Lisa is a fighter, living with both an invisible injury (TBI) and physical disability. She was born with Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain), contracted spinal meningitis as an infant, and has been an advocate for disabilities her entire life. Then, in 2011 she sustained a traumatic brain injury from an accident playing wheelchair basketball.
This is an episode that is sure to inspire and encourage all who listen, as Lisa Pubantz eloquently shares her story of victory. She joins Cristabelle to discuss the tension between the invisible injury and the physical disability, how society treats people with disabilities, and how the TBI symptoms are often misunderstood.
Season 2 - Episode 5
Listen below or on your mobile device by subscribing on podcast platforms!
0:00 Intro
6:13 Introducing Lisa’s Story
15:03 Wheelchair Basketball & Races
16:27 Adjusting after TBI
19:53 Surviving the Injury
22:14 Symptoms & Challenges
25:45 Visible vs. Invisible Disability
28:37 Misunderstood TBI Symptoms
31:38 Mental Health
34:49 How Others Treat People with Disabilities
42:58 Claiming Victory
46:28 Words of Hope
MEET OUR GUEST:
From Lisa Pubantz: "I was born and raised in Winston Salem NC, the 2nd of 4 children and the only one born with a physical disability. I was born with a birth defect of my spinal cord called Spina Bifida, and a condition called hydrocephalus which is fluid on my brain. I also contracted spinal meningitis shortly after I was born. I’ve been advocating for people with disabilities since I was 3 years old, first as a 3 time poster child ambassador for the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation at the local, regional, and statewide level. I currently serve on the Advisory Council for the Spina Bifida Association of the Carolinas and I’m a volunteer summer camp counselor for kids with lifelong disabilities and chronic illnesses at Camp Carefree in Stokesdale NC. I used to play wheelchair basketball with a team in Winston Salem, NC but suffered a TBI in 2011 during basketball practice, which ended my playing career."
ABOUT CRISTABELLE:
Cristabelle Braden is an award winning singer/songwriter, keynote speaker, podcast host, brain injury survivor & advocate.
@cristabellebraden | facebook.com/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.
Connect on Social Media: @hopeafterheadinjury | facebook.com/hopeafterheadinjury
Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community
Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com
Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.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.
Subscribe on podcast platforms:
Leave a Reply