34. Brain Injury Warrior Words of Hope
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In this episode…
What does it mean to be a brain injury warrior?
To kick off the new year, here are some words of hope from 6 incredible survivors.
Meet Our Guests
Tanya Gauthier is a brain injury survivor and the founder of TBIncredible. In 2009, while in her junior year at West Point, Tanya survived a near fatal car accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, Tanya was determined to complete her education. In 2011, she earned her degree in psychology and environmental engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Tanya’s mantra, ‘Keep Going!’ serves as her rallying cry when faced with adversity. While 2020 has been a challenging year for nearly everyone, Tanya persevered and founded TBIncredible nonprofit for fellow brain injury survivors. The organization, TBIncredible provides free recreational therapy through therapeutic photography. Through her love for photography, she found a wonderful way to share her passion with other TBI survivors to aid in their recovery. Always thinking of others, more than herself, Tanya uses therapeutic photography to bring back happiness to those that need it the most.
Hear more from Tanya on S1-E14 by clicking here.
Shane Warner is a TBI survivor and podcast host of IronWill. Shane suffered a traumatic brain injury. He experienced the support of his family and doctors as he sought to relearn old skills and develop news ones as he continues through his life’s journey as a survivor. Today Shane is giving back to others by helping them connect and share their stories through his podcast and website, IronWill. He shares how he stayed motivated, and how the mindset he learned from being in the National Guard helped him in his recovery journey. (Hear Cristabelle’s interview with Shane on IronWill on Episode 46!)
Hear more from Shane on S1-E13 by clicking here.
Jo Ann Glim is an author, podcaster, motivational speaker, and stoke survivor. Jo Ann Glim was born in Chicago, Illinois to a military family and raised in Anacortes, Washington in the far reaches of the Pacific Northwest. It was an ideal place to raise a precocious child, especially one that’s inquisitive and daring. Tragically, her mother passed away from a stroke when Glim was fourteen. This was the beginning of a life-path plotted with many dark events. In her own words, “Instead of consuming me, they made me stronger, and I’m here to tell you, darkness can be replaced with light.” Glim’s three-pronged career of broadcast and print media, freelance writing, and business management formed her into the indie author she is today. Her 5-Star books, the award-winning “Begotten With Love,” and her newest release “Trapped Within,” are both non-fiction, life-stories filled with challenges, hope, and humor. Glim now lives in Florida with her husband Bill and their Scottish terrier, Lucy. Her passions are writing, photography, travel, handbells, and hiking. A paralyzing stroke nearly twenty-four years ago left her most of all, grateful for life itself! Along with Brad Neufeld, Jo Ann is the co-host of Don’t Count Me Out: A weekly program that offers stroke survivors tools, tips, interviews and hope. Cristabelle was also featured on their program - See Cristabelle's interview on their show by clicking here!
Hear more from Jo Ann on S1-E15 by clicking here.
Ali Rheaume is an encouraging light in the journey of overcoming brain injury. She writes microblogs to help multiply hope, provide new perspectives, and apply her gift of teaching to educate and advocate. Ali is the Community Manager of Concussion Compass, an involved member of the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts, and serves on the Brain Injury Council of Massachusetts. She is passionate about people and bringing community together. Ali also started the brand "embracing unique" to share her art, while reminding people to honor who they are and what they bring to world.
Hear more from Ali on S1-E9 by clicking here.
Rachel Rose Dombeck is a brain injury survivor, wellness enthusiast and entrepreneur. After having a brain injury in January 2016, her busy, active and outgoing life came to a screeching halt. Battling loss, isolation and loneliness, depression and anxiety she learned to rebuild her life through ultimate faith in God and the support of doctors, family and friends. Rachel knows that living with a brain injury is anything but easy, and that learning to live with, navigate and have a full life while managing brain injury symptoms requires community and support from other survivors. She hopes to be just that to others in her journey, whether they have a TBI or not. She believes that while we do not choose what happens to us, we can choose what we do with it and still build a meaningful life.
Hear more from Rachel on S1-E6 by clicking here.
Tracy Yatsko Onykeanne is a brain injury warrior and activist. She currently serves on the board of the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania and manages its social media platforms. Tracy also co-leads a monthly virtual support group for survivors and caregivers. In 2005, Tracy sustained a concussion that completely shifted her life… from having hopes and dreams of getting a Division 1 scholarship in track and field to fighting daily for hope and survival. Tracy became the voice of the Pennsylvania Concussion Bill, Safety in Youth Sports Act in 2011, and continues to raise her voice surrounding concussion awareness and all things hope, healing and happiness. Tracy is an Emmy Award winning host, receiving her award for a sports feature in 2020. She is a former talk show host, producer and multimedia journalist at PBS39. Tracy unashamedly loves Jesus and uses her faith and relationship with God to help people get out of the darkness and into the Light.
Hear more from Tracy on S1-E25 by clicking here.
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.
