Name: Jo G.

State: Arizona

Type of Brain Injury:  Two subdural hematomas, shearing in frontal lobe, categorized as severe TBI.

Explanation of Brain Injury:  While on a scooter with my teenaged son, we were struck by an oncoming car. My son received minor internal bruising. I received a craniotomy to drain one subural hematoma, then received physical, speech, cognitive, vestibular therapy. Also received plant medicine, ayahuasca, in C. Rica last summer.

Explanation of Mask:  My mask reveals the story of my journey. I sustained a severe traumatic brain injury in 2007, while riding on a scooter. My son and I were thrown from the scooter by an oncoming car. CJ, my son, was not severely injured. Despite wearing a helmet, I experienced two subdural hematomas and shearing on my frontal lobe. My sisters, who were caring for me, were advised to place me in a long-term care facility. They chose, instead, to enroll me in intensive physical, speech, cognitive therapy. I have read extensively about best practices for healing my injury. The number of miracles that have carried me to the place I’ve reached today in my recovery is stunning!