Life is precious because it ends. So when I was given a second chance, I took it!
Valentine’s Day 1995, driving home in a blizzard from work, I was in an accident with loss of consciousness, with stays at Swedish, and then Craig hospital. My perception was that nothing was wrong with me as I could walk and talk normally. Others would view me as severely impaired with gait, speech and ability to process the simplest of things.

I had therapies with physical, occupational, speech, and neuropsychological counseling for up to three years post injury. I had 2nd and 4th grade daughters to help raise, and what about my work, and our family. Recovery was because of so many good people coming forward to help our situation with food, driving me to/from appointments, and taking the girls to their activities as I could not drive for 9 months. I remember the girls applause as they waited at the end of the block when I rode my bike for the first time. It meant we could go farther for our short excursions rather than walk. I was able to return to work through a trial and retraining for four years before I was given the green light to work .

2005 brought me to my 10th year as a traumatic brain injury survivor. I was on my own then, both girls were off to university. I had wanted to do the Pikes Peak Challenge and now was my chance. As I walked the 13.5 miles to the summit without a team, I heard many stories of the survivors, families and friends raising money for the BIAC. Every step was one of gratitude for the ability to participate, for life that I was regifted. The climb was breathtaking in many ways! It was a severe clear blue day for a 14’er as I safely made it to the top in 11.5 hours. This year I am going to go for the summit to raise more money for those who need support in recovering from traumatic brain injuries. The Pikes Peak Challenge is something I look forward to this fall, as I know the money goes to support so many programs that individuals need to help live their best lives possible.
Love and compassion helped me survive and I want to give back through the BIAC.
Now, I value the breaths that allow me to enjoy the gift of life.