Whether you are recovering from a traumatic brain injury or supporting someone with a TBI, this collection of 101 inspiring and encouraging stories by others like you will uplift and encourage you on your healing journey. With a traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurring every 18.5 seconds in this country - concussions the most common - chances are you have been touched in some way by this experience. TBIs occur due to accidents and sports, and are also common in returning soldiers. The personal stories in this book, by TBI survivors and those who love and support them, will help and encourage you and your family on your road to recovery.

This is the long-awaited 3rd Edition!! Long an industry standard, "I'll Carry the Fork! Recovering a Life After Brain Injury," has helped countless survivors, loved ones and professionals in the traumatic brain injury/stroke community. Kara Swanson's journey is one to learn from, to cheer and, even, to laugh with along the way. Her honesty and willingness to share her struggles and triumphs have been changing the lives of survivors and their loved ones for more than 20 years. This book has been named a suggested and must-read resource for survivors and professionals in every rehab and neurological field, and even in college TBI-related studies. It has been translated into Japanese and Kara has made her book available on Kindle and in an audio format. Her accompanying speeches and award-winning blog have circled the globe. This book enlightens with vital information from TBI professionals in medical, rehab and legal arenas. Kara's book is a wonderful inspiration and, with each edition, she has continued to mold it to help those in the TBI community. This new edition is brighter and cleaner. Kara has inserted more blank pages for notes and she has reduced the price so that more survivors can obtain all of the wonderful input from professionals throughout the book. The audio version of this book was completed by the author in order to offer a pace and cadence for those survivors struggling with audio processing speed and/or challenged by the written word.

Lost in My Mind is a stunning memoir describing Kelly Bouldin Darmofal's journey from adolescent girl to special education teacher, wife and mother -- despite severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Spanning three decades, Kelly's journey is unique in its focus on TBI education in America (or lack thereof). Kelly also abridges her mother's journals to describe forgotten experiences. She continues the narrative in her own humorous, poetic voice, describing a victim's relentless search for success, love, and acceptance -- while combating bureaucratic red tape, aphasia, bilateral hand impairment, and loss of memory. Readers will:Learn why TBI is a "silent illness" for students as well as soldiers and athletes.Discover coping strategies which enable TBI survivors to hope and achieve.Experience what it's like to be a caregiver for someone with TBI.Realize that the majority of teachers are sadly unprepared to teach victims of TBI.Find out how relearning ordinary tasks, like walking, writing, and driving require intense determination. "This peek into the real-life trials and triumphs of a young woman who survives a horrific car crash and struggles to regain academic excellence and meaningful social relationships is a worthwhile read for anyone who needs information, inspiration or escape from the isolation so common after traumatic brain injury." -- Susan H. Connors, President/CEO, Brain Injury Association of America "Kelly Bouldin Darmofal's account is unique, yet widely applicable: she teaches any who have suffered TBI—and all who love, care for, and teach them--insights that are not only novel but revolutionary. The book is not simply worth reading; it is necessary reading for patients, poets, professors, preachers, and teachers." -- Dr. Frank Balch Wood, Professor Emeritus of Neurology-Neuropsychology, Wake Forest School of Medicine Learn more at www.ImLostInMyMind.com From the Reflections of America Series at Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com

Hit by a car while bicycling Osborn, an internist at a Detroit hospital, suffered injuries. Recounts the struggles and frustrations of a gradually learning strategies to compensate for the lack of certain brain functions. An exceptionally well-written and engaging account. PW review.

Kelly Bouldin Darmofal suffered a severe TBI in 1992; currently she holds a Masters in Special Education from Salem College, NC. Her memoir Lost In My Mind: Recovering From Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) tells her story of tragedy and triumph. Kelly will be teaching "TBI: An Overview for Educators" at Salem College. Kelly's "tips" were learned during two decades of recovery and perseverance; they include:Ways to avoid isolation and culture shock post-TBITips for staying organized in the face of instant chaosStrategies for caretakers and teachers of TBI survivorsLife philosophies that reject despairHow to relearn that shoes must matchWhy one alarm clock is never enough, andA breath of humor for a growing population with a "silent illness"--TBI Those who suffer from TBI should benefit from Kelly Darmofal's advice. She speaks often of the value of a sense of humor in dealing with TBI symptoms and quotes Viktor Frankl who believed that humor was one of the "...soul's weapons in the fight for self preservation." I strongly recommend her work. --Dr. George E. Naff, NCC, LPC, Diplomate in Logotherapy Kelly is a wonderful resource about TBI for survivors, caregivers, teachers, and the entire community. The wisdom gained from her own experience makes her believable; the frankness and sense of humor that she reveals as she writes makes her authentic... Kelly and her publications have become a trusted resource for our clients who are surviving from a TBI. --Barbara Saulpaugh, Regional Executive Director, CareNet Counseling, an affiliate of Wake Forest Baptist Health Learn more at www.ImLostInMyMind.com From Loving Healing Press www.LHPress.co ÿ

Mild traumatic brain injury can happen to anyone, anytime; in cars, sports, or workplace accidents, falls, or through physical assault, including domestic violence and shaken-baby syndrome. The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control estimates that 1.4 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year, and that at least 5.3 million Americans currently have long-term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of a TBI. Brainlash provides the tools and facts to make the recovery process more intelligible-- and to support the wide range of people affected by MTBI. For patients, family members, physicians and other health care providers, attorneys, health insurance companies, employers and others, it covers options and services, health and vocational issues, medicolegal topics, psychological and emotional implications, and more!

This book is a passionate account of Lydia Greears journey as the main caregiver and guardian for her adult son through recovery from a traumatic brain injury. A moment in time one Saturday night has brought about months of day-by-day steps through managing care for Thaddeus. The original documents were recorded day by day and then weeks and monthly accounts of progress as Thaddeus moved from ER to ICU to rehabilitation. This is an emotionally charged account of being challenged by the unknown. You will see her passion unfold and her challenge to keep a positive attitude as she manages people, systems, and facilities. Many family members are not prepared to deal with the drama of traumatic brain injury. Every brain injury is different, and recovery is uncertain. Lydia searched for support and information to help her deal with the realities of everyday life. There are written accounts published by former patients, doctors, and doctors who were patients. This is a book written from the family members perspective.