Our Stories
A brain injury changes the lives of the survivor, family members, and friends forever. How each of these individuals copes can make a huge difference. There are many survivors and family members who have shown extraordinary courage, wisdom, and perseverance. Their stories are chronicled below. Click through to read about these incredible survivors, family members and caregivers.
 |
"Every survivor is an inspiration in their own way.” In 2011, Nicole Mankus, who had been battling depression since 2002, attempted to take her own life when she drove into a tree while under the influence of alcohol. She survived the attempt and now lives with a traumatic brain injury. Her experience, however, has also left her with a new lease on life and appreciation for every day. |
 |
"I never looked at myself as I was a victim or felt sorry for myself. …The amount that I have grown from all my experiences is priceless.” In 1967 and Scott was just seven years old riding in his family's station wagon when it was struck by an 18-wheeler. He spent three months in the hospital and received no formal rehabilitation. After he moved out of Ohio, there was no follow-up on his brain injury, which left Scott with many questions. Today, he's still coming to terms with his injury after almost a lifetime without talking about it. |
 |
"Just because life is different than it used to be, doesn’t mean it isn’t as great—you just have to find a way to make it as great, even if you have to do it differently." During a soccer game in October 2011, Madeline fell forehead first while sprinting after the ball. She sustained whiplash as her head made contact with the ground more than once. Madeline had sustained a serious concussion, which she is still recovering from today. |
 |
"She's come really far ... but she has a long journey ahead of her, but we'll take that together, too.." In 2010, Kristin Olliney and her daughter Isabella's lives were changed forever when Isabella came down with sudden acute encephalitis, which caused brain damage. Despite the number of challenges they face every day, Isabella and her mother face them head on and work on her rehabilitation every day. |
 |
"Everything she can do we're so grateful for." On Oct. 13, 2008, Karen Kelly received a call that would change her and her family's lives forever. Her mother, Joanne Coggins, had a staph infection and was going to need surgery to remove a growth on her heart caused by acute bacterial endocarditis. During surgery, a piece of the growth detached and traveled to her brain, causing her to have a stroke. |
 |
"I want other brain injury survivors to know you can do it." When Tiffany was just 16 years old, she suffered a severe traumatic brain injury after being involved in a serious car accident. Now, 27 years later, Tiffany has made it to the other side and gotten her life back on track. |
 |
"You lose everything you knew or had in a blink of the eye and awake to another person who has to relearn and get to know the new person you have awakened to." In 2009, Nancielee Holbrook's life was changed forever when she suffered a traumatic brain injury when the car she was in was hit from behind. |
 |
"It's not just a headache..." There have been two constants in Kelley Linn's life for over a year now: her love of volleyball and painful headaches from two concussions she sustained while playing volleyball. |
 |
"Never Give Up..." The look on 20 year-old Katie Atchue's face is almost always a smile. Katie suffered an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) hemorrhage when she was eight years old. This incident occurs in less than 1% of the population, and the results can be devastating. |
 |
"It's the difference between surviving and thriving...and I'm thriving here." On March 16, 2011, Joanne Susi's life was transformed. After three long years in a nursing home, she moved into the community as a result of the ABI Waiver Program. |
 |
"I don’t know exactly what happened, but it appears that I overshot the landing on my second jump and was immediately knocked unconscious..." |
 |
It all began one beautiful June day three years ago. David and Cheryl were riding with a group of motorcyclists to a music festival in New Hampshire when... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
verance. Some have turned their tragedy into an opportunity to help others and save lives. These individuals give hope and promise for a better future. Following are just a few of their stories.