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Funds for The Voice of TBI

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Hi there, 

Generally speaking, I am a survivor of a traumatic brain injury.  A speeding car hit me from behind while riding a skateboard on the Friday evening of September 18, 2015. I was life lined to IU Methodist Hospital where I received a craniotomy to remove approximately half of my skull, some of which was already missing due to the initial crash. I was officially diagnosed with the highest level of severe diffuse axonal brain injury, with multiple skull fractures and pulmonary contusions. I also had many lacerations with glass shards from breaking the car windshield. 

“Because of your brain injury, you will not be able to  _____ " became the phrase of my new life. But this did not deter my progress; it actually pushed me harder than before. When I said I wanted to speak at a conference in a month, graduate high school early, go to college, and get married, the doctors readily objected to my plans.  People with a severe injury like mine do not typically live an independent, ordinary lifestyle—if they happen to survive at all. The doctors stated I would not walk, talk, or think the same ever again. My estimated mental capacity was that of a sixth grader for the rest of my life.

The doctors were right––in a temporary sense––for previous tasks that required no mental effort like talking, simple math, or brushing my teeth now became grueling labors that required tenacious patience. I persisted and went to all of my rehab appointments six days a week. I fought fatigue and wrestled with my academic work. The readings and economic graphs chiseled my already broken skull to a peaceful place of understanding that was not easily earned. Each day I woke up with a sincere desire to get better and get better soon.

 I researched my injury and began to read books on optimizing a TBI recovery. I changed my diet dramatically, ran twenty miles a week, learned chess, joined the speech and debate team, and began working on difficult mental activities like Sudoku and the LSAT.  Today, I am on track to graduate with my Bachelor's degree next May (2018). I plan to go to law school to be a personal injury attorney to help people that have gone through similar trials. 

But I would like to start helping traumatically brain injured (TBI) persons now. 

Oddly enough, there have been two other TBI victims of Columbus, Indiana, that have gone through a somewhat similar ordeal as me: Josh Speidel and Levi Sallee (You can find Josh's story here and Levi's story here ).

Is this situation really that odd? Not statistically speaking. According to the CDC, 1.7 million people receive a traumatic brain injury. Of those victims, 52,000 dies and 250,000 are hospitalized. The rate of TBI victims is increasing by almost 10% per year. 

So, the need to help is there and the need to help is only rising at this point. 

With the help of others, like yourself, this traumatically brain injured survivor would like to start a non-profit organization called "The Voice of TBI" to raise awareness, support, community, and necessary resources TBI victims need to maximize their recovery.  

Here are three main facets of this organization:

(1) The Voice of TBI will provide semi-weekly videos offering advice on how to deal with a TBI consisting of topics such as––but not limited to––depression,  diets, demeanors, and disciplines. I will personally discuss the difficulties I have experienced in my recovery and talk about other issues I have heard from other TBI sufferers. These videos will also include interviews with expert doctors, counselors, and survivors of traumatic brain injury.

(2) The Voice of TBI will have a website with discussion boards, memberships, and programs like a live chat session. The theory behind this is to create a TBI community where TBI victims and their families and friends can discuss issues and work through things together. Most of all, the necessary social dimension to a TBI recovery will be in this community. The website will also have a blog with TBI-related content from doctors, counselors, and survivors. 

(3) The Voice of TBI will have in person live meetings once a month to hear guest speakers like doctors, counselors, psychologists, and, of course, survivors. This will be a more personal and education support group from people that attend. You do not necessarily have to be a TBI victim to attend the in-person meetings, but you ought to have some relevant reason for being there aside from getting free food. 

More details on these facets will come as this project progresses. However, right now, we need your help to get this going!

We need funds for the following...

1. Website ($500)
2. Food for monthly in-person meetings ($500).
3. Guest Speaker compensation ($500).
5. Worker compensation (i.e. website designer, logo designer, film crew, etc.) ($7,000).

I hope you will consider partnering with us in this way. Any donations will help us help others.

Thank you!


Best regards,

Cameron Fathauer

Organiser

Cameron Fathauer
Organiser
Columbus, IN

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