Rob Baugh - Brain Injury Survivor
Can you share about the brain injury event itself?
On July 21, 2020, I was knocked out and suffered a three-inch laceration on my head from a metal door. I was sent to the ER, where I received scans, pain medication, and five staples. I had a horrible headache for days, which only continued to escalate. Now, nearly five years later, I still deal with daily migraine-level headaches. I press forward and do whatever I can to make others shine. I've learned to navigate life and keep moving forward through the pain.
How did you feel during the first days, weeks, or months after the injury?
I felt lost and hopeless and prayed every night that God would bring purpose to my pain. I shifted my mindset from "Why did this happen to me?" to "How can I use this to help others?"
What kind of rehabilitation therapies or treatment have been most helpful through the process of recovery?
Neurological evaluations, Botox, nerve blocks, medications, EMDR, and counseling have all played a role in my recovery. So far, EMDR and speaking regularly with my counselor have been the most helpful.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you or your loved one has faced during recovery?
Coming to terms with the loss of my old self—that was a tough pill to swallow. There are still times when we miss the old me, but we’ve come to realize that the new version of myself still carries parts of who I was before.
If there have been setbacks or repeated injuries, describe that journey:
I’ve had to go back to cognitive therapy a few times. At first, it felt like I had failed myself because I needed therapy again. But during my second round, I gained a better understanding that setbacks are common—there’s no need to see them as failures. Everyone experiences them at some point in life.
How has your life changed since the brain injury?
I’ve built stronger connections with other survivors and have more friends now than I did before my injury. I’ve also become an advocate for survivors through my brain injury podcast, my book, and my efforts to educate others through speaking engagements.
What role has support from family, friends, or community played in your journey?
My wife and caregiver has been my biggest cheerleader. She does everything she can to make my life easier and less stressful, always thinking ahead to support me. She wants me to be the best version of myself. My friends and coworkers have also been incredibly compassionate and always willing to help whenever I struggle.
Have there been any moments of breakthrough or unexpected positives along the way?
The unexpected positive has been the feedback I receive from other survivors. There are times when I doubt whether I’m making a difference, but then someone will share how much my story has helped them. That encouragement fuels my passion to keep spreading awareness and supporting others.
What has surprised you about this journey with brain injury?
Every day is a question mark—you never know what your energy level will be, how much pain you’ll be in, or even if you’ll remember the day before. The unpredictability of it all is what makes it so challenging.
What do you know now that you wish you knew at the beginning of this journey?
I wish I had joined support groups and connected with other survivors sooner—so I wouldn’t have felt so alone or questioned my own experiences. Just hearing others say, “Yes, I get that. You’re not alone,” made a huge difference in my outlook and helped me start making positive changes in my life.
What does "hope" mean to you?
For me, hope means making the most of every situation. I know I can’t change the whole world, but I can make a difference—one person at a time. Maybe today wasn’t great, but that doesn’t mean tomorrow won’t shine like the heavens. Hope means I am not done yet.
If you could share one encouraging message with another survivor or family, what would it be?
Never give up. Your breakthrough moment is on the horizon.
