Source: Brain Injury Survivor's Guide

To the more-than one million people who suffer life-changing brain injuries each year in the United States and to the ever growing number throughout the world who find themselves waking up in a new world – our world. We further dedicate our writing to the millions of family members who become support personnel for brain injured patients.

A special dedication goes out to the thousands of soldiers victimized by traumatic brain injury while serving in Iraq and other areas of the world; men and women who have chosen to risk their lives for a more peaceful world.

A Special Dedication from Beth

My part of the book is dedicated to: Larry – who stood by me and loved me no matter what and who kept our family close together during this tragic time in our lives. Through our worst times, he continued to be there for our children while meeting his obligations at work and, yet, he was still always there for me when I needed him. He’s the love of my life and my best friend.

Mom & Dad – who were there for me during the entire hospital stay and beyond. The last week I was in the hospital, I remember talking to my mom for what seemed like hours discussing what had happened to me and what was going on in the world. My Dad made sure I got the exercise I needed to regain my strength -- up and down the hospital hall, oxygen tank trailing behind.

My brother Phil, who was there for Mom, Dad and Larry, took on the responsibility of making sure the family had every last bit of the latest information about my condition. I’m told no nurse or doctor could escape without sharing all they knew.

My son Sean, who only 13 at the time, grew up to be a wonderful, successful young man. Although his mom did not die in the hospital, he went a long time without a mother even after I came home. Too many days I was in the bed with a migraine when he came home from school. I’m so thankful he made the right decisions during that critical part of his life when he had so many choices to make. His “Welcome Home Mom” sign I saw as we pulled into the driveway when I came home from the hospital is a sight I will never forget.

My son Chad, starting his second year of college and trying to deal with his mom being critically ill, was under such pressure for a young man just beginning a new chapter in his life. My worst day in the hospital was on his birthday. He handled the pressure of it all true to his personality and spirit. He even gave me a t-shirt after I got out of the hospital that said “JAMESON, takes a lickin but keeps on tickin.” He always knew I would be okay.

My brother Ricky, who I remember holding my hand while in the hospital, talking to me with tears in his eyes. I was unable to communicate with him at the time, but I remember how comforting it was to know he cared so much.

And a special thank you to the team of medical and legal professionals who helped me achieve a successful lifestyle after my brain injury:
W. Kirk Riley, M.D, Primary Care Physician
Sidney Hayes, M.D., specialist
Jim Wellons, M. D., specialist
Robert Lehmberg, M.D., specialist
Ed Bethune, attorney
Laurence R. Dry, M.D., J.D., doctor and attorney
Mary L. Corbitt, M.D., headache specialist
Charles Wood, PhD, psychologist (deceased)
Lisa Schlict, M.D., specialist
Dennis L. Wingfield, M.D., specialist
John E. Slayden, M.D., specialist
Tommie Flowers, L.C.S.W., A.C.S.W.
Ted Hood, M.D.
Patricia Debon, physical therapist
Sherri Eason, occupational therapist
Kellye James, speech pathologist
Barbara Bunten, social worker
Pat Raper, L.P.T.N.