Survivor Stories

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After a traumatic brain injury led to a 2 ½ month coma and a 4 ½ month hospitalization with left side paralysis, I underwent a profound transformation. My coma felt like a communion with God, filling me with peace unlike any on earth, reshaping my life’s focus deeply.

David Thomas

This year marks 35 years since my accident, a story many have asked about. I share this not for likes or comments, but because writing has been therapeutic for me. Crafting this didn't take hours or weeks, but months, as it required revisiting a long-unconsidered past.

Jamie Duplechine

At 15, I drove a Geo Tracker without a license, believing in my invincibility. On July 21, 1995, a crash left me paralyzed, a doctor doubting I'd walk or breathe alone again. Choosing resilience, I became Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana, advocated for disabilities, and now serve on multiple boards, embracing life's challenges.

Nicole Marquez

"Falling Down is How We Learn to Rise Up!" At 25, after my best audition, I found myself locked out of my 5th-floor apartment. Climbing to the roof to check if I could enter through a window, looking over the edge is the last thing I remember. I was rendered a quadriplegic, destined to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair.

BJ's Story

In this inspiring video, we delve into the life of BJ, a former aspiring pro football player whose dreams were abruptly halted by a traumatic brain injury. Despite the challenges, BJ discovered a new passion in painting, transforming his adversity into artistic expression that has since captured the hearts of his community.

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Attending a Connections Circle event and meeting new people and learning that I can still enjoy life even with my spinal cord injury was a blessing. I haven't picked up a bowling ball in 30 years, and today, when I did, my first bowl was a strike. This smile on my face won't go away.

Chris Alford

Individual with SCI

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The stress of everything is overwhelming. Every place and person I have called has shut the door in my face, and I felt like I was drowning. No one wanted to help until I called you. You have been an angel sent to me who has been incredibly kind, willing to listen and also help find what we need. By sharing your own personal stories, you have shown me that there is hope. Having you to talk to has been such a comfort and I just can’t say thank you enough. This has been an incredibly hard road but now that I have found you, it has become easier because I know there is someone who cares. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, my sweet angel, and thank you for shining some hope back in my life.

Mary Katherine Greer

Caregiver

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The BIALA hotline has been a huge source of hope for me. As the mother of a daughter who has a brain injury, it has been extremely comforting to be able to talk to someone who is empathetic, kind and comforting. Somedays I just need someone to talk to so it is great knowing there is someone there willing to listen to me.

Avery Shelton

Caregiver