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Home » Identity after Injuries (Cali's Story)

Identity after Injuries (Cali's Story)

January 21, 2022 by Cristabelle Braden Leave a Comment

How do you define yourself when everything about your life has changed?

Cali Lonardelli is a survivor of multiple brain injuries, and this week she shares her story of perseverance and hope. As a teenager, she went from an accomplished athlete in gymnastics and pole vaulting to struggling to be able to walk. Her journey has taken her through many years of symptoms and learning to live with a new reality, as well as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) eating disorder.

Cali is a true overcomer and is now a Physical Therapy student and an intern for the non-profit PINK Concussions. Take a listen as she joins Cristabelle for an inspiring conversation shining a light on what it is like to live with brain injury.

Season 2 - Episode 10

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

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EPISODE NOTES:

0:00 Intro

6:15 Introducing Cali

9:18 Concussions + Symptoms

13:15 School Adjustments

17:41 Life Change

20:40 Loss of Identity

23:00 RED-S Eating Disorder

27:50 Therapy & Support

39:45 Coping Strategies

46:05 Words of Hope

MEET OUR GUEST:

Cali Lonardelli is a second year student in the Dual Degree Entry Level Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Quinnipiac University. When she was 16, she was pole vaulting and landed on her head on the track. While recovering, was hit in the head with a lacrosse ball. Due to the nature and severity of her traumatic brain injury, she missed a couple years of school and had to "retire" from gymnastics and pole vault. While Cali has come a tremendous way in her recovery, she still deals with ongoing symptoms and hopes to bring light to the challenges that students with TBI face. She is an intern with the non-profit PINK Concussions and has a special interest in neuroendocrine disorders after TBI and the correlation between Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and concussion in female athletes. 

Connect with Cali on instagram: @cali.lonardelli and @pinkconcussions

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.

« Learning Accommodations + Self-Worth Post-Injury (with Carly Endres | NDBIN)
Loss of Identity after Brain Injury, Grieving the "Old Life," + How it Affects Families »

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Hi! I'm Cristabelle. Welcome to Hope After Head Injury! As a traumatic brain injury survivor, I know what it's like to feel alone - and I never wanted anyone else to ever feel that way. That's why I started this online community for survivors, caregivers, and family members. Glad you are here. Learn More →

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