Portrait: Laura
My name is Laura Renner, and I’m a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse and author. I’m sharing my journey of surviving and recovering from a traumatic brain injury, hoping my story can inspire and support others walking a similar path.
A life altered in an instant
In December 2021, I suffered a severe traumatic brain injury that nearly took my life. What started as a seemingly simple fall led to a skull fracture, multiple brain bleeds, a large pocket of blood pressing on my brain (epidural hematoma), and a dangerous midline shift, where my brain was pushed out of place.
My world flipped upside down overnight, forcing me to step away from my full-time role as a NICU nurse and focus entirely on healing.
The challenges of recovery
The mental exhaustion was unlike anything I had ever known. Tasks that once felt effortless—reading, problem-solving, even holding a conversation—became overwhelming. My emotions felt unpredictable. Anxiety, frustration and sadness hit harder and lingered longer than before. Headaches, dizziness and balance issues made even basic movements a challenge.
My recovery involved an incredible team of specialists: my neurosurgeon, neurologists, a speech-language pathologist, an occupational therapist, an acupuncturist and professional counselors. Each played a crucial role in helping me regain cognitive function, find the motivation and courage to keep going, and develop coping mechanisms to navigate daily life. Their expertise and support were invaluable as I worked toward regaining independence—not just returning to my old life but embracing the new version of myself.
Recovery has been long and complicated, but it has also taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of standing up for my own health.
Finding strength in new activities
Throughout my healing journey, I rediscovered the things that brought me joy and a sense of normalcy. Writing became an emotional outlet, helping me process everything I was going through. Strength training rebuilt my confidence and reminded me of my own resilience. Spending time outdoors—walking, hiking, simply breathing in fresh air—helped to ground me in the present moment.
Support came from so many places—my family, friends, colleagues and the broader TBI survivor community.
Connecting with others who understood my struggles was a lifeline, reminding me I wasn’t alone in this journey.
Reclaiming my identity and moving forward
One of the most rewarding parts of my recovery was reclaiming my professional identity. After a long and difficult road, I returned to my role as a NICU nurse in December 2023.
It was a defining moment—proof that healing is possible and that setbacks don’t dictate our future.
But beyond that, I also wrote a book, stretching myself into a new identity of helping others in different ways.
My journey allowed me to turn my experiences into something meaningful, reaching beyond the hospital setting to support people in ways I had never imagined.
Despite all the progress, challenges remain. The healthcare system still lacks enough long-term resources for TBI recovery, especially when it comes to mental health support. And because brain injuries are often invisible, survivors can struggle to get the accommodation and understanding they need.
Healing isn’t linear: a message to survivors
To fellow TBI survivors: Give yourself grace. Healing isn’t a straight line, and progress often comes in ways you don’t expect. Celebrate the little victories, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
To caregivers: Your support makes an incredible difference. Patience and understanding go a long way in helping survivors regain confidence and independence.
’Healing isn’t about getting back to who you were before. It’s about coming to terms with the new you, the one who survived a storm. It’s about accepting that some days will be challenging, and that’s okay. It’s not a race and certainly not a competition.’ ~ Amy Bartlett