Personal Stories

No two brain injuries are alike…no two stories are alike. We hear stories of miracles, courage, resilience, humor, kindness, and hope every day; we thought you should too. Life is a series of stories,and we hope you find a meaningful one here.

We would love to hear from you about your experiences!

 Please tell us about one of the following topics:

  • Tell us about how you or a love one has struggled with homelessness or being placed in an institution or nursing facility due to the lack of appropriate placement or home support options?
  • Tell us about how you or a love one has struggled to get the appropriate help for a concussion?

Jay’s Story

By Debra Holloway | May 3, 2018

9 December, 2017 I forget my first memory  I forget the first thing I remember after my brain injury. I forget the last thing I remember before it. One day I was riding my bicycle after work. Later I was in a hospital room at MCV. With casts on. And IV’s. There’s a week in…

Paul’s Story

By Debra Holloway | May 3, 2018

The truth of the matter, if you are weak, you are in a good spot. That may sound off, but that plain fact remains, your weakness can be your strength. As a former computer guy, turned, pastor, weakness has often been my resting place. I was going to study software engineering at Auburn. Through a…

Jeremy’s Story

By Debra Holloway | March 7, 2018

On October 3, 2014, 1 week prior to my 41st birthday, a disgruntled former employee of the condominium building I managed came inside and shot me point blank. I had fired the man two months prior and he returned with all intentions of killing me. The bullet went entirely through the right side of my…

Ashley’s Story

By Debra Holloway | March 7, 2018

In 2006 I was 22 years old, a single parent raising my two children while working part-time and going to Cosmetology school full-time. I was six weeks away from graduation when one morning I woke up with severe pain in my head—absolutely indescribable. I was vomiting and the pain would not stop. Later that evening…

Michael’s Story

By Debra Holloway | February 1, 2018

Five years ago I was volunteering as a medic and firefighter for Charles City County in New Kent, VA. While driving a water truck to a house fire in Charles City, I lost control of my truck and flipped. A traumatic brain injury left me in the hospital for seven weeks until I woke up.…

Geoffrey’s Story

By Debra Holloway | February 1, 2018

Hello my name is Geoffrey Butler.  From the age 1 through 7, I was a normal kid.  Still at the age of 7, I started to have 4 types of seizures.  The worst type, called a Drop Attack Seizure, it make my whole body weak & makes me fall at any given time.  So I…

Diane’s Story

By Debra Holloway | January 2, 2018

Six years ago my strong husband suffered a heart attack. He spent a few days in the hospital and returned home. Within a week he had a cardiac arrest. This episode resulted in an oxygen deprived brain injury. He was in a coma for a week after which he finally responded to commands to wiggle…

Triena’s Story

By Debra Holloway | January 2, 2018

My name is Triena Baldwin and I received my brain injury in September 2011.  I was traveling on the interstate going to Richmond, VA.  Traffic had come to a standstill and we were coming to a stop and waiting.  There was a car driving in the opposite direction on the other side of the interstate…

Bill’s Story

By Debra Holloway | December 8, 2017

Before my car accident and brain injury, I had a busy and full life. I was an involved father of twin boys and worked professionally as a financial crimes investigator. I have no memories of the day of my injury, but based on witness and doctor accounts, I know that while travelling on highway 288,…

Maralee’s Story

By Debra Holloway | December 8, 2017

The challenges of a traumatic brain injury can be daunting. My life before my injury was full and busy! I was an elementary school teacher, group exercise instructor, and a mom! While outside at recess with my class, a student accidentally kicked a soccer ball into the back of my head. Although doctors have different…