Has anyone ever seen The Shawshank Redemption?  I love that movie.  The story is of an innocent man found guilty of a crime that he did not commit and sentenced to life in prison at Shawshank penitentiary.  Now I am just asking, but does anyone as survivors feel like they too have been sentenced to life in prison?  Then, the therapists that assisted the head trauma survivor sends the person off into the real world without any idea of what they are going to do except maybe bag groceries or work fast food.  Former speaker of the house William Jennings Bryant said, “Destiny is not about chance but about choice.  It is not something to be waited for but something to be achieved.”

My name is Brian Webb and I am a brain injury survivor.  My accident happened during what I call “the good times.”  I remember it well.  It was a spring day in May of 1998, a week after graduating from college with a double major.  Then “BAM!” the most excruciating headache that I ever suffered and  I end up in the E.R. comatose.  The doctors and medical staff theorized my death.  But, what do doctors know.  I am still here.  10+ years later I am in the best shape of my life and am planning on running my 4th marathon this spring, the Rock N’ Roll marathon.  I plan on qualifying for the Boston Marathon.

My recovery like most survivors is ongoing.  I too have bad days.  But the possibilities that surround me, makes each and every day that much more exciting.  Some people may think I am crazy.  I had a secure job with a financial institution making money, paying bills, but no future.  I did not go to school to end up working call center work.  So I got the nerve to move to San Diego, California because I too have hoped that I can do something incredible.  Here the sky is the limit.  I want to go back to school and study to become a Physical Therapist to help other survivors not just becoming functional, but to let survivors know that life is out there.  Life may be different, but survivors can have the best life possible.  See, we as survivors know what it is like to die only to live again more fully and passionately.  Right now, times are difficult.  The media says we are in a recession/depression.  I have been in a recession for 10+ years.  Like Winston Churchill once said, “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.”  You cannot give up on your dreams.  No matter what gets in my way, I will overcome every obstacle to reach my goal and I will enjoy the ride.  Thank you.

Brian Webb 2009