MBIN Survivor Stories
 Stephanie
At age 30, Stephanie is relearning much of what came naturally
before she contracted viral encephalitis and spent three
months in coma. Her smile is infectious and her determination
is inspirational, as she takes two buses each day to get
from her family’s home in Santa Rosa to the Larkspur
Center of the Marin Brain Injury Network.
“It’s great to be with people who understand
what I’m going through,” said Stephanie about
the staff and fellow survivors she works with each day.
“It is comforting to spend time with people who have
also lost a lot.”
Prior to her illness, Stephanie graduated from college and
was a successful sales representative living on her own.
Now, she lives with her dad, stepmother, brother and sister;
a constant threat of seizures makes it unsafe for Stephanie
to live alone.
“All of my old friends are getting married, having
children, and buying homes. While it’s hard to be
starting over again at my age, I’m grateful to be
learning new skills and forming great friendships. I’m
a pretty happy person,” said Stephanie, “and
lucky to have so much support.”
 Peter
After his motorcycle accident, Peter Fecskes remained unconscious
and hospitalized for 2 and-a-half months. “I was zipping
along, without a helmet, and the truck driver never saw me,”
said Peter, without a trace of resentment.
Though Peter struggles with short-term memory loss, he’s
discovering a range of new interests and skills at MBIN’s
Larkspur Center.
“I love being here,” Peter mused, “because
so many doors are open to me. I’m writing poetry, am
learning to garden, and have met some wonderful people. We
have discussions about what’s hard for us, like knowing
when to tell people that we’ve had a brain injury. Everyone
has trouble finding the right words sometimes; it’s
hard to know when to explain what I’ve been through.”
Peter says that he never gets bored and is eternally grateful
for all the help he’s receiving. “Once I’m
able to improve my vocabulary and response time,” Peter
shared, “I’d like to speak at high schools about
my experience and the importance of wearing a helmet.”
 Gladiola
Five years ago, at the age of 18, Gladiola Gerber developed
meningitis and, as a result, suffered five separate strokes.
Her dream of becoming a dental hygienist is still very much
alive and she’s planning to get started soon on the
pre-requisite classes.
“When I first came out of my coma,” said Gladiola,
“everything was brand new for me. Imagine being totally
alone and not having anyone understand you.”
Everything changed for Gladiola when a neuro-psychologist
recommended Marin Brain Injury Network. She now spends two
days each week at the Larkspur Center, playing memory games,
doing artwork, and most importantly talking to people who
truly care and understand.
“You have no idea how frustrated I can get,” Gladiola
admitted. “I come here and let all my problems out.
The staff give me alternatives to my ‘methods of madness’
and I’m learning new and better ways to cope.”
At home, Gladiola enjoys spending time with her three-year
old niece and playing with her two new Chihuahua puppies. |
