Chapter 1: The Beginning of a Struggle

My daughter, Kimberly, suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (T.B.I.) at the age of 23 while she was preparing to enter college. With aspirations to become a social worker and assist disabled students, she never anticipated that she would herself become disabled.

Almost a decade has passed since that fateful day, and we are still in pursuit of effective medical help. In 2015, Kimberly experienced a severe fall that resulted in not only a T.B.I., but also strokes, seizures, Central Processing Disorder, fluctuating blood sugar levels, and visual impairments. Despite these ongoing issues, no substantial medical intervention has been made to improve her condition.

The impact of her fall was devastating; she hit her head multiple times, and the sound was likened to a pumpkin being smashed. Tragically, her pituitary gland is nearly severed, leading to significant hormonal and glucose level disruptions that require urgent medical attention. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, all her follow-up appointments and referrals have been canceled, and many specialists now offer only telehealth consultations, leaving us without the necessary support.

Kimberly had to leave college after three years, which broke my heart as I watched her friends embark on their own journeys—building careers, families, and lives—while she felt increasingly isolated.

Her once bright future now feels bleak, and I often find myself overwhelmed with sadness. A simple stop to buy shoelaces altered the course of her life forever.

As a newcomer to Medium, I hope to connect with others who might offer suggestions or guidance, as I have exhausted all options available in my area. I am desperate for any advice that could assist Kimberly, who is also facing the unfortunate prospect of losing her vision—something that could have been prevented.

Every day is a struggle for her, marked by the relentless cycle of managing her health. The loss of her dreams at such a young age due to a single misstep has left me heartbroken.

If anyone has insights or experiences related to Traumatic Brain Injury, refractory hypoglycemia, or Binocular Vision Dysfunction, I would be deeply grateful for your input. It is a terrifying reality; in just a moment, everything can change.

I welcome anyone to share their stories or triumphs, and I appreciate your time in reading this. Thank you for your support—let's continue to inspire each other!

Video: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Kids

A short video discussing the effects of TBI in children, highlighting symptoms and necessary interventions.

Chapter 2: Seeking Help and Community

Despite nearly a decade of seeking assistance, Kimberly's journey continues to be fraught with challenges. The emotional toll of watching her struggle with depression is immense, as she grapples with the loss of her former life.

Video: Amanda Stombaugh on Raising a Young Child with a Severe Brain Injury

Amanda shares her experiences and insights on raising a child with a severe brain injury, providing valuable perspectives for families in similar situations.

I remain hopeful that by sharing our story, we can find connections and solutions. If you have any advice or experiences to share, please reach out. Let's inspire and uplift one another during these trying times.