Hello, my name is Heather Mazzola. My TBI occurred June 21, 2000. I was driving home from my job as an ICU nurse. I lived across train tracks that had no railway crossing bars or signals. I’ll never know the exact details of the accident, but my vehicle was hit by a train. The impact that day had on my life can never be reversed. I endeared a severe TBI, broke my C-3 vertebrae, and ruptured my spleen. My family was told my chances of survival were grim. By day number 2 the swelling in my brain had reduced, there was hope. I was sedated, on ventilator support, and getting nutrition through a feeding tube. By some grace I survived! I was transferred out of the intensive care unit 3 weeks later, with right sided hemiplegia, sill getting nutrition through a feeding tube. I had to learn to walk, talk, and eat again. It was a humbling challenge that I took on without hesitation. I have come so far. Within 6 months I was able to return to work as a nurse! I have gone on to become a nurse practitioner. My career has been one of my saving graces. Support from family and friends has been invaluable! I have run a marathon, and continue to hike, run, bike, and ski (easy blues and greens). I love the mountains and this amazing state I am grateful to call home! If I had to sum it up, I would say I feel like the luckiest person alive! I am so grateful for all that I have accomplished!

I have been “taking the challenge” to summit Pikes Peak to raise money for Brain Injury Association of Colorado since 2001. This event is a great way to meet up with other people who have been impacted by traumatic brain injury. Whether it be TBI survivors, or family members and friends of those impacted, the stories I hear are so touching. This event raises money for such an important cause! I invite you to join me.