“I received my traumatic brain injury on 4/5/2017. I was at work riding bicycles with wounded warriors and it must have been a good day to ride. We were going between 25-30 mph and went by an area with Welcome Home Banners outside the base.
A gust came and blew a banner which wrapped around my bike stopping it immediately and propelling me face first to the asphalt at 25-30 mph. I was wearing a helmet. Two brain bleeds, another brain injury, and partial left lung collapse later, I was rushed by ambulance to a hospital on base and then flown to another hospital.
The outlook was bleak to say the least, original prognosis was I’d either be dead or a vegetable. They even had grieving counseling for my coworkers and athletes. Almost two years later I’m alive.
I have my good days and bad days. What really made an impact on me was my athletes said I inspired them, the humility of inspiring the ones who inspired me made me fight even more on my own.
I didn’t have healthcare really for 6 months post accident and was even sent back to work when I wasn’t medically cleared. I did what I could on my own to help me better understand and find help.
I eventually got linked up with an amazing doctor who is helping me. I learned that TBIs are so different, severity and symptoms and one can vary to the next in grand proportions. Always keep your head up and always look for inspiration, because you may inspire the ones who inspire you.”
-Brad, TBI Survivor
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