City/State: Chattanooga

Brain Injury: Aneurysm in 2001 (at the age of 30) followed by brain surgery at Cedars-Sinal Medical Center in California 

Explanation of Mask: I trusted my future to God approximately five years ago.  My journey began with God leading me to and then through a 12-Step Program.  I have lived this new life in recovery for nearly five years now. 

When my brain injury complicated my disease, it caused me many struggles.  Some of these include:

-coping with depression, stress and an anxiety disorder -dealing with confusion that follows a brain injury

-managing my thoughts of feeling overwhelmed and lost

-handling all the frustrations that are caused by short-term memory loss 

Music has always brought me joy.  I started playing the guitar around the age of 13.  Music was so important to me that I chose not to play sports in high school.  I played with a band that performed in Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and Alabama.  I still play today and have more than 100 unfinished songs that I plan to finish some day (thus Unbound Music).  Eventually I moved to New York to begin a career in stage and film.  With some minor success, I eventually moved to Los Angeles.  Through God’s grace, my life was spared in 2001.  After returning to Chattanooga, with my Father’s determination, guidance, and love, I started recovering mentally, emotionally, and physically. 

I am EXTREMELY THANKFUL for where I am today.  I truly enjoy helping others and bringing happiness to those I meet.  I believe this to be my life’s purpose.  My wish is that this mask helps someone else who is in long-term recovery or has had a brain injury.