Never Giving Up: How Stephen Reclaimed His Independence After a Traumatic Brain Injury
Stephen never imagined his life would change in the blink of an eye. A dedicated family man who worked in the commercial fishing industry for over 30 years, Stephen enjoyed a fulfilling and active life. He loved running marathons and had 14 under his belt. He was an avid artist and blogger, mainly drawing horses and sports players. He also liked to fish, coach baseball for his sons’ teams, and attend horse races.
But everything changed when a devastating workplace accident – a fall from a 12-foot ladder – left him with a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). He suffered a coma and was in the hospital for over 10 months. He faced grueling surgeries and the daunting prospect of relearning basic skills most of us take for granted. He had great difficulty walking and using his hands. This meant he could no longer do the things he loved the most – running, fishing and drawing.
After his stay in the hospital, Stephen spent time in an acute rehab facility before he was discharged home to continue his recovery. Despite his efforts, he was unable to live independently and safely at home. He felt overwhelmed and lost. He turned to Bancroft NeuroRehab for help.
Path to Recovery: A Comprehensive Approach
At Bancroft NeuroRehab, Stephen attended day program, received outpatient therapies, and lived in a group residential rehabilitation home. It was challenging – he was in his 50s and living away from his wife and two grown sons. But Stephen was determined and he had clear goals for his therapy sessions. He wanted to regain his independence, improve his memory, and be able to run, fish and draw again.
“I told my therapist right away, I want to get back into running because I used to complete marathons and I want to be able to stay fit,” said Stephen.
With Bancroft NeuroRehab, Stephen found a comprehensive approach to healing and a team of people dedicated to his recovery. Over the next three years, he made remarkable progress, reclaiming both motor and cognitive abilities.
Kari Davidowitz, COTA, CBIS
“It has been awesome to see his progression and some of the goals he had set for himself being achieved over time. Probably the greatest thing to me was to see him go back to running and drawing which were things that he loved to do prior to his injury and worked so hard to get back to.”
Stephen was also able to draw again. Through Bancroft NeuroRehab’s vocational program, Stephen volunteered at a horse farm where his passion for drawing horses was reignited. He drew several portraits of the horses there, which the director of the farm has proudly displayed on the farm.
“I have to keep the neurons firing, so I am drawing, writing, and reading in my free time,” said Stephen.
Stephen is pictured at the Horse Farm above with his portraits of horses displayed on the farm during their Open House night.
Regaining Independence: A Life Reclaimed
In 2022, Stephen was able to transition out of the group home to living independently in one of Bancroft’s supported apartments. This was a big milestone for him. It meant his physical and language skills had progressed enough to allow him more independence.
Stephen’s ultimate goal is to be discharged from the program so he can move back to the beach and closer to his family. Since the move to the apartment, Stephen has shown significant improvement in his ability to take care of a home and himself. He does his own laundry, cleans his apartment, prepares his own meals, and grocery shops — activities he had previously been unable to do on his own. He also cares for an adopted cat, who he named Henri after his favorite hockey player, Henri Ford. Plus, he’s able to drive again, granting him a newfound sense of independence that fuels his determination to return home.
Stephen and his cat, Henri.
As Stephen gets closer to being discharged from the program, he remains hopeful for the future. He is grateful for the unwavering support he receives from the Bancroft NeuroRehab team, including his therapists, case managers, and program managers. Their dedication and empathy have made all the difference.
Stephen’s journey is a testament to both his own resilience and the transformative power of rehabilitation. If you or a loved one faces challenges after a brain injury, know that there is hope. With the right team, tailored support, and determination, it’s possible to build a new life – one filled with purpose, independence, and joy.