Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Post

What a difference a few months can make! Last summer, Justine C. was in a bike accident near her home in Portland, Ore. She was in a coma for a week and then traveled to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for intensive rehabilitation for a traumatic brain injury (TBI). During five weeks in inpatient care, Justine improved her physical and cognitive function: relearning to walk; practicing vision exercises to help her eyes focus; and relearning how to communicate and organize her ideas and thoughts. She also worked on stability and balance, addressing impairments she experiences from living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Through it all, Justine’s goals were to live independently, resume her work as a researcher and get back to her active outdoor lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest. Fast forward six months, and Justine just completed a trail half marathon! Learn more about what she has been up to: “I’m still processing what I’ve been through and how far I’ve come. Most people don’t get a second chance, but here I am — back at work, running, riding my bike, rock climbing and living on my own. I want to inspire people who face similar challenges to know they can make a comeback!” For TBI Awareness Month, visit our website to learn how we help patients like Justine recover after injury — and return to the lives and activities they love: bit.ly/4h6mzxy