Jessica Camacho

I have lived longer with brain injury than without.

I am now 34 and was 15 when I received a head injury in a car accident that led to 3 months in a coma, 8 brain surgeries, and a new outlook on life. I had a month where I could not recall who I was and the people surrounding me were all strangers but with an incredible healthcare team and lots of support I was able to relearn my life. I had to do a month of physical therapy as well as cognitive exercises at CHLA.

I am extremely blessed to have the life I have thanks to my amazing neurosurgeon who had mentioned there was a 15% chance of me surviving the injury and less than 7% of not being severely mentally impaired.

Before the injury I had dreamed of going to college abroad and getting my doctorate in Forensic Psychology. Due to the constant migraines and headaches as well as other limitations I have been steered in a new direction. I still look to help others in many ways. I recently graduated as a recovery coach that emphasizes in healing and learning to live following a traumatic incident.

My parents and family have been very suppurative in assisting me in leading the closest thing to a normal life. I work remotely to limit my exposure to triggers that cause migraines and swelling of the site of injury. I was lucky in my job that I met a friend who also suffers from brain injury and introduced me to advocacy programs and showed me ways to positively impact and assist others within our community.

As a mom of a now 14-year-old who was made aware of my injury and limitations as been my angel. He, like my parents, knows when I need the extra hand and how to best assist me when needed. I hope to be a voice for everyone that is also in my position but cannot get the same level of care and love from family or resources in their area.

As a survivor from TBI we are more than what has happened to us and are all shining lights in their way. coma, 8 brain surgeries and a new outlook on life.