Name: Marianna R. (Mother / Caregiver of Tommy R.)

Age: 46

City: Phoenix, AZ

Brain Injury: TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI)

Explanation of Brain Injury: Mother of a son who had a TBI at age 16 as a result of a dirt bike crash in the desert. He was wearing a helmet.

Explanation of mask:  Where do you begin when you cannot put your emotions or what had happened without ugly crying? YOU DON’T – YOU DON’T BEGIN. You say “I’M FINE.” Those who have experienced something similar will understand without words – but MOST PEOPLE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RELATE! I compose piano music and write poetry to channel my feelings. I do say “I’m fine” more than I feel. YOU CHOOSE HAPPY AND JOY DAILY!