The Masks

Name: Mark W.

City: Boston

Brain Injury:When I was 17, I was a passenger in a car that was speeding. We were all drunk, veered off the road, and hit a tree.

Explanation of Mask: To me, green represents spring, and a new life. I chose the word love to describe the deep love I have for my baby sister, and her husband Joe. The word celebrating represents how thankful I am to be alive. I am celebrating each and every day.

Name: Ali R.

City: Blackstone

Brain Injury: mTBI from a concussion due to a steel commercial door forcefully striking me down the ride side of my face, and sending my head back in a whiplash motion. 

Explanation of Mask: The journey of recovering from a mTBI can bring up many different emotions.  For me, however, the biggest piece to overcome has been recognizing that I am still myself.  I’m still who God made me to be.  Regardless of how my life has changed and regardless of what I am now capable of doing.  I will always be me.  Not the “old” me – the refined me, new every day.  That is why I chose to make my mask look exactly like myself, flaws and all.  The impact of my injury was on the right side of my face, which is why I put the beams of light there.  God saved my life and my healing is from Him.  He is the light.  He made me who I am.  He saved me and He loves me just the way I am.  So, if I were to extract one of the strongest emotions from my “unexpected journey,” I would say it has been grateful.  I am grateful to be alive, to have learned so much, to continue to grow, and for everyone who has helped me along the way.