Portrait: Joanie and Sarah
My daughter, Sarah, was 18 and a few months away from going to Uni to study biology. While at school, she suffered a stroke during her first lesson.
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 normalise 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 realise, 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: Jennifer
At age 27, a lightning strike reshaped Jennifer's world. After being paralyzed from the waist down and suffering from nerve problems, Jennifer embarked on a courageous journey to navigate life again.
Portrait: Michelle and Tim
Having to transition from wife to carer in the matter of a morning requires adjustments. I feel loved ones need the help and support as much as the survivors, as they have to live with the brain injury just as much as we do.
Portrait: Megan
Megan's world was turned upside down after suffering from a brain infection. Despite this, Megan didn't lose hope and courageously fought to regain her independence.
Portrait: Elin
You’re about to read Elin’s remarkable story of recovering from a brain haemorrhage. This is a story of how life can change in an instant, a story of self-determination and a story of hope.
Portrait: Sanna
Sanna is 29 years old and had a bike accident on her way to work. This resulted in a skull fracture and 2 brain bleeds.
Portrait: Markéta
After suffering from a brain aneurysm, Markéta’s world was turned upside down. It was her family, friends and online communities that kept her going, after feeling scared about surgery and the future.
Portrait: Valerie
After a diagnosis of Dural Venous Sinus Thrombosis that led to the discovery of a stroke, Valerie would like to tell her story of navigating the long process of recovery that followed, to support other brain injury survivors.
Portrait: Sophie's Dad
We want to share Sophie and her dad’s story, whose lives were completely transformed when Sophie’s dad suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage, an uncommon type of stroke which is caused by bleeding on the brain’s surface and typically has no warning signs.
In this powerful story, you’ll read about Sophie’s dad’s fighting spirit throughout it all which continues to this day, as well as the journey they’ve been on together and the hope they share for the future.
Portrait: Rachel
Rachel had gone out on a scooter ride to check out the animals in her new farmland, but was then found nearly lifeless on the side of the road.