Personal Stories

On November 17, 2019 the Department of Health, Neurotrauma Program hosted an event for the community to hear stories from individuals whose lives are touched by Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Spinal Cord injury (SCI). Storytellers shared personal feelings, experiences and life changes as a result of a TBI or SCI. For a moment, audience members metaphorically walked in the shoes of the storyteller. To further expand the audience’s understanding of living with a TBI and/or SCI, community organizations hosted informational/activity tables. The event served to provide storytellers a voice and raised the community’s awareness of preventive actions and daily life related to TBI and SCI.

Overcoming Injury: Brain and Spine of Mine. Storytelling Event Celebrating Gratitude, Learning, Athleticism and Adversity

Photo: Kevin HilleryHelmet n Friends
Photo: Sepasitieni FeleungaConcrete 2 Computers
Photo: Ann YoshidaOcean Whispers
Photo: Mark MathesonDefining Success
Read Traumatic Brain Injury Personal Stories

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Disclaimer

These published stories received support from the Hawaii Core SVIPP Cooperative Agreement Number, U17 CE924848, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services.

DISCLAIMER: The contents of published stories are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Hawaii State Department of Health.

How I’m Living-And Thriving- With a Spinal Cord Injury

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/rachelle-friedman

Rachelle Friedman’s entire life was turned upside down in an instant. Here, she shares how she’s learning to live and thrive with a spinal cord injury

Overcoming a Spinal Cord Injury: Claire’s Story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOoKGn_3KdM

Life as a Quadriplegic: Gareth Lynch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUhpPNNkja0

Brain and Spinal Cord Injury in Sports with Dr. Robert Sloan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKSz6NZrv1U
Host Charle Willson speaks with Dr. Robert Sloan, MD (President, Honolulu County Medical Association; Director of Hawaii Concussion Care Center) about sport injuries affecting the brain and spinal cord.