In Part 1 of this story, we met Julie, Jason, and Chris. All three of their lives were forever changed by brain injury, and their three journeys were reshaped through the healing power of community at Bridges for Brain Injury.
Now, in Part 2, we see how purpose, friendship, and even a few scaly surprises continue to guide their transformation.
Watch the full episode of Bridging the Gap: Julie, Jason, and Chris (Part 2) (Episode 6 of Bridging the Gap):
Finding Joy, Laughter, and Connection
At Bridges, healing means more than just physical recovery - it grows into meaningful connections. For Chris, that means the daily laughter of Coco, a parrot who can perfectly mimic his laugh. For Julie, it’s the family she never had: “I have no brothers and sisters, but all my sisters and brothers are here.”
The members’ bond is unshakable. “It’s a real good place to come, be a part of,” Julie reflects. “No matter what color you are or size, if you need some help with something, Julie will be there.”
Wildlife Rockstars in Action
Jason has been part of the Wildlife Rockstars team for years, bringing exotic animals to schools, nursing homes, and community events. “Hundreds,” he says, when asked how many programs he’s done. “Maybe five to ten animals at a time.”
Every creature has a story. Clifford, an African tegu lizard, was rescued after being found wandering down Clifford Ave in Rochester. His favorite treat? Honey. Meanwhile, Chris recalls his first python, which was eight inches long when he got it, and 28 feet long just a few years later.
For Jason, working with animals has been life-changing. “It makes me feel good about myself. Knowing that I brightened up young kids’ lives.” His mom, Beth, adds, “He was very quiet, even in school. But now he speaks in front of groups, answers kids’ questions, and even makes the papers. Like a celebrity.”
Growth, Healing, and What’s Ahead
Julie admits that before her injury, she wasn’t a kind person. But Bridges gave her a second chance: “Now it’s like my God has touched me in a way. I love everybody. And I think that’s why God brought me back…because I’m such a sweet person.”
Chris, meanwhile, points out how animals help members rebuild memory. “With these animals, you learn facts about them. You can recall things about the animals, which helps your memory to get better.”
Looking forward, the Wildlife Rockstars are preparing for an exciting future. With new land, barns, and space for animals, Bridges is building a farm, which will serve as a place of peace, healing, and growth. “You can go fishing, sit at the pond, or just enjoy the sunshine,” Julie shares.
One Community, One Purpose
From laughter shared with a parrot, to healing through snakes and lizards, to the unbreakable friendships forged every day, Julie, Jason, and Chris remind us that recovery isn’t the end of the story. It’s the beginning of a new one.
As Jason says, “Working with animals definitely makes me happy.” As Julie says, “I’ll always love my people.” And as Chris says, “If I could, I’d live here.”
This is Bridging the Gap.
How You Can Help
If you’re in the Farmington, NY area and are interested in booking one of the ten Wildlife Rockstar programs we offer, please head to our Wildlife Rockstars page to fill out a program request form!
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.
- Donate
- Volunteer
- Adopt an Animal
- Subscribe, Follow, Like, and Share with your Social Network:
