I received my TBI from a car accident the Monday after Easter in 1997. It was my senior year in highschool.

I don't remember the accident or what happened over the next 2 months. So, I will tell what was told to me.

I was cutting across a major highway where I live. I was driving a Hyundai Accent (very tiny!!) and was hit on the driver's side by a Ford F350 (BIG truck!!) I was removed from the car with the jaws of life and life flighted to hospital.

I remained in ICU for approx. 1 week and was then transferred to a regular room for about 1 week. After my stay at this hospital, I went to a rehabilitation hospital for about 2 months. Once, I was released I continued with outpatient therapy for 6 months.

During this whole episode I was trying to finish up my senior year in high school. Luckily I was attending a small private school that was very flexible with my situation. They allowed me to graduate without having to complete any of my missed coursework. What a blessing!

I was able to attend the last few weeks of school. I attempted to complete classwork that was assigned to me with great difficulty. I had been selected to be the class valedictorian before my accident. It was a suprise to myself and everyone else waht difficulty I was having in school. Used to be the type that could scan over something and remember every detail. Wow did that change!

That is still one of the hardest things for me to cope with. It has been very difficult for me to adjust to my new way of life. If I don't write down everything that I need to do I forget. (half the time I forget where my list is!)

I have experienced a lot of changes in my life as I'm sure many of you have. Looking forward to meeting lots of youand making new friends that understand my struggles (& happiness too!).

Email Erin