One moment can alter the course of a lifetime, but no one should have to navigate that new reality alone. Brain injury is a journey that impacts the entire family, often requiring a level of patience and resilience that must be discovered along the way.

In this special episode, Cristabelle leads us on a look back on Brain Injury Awareness Month by sharing a diverse range of perspectives- including an introduction to the conversations happening on a broader scale in the current landscape of brain injury as well as deeply personal stories shared during our recent virtual concert. Hear from Chrys Dolcé (Daughter Perspective of Father’s Stroke), David Colby (Story of Multiple Concussions), Lindy Boone Michaelis (Parent Perspective of Son’s TBI), and Tameka Wolfe (Spouse Perspective + VP of Board).

We also feature a spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe from The Functional Neurology Center on the neurological basics of brain injury and how understanding the underlying physical changes can lead to more targeted and effective recovery.

🧠 In this episode:

• Understanding how brain injury affects everyone: from children and adults to the entire family support system.
• An overview of current national conversations around language used to describe brain injury (moving beyond “mild” “moderate” and “severe”), the need for standardization of care, and the push to reclassify brain injury as a chronic condition.
• Brain injury recovery is dynamic; there is a need for better awareness of shifting symptoms over time.
• Neurology of brain injury and why it’s important to understand underlying neurological changes for effective recovery.
• Why building a supportive network is vital for reducing isolation and maintaining hope during the long-term recovery journey.
• There is always hope for new life and joy after an injury, no matter how much the trajectory has changed.

CONNECT

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Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Sponsor

Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠

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0:00 Intro

2:19 Why it Matters

11:58 Neurological Basics of Brain Injury - Dr. Jeremy Schmoe

17:29 Daughter Perspective of Father’s Stroke - Chrys Dolcé

20:47 Story of Multiple Concussions - David Colby

23:09 Parent Perspective of Son’s TBI - Lindy Boone Michaelis

29:06 Spouse Perspective + VP of Board - Tameka Wolfe

32:26 The Journey Continues

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Disclaimer

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠