City: Fargo

Brain Injury:
I was in my first MVA in February 2015, when I learned of my brain injury after a few months through many medical professionals I had a brain injury. Shortly after I had my first seizure and found an arteriovenous malformation in the occipital lobe which was later done by gamma radiation then removed 2020. I had two more MVA’s in 2018, which worsened by brain injuries -many falls, concussions, severe migraines and seizures.

Explanation of Mask:
Before injury I was independent, daring to do anything. Travel any country alone, I loved life to the fullest. Very passionate, bold, family, friends, entertained all the time to celebrate things. Caring and kind, love many hobbies, very active, was successful. Got married, life was full in my controlled environment and I was doing things how I wanted it each day.
After my brain injury my life changed drastically. I couldn’t drive a car, my independence was taken away, shame. Family and friends saw me as a different person, embarrassment, hard to cope with the new me and all the changes of my body, learning my triggers, pain, divorce, shame, hard to communicate with others. Finding a good medical team after 21 years with neuro problems in Fargo gave me hope. Learning to inspire others, advocate, love myself and others again. Believe you can make a difference each day. Smile ????