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Gillian "Gill" Sirles

My brain injury was a direct result of being brutally attacked and left for
dead in November 1993.  After being in a coma for weeks, I had to literally learn to
walk and talk again.  After years of physical, emotional and spiritual help,I have
come a long way.  It has been an extremely painful journey and I feel that I needed
this to happen to me.I was addicted to drugs and alcohol the majority of my life
that lead to a very dangerous lifestyle.  After the attack I took a very hard look
at my life and took steps to change.  Drugs and Alcohol no longer lead my life.  I
still suffer from slurred speech which always gets worse as the day goes on. Making
sure that I schedule all my appointments in the morning helps tremendously.  Having
short term memory was once a horrible burden.  At first, I used post it notes
throughout my house, then a daytimer, but know I have graduated to a Palm Pilot. 
Since I am a navy veteran I was able to go to college and get my degree, although it
took three years to complete a two year program.  Since then I have really tried to
keep up with my computer skills, since this is what helped with my recovery the
most.  One of the biggest difficulty I had was isolating myself, which lead me to
using food as my friend.  Thanks to a gruelling exercise program and working with a
nutritionist I am now putting my health first.  Even though have such a severe head
injury is frustrating, I have been blessed enough to accept it and work it into my
life. I hope that some of my story helps others with TBI.  God Bless, 
 
Gillian Sirles

Email Gillian
Original Posting
My name is Gillian Sirles and my story is a little different. I am a victim of attempted murder. I was leaving a King Soopers in Aurora, Colorado, when I was met at my car with a gun in my back. I was forced into a car and taken to an alley, where I was raped, shot, my throat was cut three times, and pistol-whipped so hard that my jaw was broken. It was a total nightmare. I was thrown in a dumpster and left to die. The next morning a little girl dumping her trash found me. I was taken to Aurora Regional Hospital and then to the VA Hospital, where I would live for a year learning to walk and talk again. It was here that I was told that I had a severe closed head injury and that I would be a vegetable. The event all happened Nov. 11, 1993. I never believed it!!! I now have a degree, just bought a home, and am finally living after years of hard work. I would now like to help others. Thank you for your listening,
Sincerely,
Gillian Sirles