Portrait: Rirhandzu
In 2020, at only 13 years old, Rirhandzu was involved in a car accident and was diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury.
Survivor Stories
Many of you have written to SameYou about your experience of brain injury and told us how you identified with Emilia's story. There was a common feeling of relief about hearing a familiar story from someone young, and speaking out to normalize the injury. People were comforted that Emilia had gone through something similar to them or to a family member or loved one.
The overwhelming emotion was of gratitude that Emilia was breaking her silence and that enabled and emboldened so many others to tell their brain injury story - some for the first time. It was as if people now have permission to speak out about their story.
I get days when I just want to give up. But after hearing your story it has made me realize, I'm not on my own!
You have told us that by sharing your stories, and reading other people's, offers hope, comfort and much needed peer-to-peer support that is often hard to find.
SameYou have created this support resource called Portraits to tell the untold story of brain injury. If you would like to share your story, you can submit your story via our Share your story page.
Portrait: Mark
Mark and his wife were on a holiday of a lifetime, when the expression actually took on a whole new meaning for them.
Portrait: Sarah
Sarah had the first of two strokes on April 19, 2016, two days after her 30th birthday. She talks about the importance of raising awareness of stroke in young people and having access to more support to live a full life.
Portrait: Bethanne
In this compelling survivor story, we meet Bethanne, a resilient individual whose life changed following a rapid decline in health and subsequent stroke.
Portrait: Ginger
Within 2 months, Ginger had 2 brain injury surgeries which would go on to change her life in ways she had never imagined. In her story, she addresses important concepts that many survivors have to navigate.
Portrait: Kristin
On December 23, 2022, when I was 36 years old, I was finishing up my workday and very much looking forward to the holiday weekend with my niece and nephew, brother, boyfriend, and parents when I felt a sudden whoosh while shoveling snow outside.
Portrait: Matthew
In his portrait, Matthew describes his first thoughts after waking up from a tragic car accident and the long recovery journey that ensued.
Portrait: Joanie and Sarah
My daughter, Sarah, was 18 and a few months away from going to Uni to study biology. While at school, she suffered a stroke during her first lesson.
Portrait: Jennifer
At age 27, a lightning strike reshaped Jennifer's world. After being paralyzed from the waist down and suffering from nerve problems, Jennifer embarked on a courageous journey to navigate life again.
Portrait: Michelle and Tim
Having to transition from wife to carer in the matter of a morning requires adjustments. I feel loved ones need the help and support as much as the survivors, as they have to live with the brain injury just as much as we do.