Joi Kue - Brain Injury Survivor

Can you share about the brain injury event itself?

After years of brain surgeries to repair my hydrocephalus, I was formally diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) just before entering the fourth grade, around 1997–1998.

How did you feel during the first days, weeks, or months after the injury?

I remember being very afraid and uncertain about everything. At the same time as my TBI diagnosis, I was also diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD), a learning disability, and a host of other symptoms, including anxiety, periodic panic attacks, social difficulties, relationship struggles, and balance issues. As I grew older, more symptoms surfaced.

What kind of rehabilitation therapies or treatment have been most helpful through the process of recovery?

Speech therapy played a crucial role in my recovery, especially during my elementary school years. I continued therapy until I entered middle school.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you or your loved one has faced during recovery?

One of the biggest challenges I faced growing up was making and maintaining friendships. I never knew how to initiate friendships or how to be a good friend. It was tough. It wasn’t until college that I started to open up more.

If there have been setbacks or repeated injuries, describe that journey:

Fortunately, I haven’t had any repeated injuries. However, I had a close call one winter when I was younger. My family and I were sledding down a large hill, unaware of the massive metal stands at the bottom. Just as I was pushed down the hill on my sled, I crashed directly into them, hitting the same side of my head where I had undergone surgery. Miraculously, I walked away unscathed. If it weren’t for quick action at that moment, the outcome could have been devastating. I was extremely lucky!

How has your life changed since the brain injury?

Life has been a whirlwind—full of highs and lows, victories and losses. There are moments when I imagine what my life would be like without my TBI and its challenges. But deep down, I know this is who I am. This is how God made me.

What role has support from family, friends, or community played in your journey?

For years, my family was my primary support system. They were my advocates—helping me through recovery, school, and life in general. After college, however, I found myself on my own. For a while after graduating in 2011, I didn’t have much support—until I met my husband (then boyfriend) and later my friend, Cristabelle Braden. From that point on, things started looking up!

Have there been any moments of breakthrough or unexpected positives along the way?

A huge breakthrough for me was learning to think before I act. This was something I struggled with throughout my childhood, but over time, I’ve improved.

Another breakthrough has been discovering my passion for music, my faith in Jesus, and my deep love for the musical theatre industry!

What has surprised you about this journey with brain injury?

I’ve been surprised by how many people can relate to my experience! No two journeys are the same, but we all share a common thread of resilience and adaptation.

What do you know now that you wish you knew at the beginning of this journey?

There is always help and support available—you just have to reach out and ask for it!

What does "hope" mean to you?

Hope means pushing forward, not giving up, and having faith in what lies ahead.

If you could share one encouraging message with another survivor or family, what would it be?

Always hold on to hope. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable, and don’t hesitate to share your story.