Submitted 7/2001
Surveys have shown that 400,000-500,000 Americans suffer head injuries each
year that are severe enough to need hospitalization or cause death. Head trauma
is an acquired injury, it happens with no warning, there is no vaccination to
prevent it. Brain Injury knows no boundaries. It doesn't care about race, age,
gender or social calls. There is no bias. It just happens. To anyone.
Little did I know that one of the victims of TBI would be my son, 19 year
sold, just graduating from high school, with a whole future ahead of him,. Now 5
years later we have settled into a sort of way of life, making accommodations to
fit Eric's needs, making sure his determination to progress continues and still
attempting to maintain a normal family life.
I guess this letter is sort of a tribute to Eric too. To his determination,
his strength, his unending sense of humor, and for all the joy he brings to
others and us. This is also for all the other TBI victims and their families who
fight the daily battle not only to just survive but to make a difference.
Medicine has kept TBI survivors alive. Now we have to continue this fight to
make their lives worthwhile. We must help complete that by fighting for new
programs and funding, we have to support each other, to share information. This
web site is one way. This is a way of my giving back for all we have been given.
In the 5 years since Eric's injury, his 4 month coma, 3 brain surgeries to
relieve pressure in the brain, and almost 1 year in an acute rehabilitation
facility, we have seen progress in Eric that was never thought of. We searched
for information, for support and never gave up. Our job was made easier by many
of the professionals we met during Eric's hospitalization and are still a part
of our lives. Eric has since had a VP shunt and intrathecal baclofen pump
implanted. Imagine taking your son to have his pump refilled! It's like having a
bionic kid with brain drains, catheters and pumps.
Eric has made amazing progress, defying the odds. He is still severely
physically and cognitively disabled. Through all the sleepless nights keeping
him company when he is awake; through all the tears of helplessness to make him
better and through his frustration along with the never ending aggravation and
fights to get the services he deserves - I wouldn't have him anywhere but home.
It this small look into our lives helps another family to stay strong and is
encouraged to keep fighting, that I have accomplished something for Eric and
other like him.
Susan Michalowski, Eric's Mom and advocate
We subscribe to the
HONcode
principles