Never quit

Traumatic brain injuries can occur is many different ways and the results from a T.B.I. can be just as varied.  The main thing all of us T.B.I. survivors should always remember is that our injuries are just set up’s for a comeback if we don’t give up.  Michael Jordan once said “If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up.  Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” There are plenty of people and resources that can help us with achieving our goals, all we have to do is be willing to pursue or goals and stick to our plans, no matter what roadblocks are between us and achieving success. I believe that for myself and all of the other members of the T.B.I. community, including you who is reading this.  Let us all be shining examples of overcoming roadblocks and what can be done despite any setbacks.  It will be a perfect example for our families, children, friends, and current/future T.B.I. survivors.  I believe in you just as much as I believe in myself. 

                                                        Don’t quit,

                                                        Korey Sylver

WHY SPEAK?!?!

WHY SPEAK?!?!

Do you think it is important for brain injured survivors to advocate for themselves?

I believe it is very important because the particular needs of any organization are truly known by the participants.   The needs come straight from the “the horse’s mouth”.  We walk the walk, so we must talk the talk and hopefully our concerns will be met.  Consider, how will they  know  if we don’t voice our needs, hopes, and concerns. Did you know that more than four hundred Virginians, Partners in Policymaking alumni and past graduates across the United States have addressed the needs of the disabled population in order to make a difference for their community and themselves?   You may have never heard of Partners in Policymaking (PIP), because it was new to me.  Partners in Policymaking graduates speak in support of community inclusion, accessibility issues, inclusive education, equal employment opportunities, civil rights, and needed social changes in attitude and values concerning the disabled community. One of their goals is to improve systems for persons with disabilities, so a participant must have a developmental disability, as defined by the Developmental Disabilities or Bill of Right Assistance Act. 

If you would like more information please contact: 

Kara A. White, Program Assistant

Virginia Board for People with Disabilities

Washington Building

1100 Bank Street, 7^th floor

Richmond, VA  23219

804-786-1118(fax)

804-786-3441(voice)

1-800-846-4464 (TTY/Voice)

Let’s stand up and speak up for survivors of the silent epidemic.  


Submitted by Debra J. Jones

20 Interesting Facts about Shasmin A.

1. 
   1. I enjoy writing poetry.
   2. I am the middle child of 3 girls.
   3. I used to run track and field: 800 meters and 1500 meters.
   4. When I was in middle school, I wanted to set my goal on joining the army.
   5. I listen to rock, metal, and other GOOD music.
   6. I love writing in colorful pens.
   7. My favorite color is neon fluorescent orange.
   8. My mom and I work on word searches for fun.
   9. Romance movies put me to sleep.
   10. I love to read fiction novels.
   11. I can sleep any time of the day, just give me a pillow and a blanket.
   12. I cannot swim and I have no interest in learning how to swim.
   13. My favorite car model is a 1967 Ford Mustang.
   14. When I was younger, I hated eating chocolate. Now, after my brain injury, I love it.
   15. I can talk to anyone no matter age, race, etc.
   16. I have been engaged previously, but it did not work out.
   17. I attended college for two and a half years then dropped out.
   18. I want to travel the world.
   19. In middle school, a friend and I started a small singing group.
   20. I'm not adventurous in trying new things like games, food, or some new ideas.

Growing up with a brain injury

Growing Up With A Brain Injury

By: Sandra B.

 

 

When I was two days old, doctors discovered that I had right cerebral hematoma (bleeding in the brain). This caused me to have a lot of physical challenges as well as learning disabilities. I started physical therapy when I was two and a half years of age. I finally learned how to walk before my fourth birthday. I started speech and occupational therapy when I was five. It was hard watching other children doing things that I could not do like roller skating and riding a bike without training wheels. Kids and some adults would make fun of me because I was slower at doing things and I wore special shoes. I was called names. My mother gave me one piece of advice that still helps me today. She said,” people that make fun of you are the ones with the problems not you.” My parents kept encouraging me to do my best. I graduated from high school with a high school diploma and went on to complete an associate degree in early childhood education and started working in fast food industry.  I was hit by a car in spring of 1994, but that was a minor setback compared to what I already been though. Since then I have gotten married and had two children. Today I am a single parent dealing with two teenagers and living on my own. I work as a bus aide on special needs school buses. I hope I can empower other children with special needs to succeed even though they may wish that they were born without a brain injury.   

 

 

Perseverance

Perseverance 

By: Korey Sylver

One thing that I have learned to develop since having a TBI is perseverance. In the words of George E. Allen, “People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because they don't know when to quit. Most men succeed because they are determined to."

Having a Traumatic Brain Injury prevents me from doing a lot of things as easily and quickly as I did them prior to my injury, but prior to my injury; I was also the type of person that would quit after one failed attempt. Now, I realize that in order for me to truly be successful in anything, I can’t give up at the first sign of failure. Because if I do throw in the towel every time things don’t go right the first time, I will never make any progress in life. Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors can be much more than just survivors, we also can overcome. And the only way to overcome is to be persistent with your plans and goals. Two main goals that I set for myself since acquiring my T.B.I. are regaining my drivers’ license and obtaining my college degree. So far, the roads to these two goals have been very rough and I haven’t been able to smooth them out, but I will not stop trying. Achieving these goals will also be a great example for my daughter, who will see that her dad didn’t let obstacles stop him and in turn know that she can achieve anything that she sets her mind too. “Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another." Walter Elliott. Achieving these goals of mine is something that I can do, as long as I don't quit the race.

20 Interesting Facts about Triena B,

1. 1.     I am 43 years old.
2. 2.    My birthday is October 13^th.
3. 3.    I am the 4^th of six children.
4. 4.    I am a licensed Cosmetologist.
5. 5.    I acquired my brain injury in 2011.
6. 6.    I love MEN!
7. 7.    I love to smile and be happy.

1. 8.    I live in Newport News.
2. 9.    I need a car.
3. 10. My favorite color is Blue.
4. 11. I would like to find a part-time job.
5. 12. I graduated from high school in 1988.
6. 13.  I went to Norfolk State University for two years.
7. 14. I majored in Psychology.
8. 15. I love seafood!
9. 16.The Opal is my birthstone.
10. 17. I am the biggest Dallas Cowboy’s Fan I know.
11. 18.  I used to weight 416 lbs.
12. 19. I have two beautiful daughters.
13. 20. I am single and looking!

What Happens to Relationships After Brain Injury?

What Happens to Relationships After Brain Injury?

I think your friends, family & coworkers will not understand what all you are going through/ dealing with so they become more distant because they lack understanding of your situation and do not know how to relate or what they can do to help.  Unfortunately, sometimes when people don’t know, they would just rather avoid the situation/person altogether and settle on or focus on people they can relate to and understand better.   For example, my spouse did not know how to handle our relationship after my brain injury, therefore she figured I would be better off living with my parents, needless to say, we are no longer together.  To say that traumatic brain injury complicates relationships is an understatement of tremendous proportion.  Brain injury affects more than just the actual survivor.  Husbands, wives, children and parents all feel its effects.  Sometimes, relationship counseling may help from a psychologist specializing in brain injuries.  There are also usually many support groups especially nowadays since brain injury care is becoming better addressed by the health care community.  Many friends may slowly fade away as life forever changes, but if you steadily work on things that will help you with your recovery, you will surely make new friends who support you as you tackle life’s challenges.