Portrait: Catherine L
I remember nothing of this...I was found sick over the toilet saying I had a excruciating headache and I thought I had a brain hemorrhage.
Survivor Stories
Many of you have written to SameYou about your experience of brain injury and told us how you identified with Emilia's story. There was a common feeling of relief about hearing a familiar story from someone young, and speaking out to normalize the injury. People were comforted that Emilia had gone through something similar to them or to a family member or loved one.
The overwhelming emotion was of gratitude that Emilia was breaking her silence and that enabled and emboldened so many others to tell their brain injury story - some for the first time. It was as if people now have permission to speak out about their story.
I get days when I just want to give up. But after hearing your story it has made me realize, I'm not on my own!
You have told us that by sharing your stories, and reading other people's, offers hope, comfort and much needed peer-to-peer support that is often hard to find.
SameYou have created this support resource called Portraits to tell the untold story of brain injury. If you would like to share your story, you can submit your story via our Share your story page.
Portrait: Samantha M
I thought I was doing everything correctly – working out, maintaining a slim, trim body, yoga, etc. but aged 44, I had 2 Trans Ischaemic Attacks (‘TIAs’) and a more severe stroke.
Portrait: Steve
After my third visit to the hospital in three days, I was home and suddenly everything changed. So off to the hospital for a 4th time.
Portrait: Pedro
On December 4th of 2014, I was biking to work when I was hit by an SUV. I suffered a traumatic brain injury that permanently changed my life.
Portrait: Lisa J
I was visiting a location in March 2021 on a weekend in NY state when I stopped at my very best friend from middle schools' apartment on my way home from work to meet her first son and have dinner. After a couple of hours, I started to experience the worst headache of my life. I was getting sweaty, and my vision was blurring.
Portrait: Alon
On December 3, 2008, I had a catastrophic massive stroke. It was a consequence of the dissection of the carotid artery. It took me a decade to communicate again.
Portrait: Kayla
Two years ago, I was hit by a motorcycle when crossing the street in New York City. I sustained a brain bleed, concussion, and whiplash.
Portrait: Ronah
My name is Ronah Ankunda, aged 26 years and I come from Uganda. On June 1st, 2022 around 1:00am a sudden agonizing headache woke me up.
Portrait: Karen
On 10th June 2020, I woke up in hospital following a surgery to remove a grade 1, non-cancerous brain tumour