Last July, I was in the car going for a normal drive with my parents when suddenly the unthinkable happened. Our car flipped over and I was ejected 30 ft from the car. I had suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with left hemiparesis. Due to the seriousness of my injuries, I was immediately airlifted to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware.
For my first month in the hospital, I was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). At the start of my second month in the hospital, I spent most of my time in rehab. I had to learn how to talk, walk, and eat solid foods all over again. I also had to spend about 3 months in a wheelchair.
When I was initially released from the hospital I continued to go to therapy 5 days a week. But life at home was now different. I had to walk around the house with a belt on so my parents could hold me back while I moved to prevent a fall. I was waiting for my craniectomy surgery later that November, so a fall would have been detrimental. Finally surgery day came and it was time for the most important procedure of my life. Dr. Joseph Piatt, pediatric neurosurgeon, had to replace my forehead bone with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) which is a synthetic bone.
After the surgery, I was able to return to school three days a week and continue my rehab. The injury impacted the left side of my body, leaving me with less physical capabilities. I continue to wear an AFO on my left leg to support my foot drop. At first, I had no functional movement from my left hand but with rehab, it continues to improve significantly.
The staff of the PICU and 3 West communicated all aspects of my injury to me. I wanted to stay informed of the diagnosis and next steps. Everyone from the nurses to the aides made sure they created a “fun” environment for me. I knew I was in the best hands.
I know I have a long road ahead. However, I am determined to be the best I can be, not just physically but also mentally.
This injury has had such a big impact on my life. I was introduced to so many different doors from this injury. Not just in the hospital, but also at my school. I found myself very interested in the occupational therapy field or ways to help children get better just like the hospital did for me. I would love to see that.
If I can give one piece of advice to other TBI patients, it is to surround yourself with positive people and to keep a strong positive focused attitude throughout the whole journey. Never Give Up! Try to find new things you may have never known you would enjoy.
