Journey of Self-Advocacy and Returning to School after Brain Injury (with Calista Susa)

A brain injury can turn your entire life upside down in one day- and it’s so important to advocate for yourself in this “new normal.”

Calista Susa had a brain bleed at age 16, which led to hospital stays, brain surgeries, rehab, and facing a world of new challenges. On this episode, Cristabelle interviews Calista to share her journey of resilience: being a patient her entire life due to being born with achondroplasia, her journey through brain injury, returning to school with new accommodations, and now working in healthcare to help others! We also discuss how brain injury symptoms impact mental health, and how asking for help is actually a sign of strength. 

Listen below or on your mobile device by subscribing on podcast platforms!

00:00 Introduction with Cristabelle

07:32 Calista’s Injury and Hospital/Rehab

15:42 Navigating School Life After a Brain Injury

17:50 The Importance of Self-Advocacy

21:23 Mental Health and Emotional Resilience

30:03 Resilience and Moving Forward

38:35 Words of Hope

ABOUT CALISTA:

"I was born with achondroplasia a type of dwarfism/little person. Then at the age of 16, I had a left intraparenchymal and intraventricular hemorrhage (bleeding on the brain on the left side of my brain)."

Check out her story on the Children's Hospital of MN website: https://www.childrensmn.org/2024/02/26/shining-unexpected-calistas-story/

Connect: @calista.susa

ABOUT CRISTABELLE:

Cristabelle Braden is an award winning singer/songwriter, keynote speaker, podcast host, brain injury survivor & advocate.

Connect: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

About This Podcast

Have you or a loved one experienced a traumatic brain injury, stroke, concussion, or ABI? This podcast is for you. Sharing hope, support, and education for brain injury survivors, caregivers, and families. Hosted by award-winning TBI survivor, advocate, and singer/songwriter Cristabelle Braden, this is an uplifting podcast to bring hope to your darkest days. Subscribe and stay tuned for messages of encouragement, interviews with professionals, and survivor stories.

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Brain Injury Bible Study | braininjurybiblestudy.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.