This is Bridging the Gap: an honest, emotional journey through the lives of Julie, Jason, and Chris. Their experiences are different, but their strength, resilience, and connection all lead them to the same place: Bridges for Brain Injury.
Watch the full episode of Bridging the Gap: Julie, Jason, and Chris (Part 1):
From Trauma…
Julie grew up in Savannah, Georgia. “If you can’t tell, listen to the voice,” she laughs.
Julie’s injury occurred when she was hit by another car that didn’t stop at a red light, dragging her into a light pole. When she woke up, she was in the hospital. “I stayed in a coma for six months…I don’t even remember it.”
Before her injury, Julie played basketball, ran track, and worked as a nurse. Now, she reflects on all that was taken. “I don’t hate the person who hit me. I just want him to be careful next time. It took a lot of beautiful things from me.”
Jason’s journey started at just five years old. “He woke up one morning with a horrific headache,” his family remembers. An MRI revealed a golf ball-sized tumor in his cerebellum. “We rushed him to Strong Hospital…It was like it was yesterday.”
Chris’s story begins with a car crash. “My accident happened September 11, 1993, at one in the morning…I was drunk.” He flew through the windshield and landed head-first on the road. “I was in a coma for five years, three months, and 15 days. Out cold.”
When he finally woke up, Chris was in a wheelchair in his dad’s living room. “My mom and dad said I used to make the devil blush with the things I said.” His first words when we woke up? “It was at least three books of the F-bomb. Right in a row.”
…To Transformation
Today, all three have found a new beginning at Bridges for Brain Injury.
Chris paints in pottery class, laughing as he finishes the first coat. “I’m having too much fun.” He’s at Bridges for Brain Injury every weekday. “If I could, I’d be here 24/7. Yes, I would live here.”
Jason has been part of Bridges for over 15 years. “I started off as a member, then volunteer, and now I’m staff.” At Bridges, Jason works with exotic animals on Bridges’ Wildlife Rockstars team. “He can’t ride a bike,” his mom laughs, “but he sure can handle an alligator.”
Julie was introduced to Bridges by Laura Donaldson. “She was the first person to work with me after my head injury. We’ve known each other a long time. I love her.” Laura sees the strengths in every member. “She’s a people person. That’s what you come to the program for. And that’s what we offer.” “I just look for my people.”
One Amazing Journey
Bridges for Brain Injury isn’t just a program. It’s a home and a community where trauma turns into transformation, and survival becomes strength.
Jason reflects on his growth at Bridges: “Do I feel like a different person from when I started? I do. I’m more grown up. Taking responsibilities.” His mom, Beth, agrees: “His journey with Bridges has been very special. It’s really been his lifeline. He went through a lot in school. Teasing, whatever. He just found his life purpose. He loves animals. And it gives him that sense of purpose that makes him feel independent and capable.”
As Julie says, “I think I’m part of a new team now.” As Chris says, “Yes, I would live here.”
Three new beginnings. Three powerful voices. One step forward.
Three unbreakable lives. Three incredible stories. One amazing journey.
This is Bridging the Gap.
How You Can Help
Every step forward is powered by the support of our community. Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply share our story, you’re helping someone take the next step toward healing.
Your support builds bridges. Bridges between trauma and triumph, isolation and connection, and today’s challenges to tomorrow’s dreams.
JOIN US. SUPPORT THE JOURNEY. AND HELP US BUILD WHAT COMES NEXT.
As a nonprofit organization, we need your help to make a difference in the lives of people living with traumatic brain injuries. Whether you are a family caregiver, a medical provider, or a potential donor looking to support a nonprofit with national recognition, your involvement can help ensure that every individual navigating the brain injury journey receives access to the best possible outcome supported by a compassionate, skilled team.
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