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Survivor Stories

Survivor Stories

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Tessie DiFulco
After a traumatic brain injury led to a 2 ½ month coma and a 4 ½ month hospitalization with left side paralysis, I underwent a profound transformation. My coma felt like a communion with God, filling me with peace unlike any on earth, reshaping my life’s focus deeply.
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David Thomas
This year marks 35 years since my accident, a story many have asked about. I share this not for likes or comments, but because writing has been therapeutic for me. Crafting this didn't take hours or weeks, but months, as it required revisiting a long-unconsidered past.
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Jamie Duplechine
At 15, I drove a Geo Tracker without a license, believing in my invincibility. On July 21, 1995, a crash left me paralyzed, a doctor doubting I'd walk or breathe alone again. Choosing resilience, I became Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana, advocated for disabilities, and now serve on multiple boards, embracing life's challenges.
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Nicole Marquez
"Falling Down is How We Learn to Rise Up!" At 25, after my best audition, I found myself locked out of my 5th-floor apartment. Climbing to the roof to check if I could enter through a window, looking over the edge is the last thing I remember. I was rendered a quadriplegic, destined to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair.
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BJ's Story
In this inspiring video, we delve into the life of BJ, a former aspiring pro football player whose dreams were abruptly halted by a traumatic brain injury. Despite the challenges, BJ discovered a new passion in painting, transforming his adversity into artistic expression that has since captured the hearts of his community.
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After my husband suffered a spinal cord injury, I reached out to BIALA and found not only a wealth of information but an organization that gave me hope. At times, things seemed very bleak but I would call the resource center, and they were able to help me through those difficult moments. I will forever be grateful for the compassion and understanding that I received when I called the helpline.

Angel Hallage

Caregiver

Painting a mask and showing how it feels to live with a brain injury was a lot of fun and also made me feel good and important. People don't understand so thank you for allowing me to share how I feel. I can't wait to see my mask on the art display. Thanks for making me smile and feel good about myself.

Ada Henderson

Individual with TBI

On a day that everything seemed to be going against me, I reached out for some help and was surprised that they actually were there to help me. My wheelchair was broken, and they were able to find a place to fix it for me. They educated me about the trust fund for people with spinal cord injuries and sent me an application. When I had questions about the application, I called back and was given the time and help needed to complete the application. They made me feel important so I am very thankful.

Robi Harsch

Individual with SCI