Name: Patrick C., 49 years old

City: Tempe, AZ

Brain Injury: STROKE due to 30 years Type 1 diabetes and blocked carotid arteries. In the hospital I was given the wrong medication which paralyzed my right side, ended my ability to speak and swallow food, crashed my kidneys, damaged my short-term memory, eliminated my ability to recall the alphabet and numbers, and left me unable to walk. It also left me ANGRY and DEPRESSED.

Explanation of mask:  The GREEN section represents my life before the strokes. I graduated from ASU and started my own book business on the internet, and got engaged to a wonderful gal. I did graphic design and was active in off-road biking, fishing, camping, rollerblading (hockey) and skate boarding.

RED represents the HELLISH events that disrupted my life. Beginning with the two strokes. My wedding plans came to an end as did my hopes for achieving my career goals. In addition, I went on dialysis, an insulin pump, extensive physical therapy and living with mental damage that left me functioning at the level of a 4-9 year old. The doctors told me I would likely not walk or talk again.

The BLUE section represents THE ROAD BACK (which I am still, after 19 years, embarked on). I had to get 4 stents to the arteries in my heart, a bi-cranial by-pass to get more blood to my brain, and a dual kidney-pancreas transplant. I walk ½ mile a day with my cane, ride a 3-wheel bike, and enjoy Karaoke. My memory takes a toll, but, I AM CONTINUING TO WORK ON IT!