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Survivor Stories

Survivor Stories

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Tessie DiFulco
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Living with a spinal cord injury has been a challenge but the peer mentor program has definitely assisted me in adjusting to my new normal. Thank you for giving me hope.

Emerson Moss

Individual with SCI

In between my therapies, I wanted to keep moving forward so I reached out to find some ideas of ways to keep my brain working. They were so helpful and friendly and gave me many great ideas to try. We were even laughing together, and it made it feel like I was talking to a friend.

Bobby Bodin

Individual with TBI

Thank you for your kind words and speedy reply. You have been lovely trying to help me help my brother. You have been brilliant taking time to research my requests for me which has allowed me to spend more time assisting my brother. Thank you for being such a blessing.

Constance Urban

Caregiver