Norma's Story
tell us a little about your trauma story
In August, 2012, after spending a Sunday afternoon together, our sons, Aaron and Steven were on their way home when they were involved in a fatal automobile accident. Aaron, 26-years old, didn’t survive. Steven, 22-years old, survived, fighting for his life. Steven sustained a severe Traumatic Brain Injury. His recovery has been labeled as miraculous.
Since the accident, my husband and I spend much of our time supporting Steven as he continues on his road to recovery.
I am thankful for the opportunity to blog for Brainline.org, TBI Hope & Inspiration, and The Mighty.
Our family are advocates for those recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury and for those that have also experienced child loss.
what was recovery like?
Steven spent a month at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He was placed in a medically induced coma and had to undergo a craniotomy. Once Steven was stable enough, he was transferred to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. We were there for inpatient and outpatient therapy for 3 months. Upon returning home to Salem, Virginia, Steven faced several surgeries, continued outpatient rehabilitation for several years. Steven has worked hard to learn how to do the basics of life all over again! During Steven’s recovery, he returned to college, he received his Associate of Applied Science Degree in May, 2018. Steven is currently employed by Lowe’s and has been living independently since December 2018.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE TSN PROGRAM? OR WHY DO YOU WANT TO SHARE YOUR STORY WITH OTHER SURVIVORS/LOVED ONES?
Being involved in the Peer Visitor TSN program at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital will be one way we can give back to CRMH. I feel like if a peer visitor would have been available to our family during our stay at CRMH, it would have been comforting to hear words of encouragement from someone that has been there.
