Meet Marty
Marty has been a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor since 1982. His accident occurred almost four decades ago, but he’s still working hard on his recovery all these years later. He’s made incredible progress and has a positive attitude that no doubt inspires everyone he interacts with-especially at work.
According to a study by MSKTC and American Institutes for Research, survivors of TBI can continue to recover and improve for years after their injury. It’s recommended that people with this type of injury make an ongoing effort to promote brain health for the rest of their lives. For Marty, this means being productive and continuing to learn at work.
We asked Marty to share a video using our Health Stories Project app, so our community can see a glimpse of what this life-changing condition looks like.
Please take the time to watch the video below and leave a supportive message for Marty in the comment section!
What are you most passionate about?
“I work at the V.A. hospital, and I’m most passionate about trying to do more for veterans with brain injuries. I think setting up a multi-center, peer support network using iPads and such to communicate and share video would be awesome.”
When did you decide to seek medical help?
“Obviously, when I was hit by the car, I was in a coma for 49 days. So, I was in need of services, and they thought that it was significant enough and they life-flighted me on the Nightingale medical ambulance service. Recovery has been a long time coming.”
What is your greatest source of support?
“The greatest source of support has been obviously my family. It’s also important that I have a work family and work that is supportive of me and my recovery and rehabilitation. It is really important that I am able to continue to be productive.”
To learn more about life with a traumatic brain injury, be sure to read the story of another amazing TBI survivor, Carol Kolk: Back in the Driver’s Seat After Brain Injury
I am enjoy listening to stories about people who have experienced Brain Injury and PTSD. I am interested in learning how each avenue of help influenced each person’s healing.
May God continue to bless you and thank you for sharing your story as it helps people such as myself to have hope especially because my family doesn’t support me in this area of my life and it makes it hard, as I feel punished for having it…..
Hi Ann! Have you looked up PTSD on the Health Stories website? There is a nice story about a lady who has PTSD on there.
I like the internet, communicating, advocacy, promoting awareness, and going to grocery stores.