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"My Brain Gets Full" by G. Gayle Kelley, a survivor and volunteer.

My Brain Gets Full

by G. Gayle Kelley

I'm G. Gayle Kelley … that I know for sure.

While that may not sound so important to you, it is one of the most profound things I can say. A traumatic brain injury has changed my life forever. I didn't know who I was or what was wrong with me.

With the loss of cognitive functioning and speech and language impairments, an obvious question should be, "Why would I choose to write or speak publicly?" Simply put, if by sharing my experiences show there is the possibility of improving other TBI (traumatic brain injury) survivors' quality of life, then it's worth the effort. Therefore, please judge me by what I say, not how I say it.

Phrases that I have overheard: "Once brain injured, always brain injured" and "There is no cure." Therefore, emphasis by survivors must be placed on the management of their deficits, along with the acceptance that some things will never change and some things will never be fixed. The journey is long … life long.

After years of treatment my doctors recommended that I join the Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky, from which I would grow exponentially. That interaction with others who were dealing with similar deficits as mine would help me understand my injury from a different perspective. Support groups and programs would also be available for my wife and family members that would broaden their knowledge of this devastating injury.

During our sessions survivors would ask questions and search each other's aching eyes, sometimes confused and frustrated eyes, sometimes eyes with fears and tears. We were searching for answers, which so many times we didn't find, couldn't find and never would find, but we always found something to walk away with. Many times it was something little to hold onto, but it was something – something that gave us strength and hope.

How You Can Help
Volunteer: BIAK needs organizers in event management, such as helmet giveaways; volunteers for data entry and communications, as well as staffing events; and advocates to assist in legislative efforts.

Sponsors: Helmet sponsors are needed throughout the year for the many giveaways BIAK hosts.

Donate: Visit www.biak.us/donate to donate money to specific BIAK programs.