now seven, and myself. When the third anniversary of my car accident was looming, I was bummed out. So, I got a tattoo – “Stärke.” “Stärke” means “strength” in German. I’ve had to have a lot of inner strength to get this far in my recovery. In addition to sustaining a TBI, I also fractured a rib and vertebrae. When I was discharged from the hospital, I was in a wheelchair. I graduated to a walker, to a big quad cane, and then to a mini quad cane. When I’m in the house, I don’t use anything, unless I’m really tired or sick. I’m a fall risk and disabled. So what if I can’t work as a nurse – I’m alive! I watched my oldest children, Emma and Liam, graduate, AND I have joint custody of Hanna. An Itty-Bitty Giant Step, I HAVE TAKEN!

YOU Did It!

Congratulations to all contributors!

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

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Itty-Bitty GIANT Step

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On the Air: Brain Injury Radio “Another Fork in the Road” with Lisabeth Mackall, Caregiver, Therapist, Author

On the Air: Brain Injury Radio
“Another Fork in the Road”
with Lisabeth Mackall, Caregiver, Therapist, Author

presented by Donna O’Donnell Figurski

When Lisabeth Mackall opened her front door at 2:30am on January 2, 2012, it changed her life forever. She learned that her husband, Police Officer Frank Mackall, had been in a serious motor vehicle accident while on duty, and had been airlifted to a hospital. When Lisabeth opened her front door, she unknowingly entered the world of brain injury. She had to follow “Another Fork in the Road.” Lisabeth will share how she and her family picked up the remnants, pieced them together with patience, persistence, and love, and forged a new life.

Lisabeth’s book, “27 Miles: A Tank’s Journey Home“

Lisabeth’s Blog

If you missed Lisabeth’s interview on “Another Fork in the Road” on May 3, 2015, you are in luck. You can listen to the archived show here.

Click the link below to listen to Lisabeth Mackall and me.

See you “On the Air!”

On the Air: Brain Injury Radio “Another Fork in the Road”

with Lisabeth Mackall, Caregiver, Therapist, Author

Click here for a list of all “Another Fork in the Road” shows on the Brain Injury Radio Network.

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On the Air!

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SPEAK OUT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty Giant Steps will provide a venue for brain-injury survivors and caregivers to shout out their accomplishments of the week.

If you have an Itty-Bitty Giant Step and you would like to share it, just send an email to me at neelyf@aol.com.

If you are on Facebook, you can simply send a Private Message to me. It need only be a sentence or two. I’ll gather the accomplishments and post them with your name on my blog approximately once a week. (If you do not want your last name to be posted, please tell me in your email or Private Message.)

I hope we have millions of Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

Here are this week’s Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

Anonymous (caregiver)…I almost don’t want to post this because so many spouses of TBI survivors are hurting and are facing separation or divorce, but maybe someone needs to hear it. My guy is making travel and anniversary plans. He is remembering to say, “I love you” and “Thank you.” That is such a huge step! Emotions have been very hard for him. It is difficult for him to think of how others feel. I am so blessed that this progress means so much. It may seem small to those who think of TBI as ventilators and the ICU (Intensive Care Unit), but for those of us living the long-term path to building a new normal, this is huge. I am also learning to find my new normal. I am learning to become a better person. I am learning to take a deep breath before I react, to give him room to explain, and to invite him to communicate. I am learning to give him all the cues he needs not to go into an angry self-defense mode when I need to talk about something he doesn’t want to hear. I am learning to give him safe options out instead of making him feel backed into a corner. He is meeting me half way. He is trying to hold on to those cues and to “push pause” on his response. It has been a long road, but this week I see progress. I will give part of the credit to my own personal rehab program. As a military family, we owned a home at our last duty station. When he had to leave the Army due to his TBI, we were mid-remodel. He is alone at our old house, working on finishing the work on the house. Well not completely alone – he is with the family mutt. I worked with the dog, and he is a real anchor for my hubby. The dog gets noodgey when hubby’s sugar is down, restless and pacing when it is up. (The dog woke up my hubby when his sugar dropped at night.) The dog responds to my guy’s moods and anger. My husband is able to talk about the dog being skittish. We can talk about emotional balance in that context. He can’t yet talk about himself, but the dog is becoming his personal barometer. I know that there will be rages and shoving again. I know that he may leave us in his pain. I know that there will be days when I wonder if I should have left. I know there will be days when I want to go. I know that he may make bad choices about money. I will maintain my own bank account and resources in case I need it. I will make sure my kids and I feel as safe as we can. I will make sure that I can care for my beloved and our kids. Today – I SEE PROGRESS! Talking about all of this helps me daily as I learn to make the best of this TBI life.

Jeremy Dorr (survivor)…Sometimes I go for a walk in my neighborhood. It doesn’t do anything, but I can walk and think about things and have “me” time. My brain is always on and seems to be working at 500% (LOL). The walk helps my brain shut off so I can sleep. I hope this can help someone out. Even if the world walks away from you, you can build back better. Staying positive has helped me, even though at times it’s hard.

Dave Villarreal (survivor)…I received an award for 100 hours of volunteer service to the Veteran’s Administration.

YOU Did It!

Congratulations to all contributors!

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

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Itty-Bitty GIANT Step

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SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury Davien Lopez

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 – one view at a time.

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

I 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 another 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, and 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).

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.

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Faces of Brain Injury

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Caregivers SPEAK OUT! . . . . . Christina WIlliams

Caregivers SPEAK OUT! – Christina Williams

Donna O’Donnell Figurski

1. What is your name? (last name optional)

Christina Williams

2. Where do you live? (city and/or state and/or country) Email? (optional)

Pine, Colorado, USA

3. What is the TBI survivor’s relationship to you? How old was the survivor when he/she had the TBI? What caused your survivor’s TBI?

The TBI survivor was my fiancé. His TBI was caused by a motor vehicle accident. He was 37. I want to add that it was in 2008, so it happened more than six years ago.

4. On what date did you begin care for your TBI survivor? Were you the main caregiver? Are you now? How old were you when you began care?

I was at the scene of the accident. I was his main caregiver; I still am now. I began care as soon as I could. I was 47 when the accident happened.

5. Were you caring for anyone else at that time (e.g., children, parents, etc.)?

6. Were you employed at the time of your survivor’s TBI? If so, were you able to continue working?

I worked with my fiancé in our own business – building custom homes, decks, basements, bars, etc. We also designed and created log furnishings on the side. When he got hurt, I was unable to continue working. I lost my job because I assisted him. We lost both businesses.

7. Did you have any help? If so, what kind and for how long?

8. When did your support of the survivor begin (e.g., immediately – in hospital, when the survivor returned home, etc.)?

Never.

9. Was your survivor in a coma? If so, what did you do at that time?

Yes, my fiancé was in a coma. I sat at his bedside, cried, and prayed a lot. I NEVER left the hospital for 72 days. I finally did after he was transferred to the rehab hospital.

10. Did your survivor have rehab? If so, what kind of rehab (i.e., inpatient and/or outpatient and occupational, physical, speech, and/or other)? How long was the rehab? Where were you when this was happening?

My fiancé was accepted to Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado, (one of the top ten rehabilitation facilities in the US for spinal cord and brain injuries) for intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapies. He also had group therapy, recreational therapy, and swim therapy. I was with him every day. I had to be there before breakfast to help dress and feed him and to get him to his daily “classes.” He remained an inpatient for three and a half months. He then became an outpatient. I took him to therapy three times a week at first. Over time, it decreased to one or two times a week. After about sixteen months, we no longer went. We still continue to go back to Craig Hospital for specialized therapies for issues he has had since the accident. The last one was vestibular therapy for vertigo symptoms. But, they couldn’t treat it, so they worked on his balance issues.

11. What problems or disabilities of your TBI survivor required your care, if any?

He has epilepsy due to his TBI, so he requires supervision 24/7. He can never be left alone. Because of seizures and balance issues, he has frequent falls and injuries that require medical attention and trips to the Emergency Room. He can’t drive or work. He requires prompting for many of daily living skills, including hygiene, which is a huge issue.

12. How has your life changed since you became a caregiver? Is it better? Is it worse?

Both our lives have changed drastically. Our lives are worse, since we can’t have the “normal” life together that we expected. We now realize that we took our lives for granted. Buying a home or a new car and taking vacations are no longer possibilities in our lives.

13. What do you miss the most from pre-TBI life?

I miss the freedom and having hope for the future.

14. What do you enjoy most in post-TBI life?

I enjoy spending time with him every day. Every day is NOT “sunshine and roses,” but we make the best that we can out of every day. He is simply amazing. I look at him and watch him in awe, as he does whatever he does. I have a saying: “Let’s just hope today is better than yesterday.” It helps us focus on the positives in every day.

15. What do you like least about TBI?

I dislike that the TBI has destroyed such a good person and his future. We also lack the money and the ability to do whatever we want.

16. Has anything helped you to accept your survivor’s TBI?

Yes. God.

17. Has your survivor’s injury affected your home life and relationships and, if so, how?

We were officially engaged two days before the accident. We were SO in love and excited to be planning our future. Since his injury, his emotions (or I should say “ his lack of emotions”) and his poor judgment have caused us many, many problems.

18. Has your social life been altered or changed and, if so, how?

We have no social life. ALL our “friends” vanished after he was hurt. Our social life is whatever we do in our day. When he has a doctor or therapy appointment, we plan a whole day in the city together.

19. What are your plans? What do you expect/hope to be doing ten years from now?

I don’t have any hopes or plans anymore. We just take it a day at a time. In ten years, I imagine that we will still be doing what we’re doing now, but perhaps in a different house.

20. What advice would you offer other TBI survivor caregivers? Do you have any other comments that you would like to add?

Turn to Facebook for support, especially the TBI pages. You may not know the people, but they have been a constant and great support not only to me, but also to so many others – survivors, caregivers, and their families and friends. It’s nice to read the stories of others and to share comments and advice. When my fiancé was hurt, I wasn’t using Facebook. It would have been so nice just to know that I wasn’t alone in my journey. Facebook is my “human” outlet for support. I have also come to find out that I can help others. That is more rewarding to me than I can say.

I think what I would want people to know that they aren’t prepared for is that it is VERY common for TBI survivors to start having seizures a year or so after the injury. It was something we weren’t prepared for, or even thought could happen. He was on anti-seizure meds while in rehab, but there was “no seizure activity.” So, they took him off the medication, and I thought it would never be a concern. Boy, was I wrong!

Thank you, Christina, for taking part in this interview. I hope that your experience will offer some hope, comfort, and inspiration to my readers.

If you would like to be a part of this project, please go to TBI Caregiver Interview Questionnaire for a copy of the questions and the release form.

(Photo compliments of Christina.)

Disclaimer: The views or opinions in this post are solely that of the interviewee.

Category:

Caregivers SPEAK OUT!

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“Another Fork in the Road” . . . Brain Injury Radio Network . . . Interview: Jeannette Davidson-Mayer

YOU Are Invited!

When Jeannette Davidson-Mayer’s husband, DeWayne, had five brain injuries – the result of his active duty in Iraq – Jeannette became his caregiver. To combat this 24-hour job, Jeannette redesigned her kitchen to become the family’s ?Central Command Post.” Jeannette will discuss how she, DeWayne, and their daughter make this system work for them.

Come One! Come ALL!

What: Interview with Jeannette Davidson-Mayer, caregiver to spouse, DeWayne Mayer

Why: Jeannette will talk about how she and DeWayne and their daughter live on the TBI Trail.

Where: Brain Injury Radio Network

When: Sunday, April 19th, 2015

Time: 5:00p PT (6:00p MT, 7:00p CT, and 8:00p ET) 90 minute show

How: Click: Brain Injury Radio Network

Call In: 424-243-9540

Call In: 855-473-3711 toll free in USA

Call In: 202-559-7907 free outside USA

or SKYPE

If you miss the show, but would like to still hear the interview, you can access the archive on On Demand listening. The archived show will be available after the show both on the Brain Injury Radio Network site and on my blog in “On the Air.”

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

(Photo compliments of Jeannette Davidson-Mayer.)

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Events Calendar

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SPEAK OUT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

Lisa Marie Cohen (survivor)…I hiked a mountain! It was Mount Beacon on the Hudson River.

Bonita Gibb (caregiver)…I was reflecting on how I came to be the person I am today. One of the moments in my life that showed me my true colors was sitting in the ICU (intensive care unit) and praying for a miracle. It was during that dark time that I realized just how strong I am. While I would do anything to give my husband, Brian, back his independence, I also am thankful for that moment and all it had to teach me.

Sarah Klingler (survivor)…I learned that I can do anything as long as I put my mind to it. I got my TBI when I was eight. I started having seizures the next week, and they haven’t stopped. As a result, I’ve never driven. But, I graduated from high school with honors, and I am two semesters from getting my Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education.

Pamela Miceli (caregiver)…My son came home for good last week after fifteen months of rehab! Can we say that this is a Great Big Giant Step?

Tina Thorne (caregiver)…My son, Jordan, is a two-time brain-cancer survivor and has had an ABI (acquired brain injury) since the age of twelve. He is eighteen now. He received a very nice message from a lady representing the Brain Tumour Foundation of London, Ontario, Canada. The foundation wanted Jordan to attend a special dinner for an event on the foundation’s behalf. “Docs on Ice” is an annual event that travels from community to community. Nine hundred doctors from across Ontario come to a city and raise money for an individual charity every year. This year the city is London and the charity is the Brain Tumour Foundation. Darryl Sittler, a retired National Hockey League player who was elected to the Hall of Fame and who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, was the guest speaker. Jordan was an ideal choice. He is a brain-injury survivor and a hockey buff. He thanked Darryl Sittler for helping to raise funds for the Brain Tumour Foundation and for raising awareness of brain injury. Jordan also met Master of Ceremonies Joe Bowen, “The Voice of the Leafs.” The mayor of London was also in attendance. I am super proud of Jordan!

Kimberly June West (survivor)…I am a consultant for a therapeutic oils company! YAY! These oils are awesome. I was getting sad from all my pain. They have given me a love for life and a passion for living. These are products that people love – bath infusions for pain, migraines, eczema, difficulty sleeping, etc. The awesome thing is that I made the leadership team and VIP consultant two months in a row!

YOU did it!

Congratulations to all contributors!

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

Category:

Itty-Bitty GIANT Step

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SPEAK OUT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guest Blogger: Kristin Olliney . . . My Fight: The Reason to Advocate

My Fight: The Reason to Advocate

Kristin Olliney

(presented by Donna O’Donnell Figurski)

Isabella’s Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is the result of sudden acute encephalitis. However, there was also medical error involved in her care. Given the many factors involved, it is difficult to prove which symptom caused what damage. Due to this, no one will ever be held accountable for what happened. As a result, there are four important reminders that everyone needs to know.

It doesn’t matter where you live. Even in the best city, at the best hospital, with the best doctor, mistakes can happen. I am often told how lucky I am to live in the Boston area because we have access to so many medical facilities. While this is true, not all doctors and care are the same.

Doctors are human. They are people who have studied medicine and, based on their knowledge, give you their opinion. It is not fact. It is opinion. Their opinion is their best guess. This is so important to remember, especially when given a prognosis. Isabella, like many other survivors, was not supposed to make it through the night, and yet she did.
Kristin Olliney with Isabella 2014

Always follow your gut instinct, especially if something doesn’t seem right. Ask questions. When Isabella first got sick, the Emergency Department wanted to discharge her with a stomach bug. I knew that there was something seriously wrong. I can’t explain how I felt – only that I just knew. I fought and advocated to get Isabella admitted into the hospital. One of Isabella’s specialists was on call, and he trusted my gut instinct. Later in the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit), as I watched my child fighting for her life, I was told by him and other doctors that my fighting and advocating saved Isabella. If Isabella had been discharged, she would have died. Always fight and advocate for what you feel is right. You know your child/loved one better than anyone.

Get another opinion. When you are in crisis, there isn’t always time. When things stabilize, seek out another opinion should you and the doctor have a difference of opinion. On this journey, things can change. Opinions differ, treatment options vary, and, if there are fundamental differences, another opinion can help.
Kristin Olliney & daughter, Isabella
2015

For me, it is hard knowing that the doctors who cared for my daughter made mistakes. Coming to terms with the fact that no one will ever be held accountable for what happened to Isabella is difficult. I know Isabella is here because I fought and advocated. It is still devastating to know that mistakes could have been prevented. I am sharing this part of our journey in hopes that it will encourage others to continue to fight and advocate for their child/loved one. Against all odds, my amazing miracle is here today, and, for that, I am forever grateful.

To learn more about Kristin and Isabella, please visit Kristin’s website/blog at In An Instant Your Life Can Change Forever – Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts Blog

Thank you, Kristin Olliney.

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

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

(Photos compliments of Kristin Olliney.)

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 lower right corner of your screen.

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.

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Guest Bloggers

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Speaking Engagement . . . . . . . “Prisoner Without Bars . . . . . . . . . . . A Caregiver’s Story”

YOU ARE INVITED!

When Donna’s spouse, David, did one chin-up too many, he had a brain injury (BI), and Donna became a caregiver. David had three brain surgeries within two weeks. Donna signed on the dotted line for each of them – probably the hardest thing she has ever done in her life. Donna will share her story, “Prisoner Without Bars: A Caregiver’s Story” about David’s unexpected recovery and how she and David are making this “new normal” work for them. She will also share tips and offer suggestions from what she learned along the way.

It’s been a long, bumpy road for both David and Donna, but they travel that road together.

Come One! Come ALL!

Post-Brain Injury 2010

What: Donna will share her experiences with caregiving and will offer tips based on what worked for her. Donna will also share snippets of her book, “Prisoners Without Bars: A Caregiver’s Memoir,” which is searching for a publisher.

Why: Hopefully, Donna’s experiences with caregiving will help others who might find themselves in this position

When: Monday, April 6, 2015

Time: 1:00 to 2:30pm

Where: Desert Palms Presbyterian Church
13459 W. Stardust Boulevard
Sun City West, Arizona 85375-2548

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

(Photos compliments of Donna)

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Events Calendar

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SPEAK OUT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty GIANT Steps

SPEAK OUT! Itty-Bitty Giant Steps will provide a venue for brain-injury survivors and caregivers to shout out their accomplishments of the week.

If you have an Itty-Bitty Giant Step and you would like to share it, just send an email to me at neelyf@aol.com.

I hope we have millions of Itty-Bitty Giant Steps.

Here are this week’s Itty-Bitty Giant Steps

Cat Brubaker with Congresswoman Krysten Sinema

Catherine (Cat) Brubaker (survivor)…I’m very excited to have gone all the way to Washington, DC, all by myself.

I planned it, and I got to my appointments on time. I still used a wheelchair at the airport because of overstimulation, shaky balance, and the possibility of getting lost. I met with my congresswoman about brain injury and about helping me with my new foundation, Hope for Trauma. I can’t believe how far I’ve come in a year. I feel very excited.

Jonathan Curtis (survivor)…Today I had an amazing day at my volunteer job at a nursing home. I went with a difficult resident to an eye clinic appointment, and I organized a movie in the nursing home coffee shop. I felt so able and competent!

Keri Giacomini (caregiver)…My husband, John, had a very severe TBI almost twelve years ago. While he was at college, he fell out of a third floor window. The only residual problems are from aphasia. But, he does really well. Also, he is so sweet and thoughtful. A few days ago, we were talking about my care bear, which I’ve had since I was four (that is, for 27 years). He is a secret bear. He is now brown, has no eyes, and doesn’t talk. John knows how much my care bear means to me. He’s been with me through the toughest of times – surgery, hospitalizations, etc. I have Crohn’s Disease, and my care bear has always been my comfort. Well after we were talking, John went on eBay and ordered me an original secret care bear that still talks. He knows how much it means to me. It was probably the sweetest thing he’s done. I just thought I’d share what he did because, while John is always caring and sweet, sometimes it’s hard for him to initiate things.

Timothy Guetling (survivor)…Swaim Guetling is soon to graduate from the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB). He is a Communications major with a 3.5 GPA. Swaim is my 21-year-old son. I’m thankful that he is where he can do best for himself and that he took the love, respect, and guidance from his parents to assist him in his future, wherever it takes him. Swaim speaks four languages. He has been around the US, India, and China with his fellow students. I am stoked to the max. He’s a chip off the old block, except he has hair!

YOU did it!

Congratulations to all contributors!

(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)

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Itty-Bitty GIANT Step

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Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI – Survivors, Caregivers, Family, and Friends

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