Derek O’Neal
This is simply my story…my life, my accident, the role music played in my recovery, and my ongoing journey as a brain injury survivor.
Early on, in my work together with my good friend, the late Christine Schneider of Hope Rehabilitation Network in East Lansing, Michigan, I was told that I possessed a passion for a number of things, not the least of which was music. So, right from the start, music became and continues to play a major role and is always an important part of our discussions.
I am married to my high school sweetheart, Rene’, and together we have five children.
My brain injury occurred on June 7, 2004, while driving home from work. I was traveling on the freeway at approximately 70 mph when suddenly a deer ran in front of my car. The deer smashed through my windshield and was killed instantly. However, the impact of the collision caused my vehicle to crash.
When I was found, I was transported to a level-one trauma center, William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. While at Beaumont, I required two brain surgeries and remained in a coma for almost month. About seven weeks after my accident, I was transferred to Hope Network where my intensive rehabilitation began.
According to the American Music Therapy Association, “the idea of music as a healing influence which could affect health and behavior is at least as old as the writings of Aristotle and Plato. The 20th Century discipline began after World War I and World War II when community musicians of all types, both amateur and professional, went to Veteran’s Hospitals around the country to play for thousands of Veteran’s suffering from both physical and emotional trauma from the wars.
So how does music affect us? Music promotes:
- vocalization
- rhythmic movements
- orientation
- relaxation
- self-expression
- self esteem
So, what is my take-away message?
Remember that music touches the soul, nourishes us, and has the power to soothe, inspire, invigorate, and keep you well. So, for all of us who have been affected by brain injury—whether you are a victim, family member, or friend please remember that “Life Is A Song Worth Singing.”