Allison was a typical busy and active young teenager when her life was interrupted by brain injury. At age 12, she suffered the second of two brain bleeds as the result of an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). She underwent a year of intensive physical and cognitive therapy, working hard to regain skills she had once taken for granted. She went back to middle school with an aide supplied by the school district to help her navigate the day. Now 21, Allison’s family is proud of her positive attitude, her adaptability and her willingness to try new things. “She never gave up” says her father. When it became clear that she could not go back to playing on the soccer team she had enjoyed so much prior to her injury, Allison decided to try sled hockey instead – she rejoiced in the physical activity and loved being part of a team that competed in tournaments across the country. She took on karate, swimming and adaptive skiing – she embraced participating in new social and recreational opportunities. Allison takes great pride in her graduation from high school. Her love for animals has led to fulfilling volunteer work at a local animal shelter, where Allison socializes the animals and helps to care for them. She is currently looking for educational opportunities that provide training for work with animals, such as a veterinary technician or veterinary assistant.
Allison’s family connected with the BIANJ CARES program to learn more about brain injury and the resources available to people with brain injury. “BIANJ helped provide guidance around disability and brain injury issues” noted Allison’s father. Allison’s CARES specialist shares that working with her was an opportunity to not just share relevant resources such as support groups and BIANJ sponsored social events, but also to witness her positive and assertive approach to finding purpose after brain injury.
This photo was a special dance with Allison and her dad at Allison’s Quinceanera celebration in 2018. Her father says of the photo: “We were so grateful for this moment.”
