A Survivor Shares His Story

Our very own Simon A. and Dave S. host their own talk show on the Brain Injury Radio Network every month on the first Tuesday. They cover a lot of interesting topics and love guests. The show airs live between 10 pm and midnight but if you miss it, the recorded version is archived and can be shared with you all. Feel free to call in to share your thoughts or you can make a plan to be on a future show by emailing Dave.

Last month they had eight guests who did a great job discussing his/her brain injurie(s), their rehab journey and most importantly provided some real insight into what helped them through such a difficult time. If anyone would like to listen to that episode (or any other episodes) please contact us.

To take it one step further, I (Zannate Z.) conducted an interview with Marshall L. Here is how it went:

ZZ: Hi Marshall and welcome. Firstly, I would like to thank you for agreeing to participate in this interview. Although you are open to talk about this topic, I know it was not always easy for you.

ML: I know but I like to get my story out there. It may end up helping someone else in need. And that makes me happy.

ZZ: Okay so first question: how old were at the time of your injury and how many years has it been since your injury?

ML: I was 45 years old. I am now 52. So, it will be eight years in May since my injury.

ZZ: Would you tell me what you are able to remember about your experience?

ML: I worked as a realtor at that point. I was sitting with a client and I didn't realize what was happening. I was complaining about my left arm, my face was drooping, and my speech was garbled. My client became really concerned and wanted to call 911. I said no, wait, this is an allergic reaction, and I will take my allergy medication. As I got up to get my allergy medications, my legs gave out. The client called 911 immediately after that and I was taken to the hospital. I feel like this all happened at the perfect timing; my client was familiar with FAST (acronym used to diagnose a stroke), he was able offer me help, and I am very thankful that he was there.

ZZ: Wow that is an incredible story. Could you tell me more about the type of injury you sustained?

ML: I had a brain bleed; it was an inch and a half square. Honestly, I am here by the grace of God.

ZZ: What do you think is important for people to know about brain injury?

ML: I have learned more in the last eight years than I have in the 45 years prior to that. My life is much better than it used to be. Your brain injury might change your life but it doesn’t make it worse. Run with it, you are not in control of the events but you are in control of how you move forward.

ZZ: That truly is inspiring. Could you please elaborate? How has this experience affected you?

ML: Okay, so physically, it took me away from what I used to be. For example, I am left-handed and my left hand doesn't work. But what I lack in the physical I gained in the mental. I am truly mentally much stronger. So therefore, this experience has had a positive effect on me.

ZZ: Amazing. Do you have any suggestions for services/resources/people that have helped you in your recovery?

ML: One thing I will say is learn how to advocate for yourself. My ex-partner is a social worker and she taught me how to do that. There are many resources are out there but they are scattered, you must educate yourself. If you need it, take advantage of it. Also, Toronto rehab's inpatient and outpatient program helped me out tremendously.

ZZ: What (if anything) made it difficult for you to come forward and share your story?

ML: In the beginning it was difficult to share my story because it was hard for me to accept my injury. Now it is much easier because my injury has had a positive effect on my life. Now I can help others and an advocate for others. I like being the face of stroke as a young healthy male.

ZZ: Last question, what makes a good survivor?

ML: Gratitude is everything (for everyone) it is so paramount in our lives. I am so thankful for every day. Like I say: a minus 30-degree day is better than no days. If you are grateful, then you can overcome everything.

Thank you Marshall L. for sharing your time and story with us all. We look forward to seeing you be the advocate that you are for yourself and for others like you.