37. Identity after Injuries
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In this episode…
How do you define yourself when everything about your life has changed?
Cali Lonardelli is a survivor of multiple brain injuries, and this week she shares her story of perseverance and hope. As a teenager, she went from an accomplished athlete in gymnastics and pole vaulting to struggling to be able to walk. Her journey has taken her through many years of symptoms and learning to live with a new reality, as well as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) eating disorder.
Cali is a true overcomer and is now a Physical Therapy student and an intern for the non-profit PINK Concussions. Take a listen as she joins Cristabelle for an inspiring conversation shining a light on what it is like to live with brain injury.
Meet Our Guest
Cali Lonardelli is a second year student in the Dual Degree Entry Level Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Quinnipiac University. When she was 16, she was pole vaulting and landed on her head on the track. While recovering, was hit in the head with a lacrosse ball. Due to the nature and severity of her traumatic brain injury, she missed a couple years of school and had to "retire" from gymnastics and pole vault. While Cali has come a tremendous way in her recovery, she still deals with ongoing symptoms and hopes to bring light to the challenges that students with TBI face. She is an intern with the non-profit PINK Concussions and has a special interest in neuroendocrine disorders after TBI and the correlation between Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and concussion in female athletes.
Connect with Cali on instagram: @cali.lonardelli and @pinkconcussions
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.
