This is shared as a personal creative work. Poetry and artwork communicate lived experiences in unique ways, and each piece reflects the individual voice and perspective of its creator.
Copper Mountain
This is my first attempt at any art. This is acrylic on canvas using a palette knife recreating the mountains that surround me. I was alone for the most part of a year after my car accident in May 2015. By staying at the lake i was inspired by the artists around me and the relevance of leveraging nature and beauty to heal. This was during first year of the 10 years I’ve survived this inexplicable injury by enjoying the smallest things in nature. Recreating them in my abstract approach made me realize that I have awoken the right side of my brain. There are so many examples of thinking and feeling using the senses and power of the right side of one’s brain. As a scientist my career was based on facts and data-driven decisions. Unfortunately 10 years ago - it was rare to find specialist with enough data to treat my injury.
Although i was symptomatic with visual stimulation of creating this, i was so proud to complete it. My daughter has this in her living room reminding her of confusion and loss that she suffered during the worst years The creativity continued after this piece For some reason I put the paint away. Now you have reignited by passion to create. Thank you This injury was one of the best things that could have happened although the suffering to get to this somber and peaceful mindset was the biggest challenge of my life. I help others as you do Hope. I appreciate you.
Written by: Gail E. Gillis
Person living with a brain injury
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Gail started her career as a neonatal intensive care nurse after completing her degree in pure applied sciences and nursing. She then transitioned to clinical drug development specializing in neuroscience in an academic setting which positioned her for a long career in research and drug development for a global clinical research organization.
After dedicating 30 years in a dynamic and exciting industry, Gail had to retire due to a car accident, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Ironically, working in an industry based on data driven results, she found herself navigating through a diagnosis that had a very sparse research and no holistic patient care. She then founded a small nonprofit called, Tender Loving Brain “ TLB”’ to bring hope and information to others.
Artistic outlets entirely foreign to her former self came to the fore; as well an unparalleled gratitude to those that helped navigate others through this inexplicable and misunderstood condition
Creativity brings hope to life.
In 2025, we invited those living with a brain injury from our community to share their artwork for the first-ever Hope Survives Greeting Card Collection. This piece is part of the featured gallery which highlights the artists whose work was selected for our printed cards, available as part of this fundraiser.
Click here to see our current gallery.
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