Judy Appel

In 2019, my wife Alison and I were walking home from a movie. We crossed the street a block from our house and we were both hit my a car driving by. I was hit first. Our lives instantly changed. 

Alison and I met in law school. She practiced criminal defense and did policy work in nonprofits and was elected twice to the local School Board, where I was still serving at the time of the accident. We have two offspring (17 and 20 at the time) and a large community of friends and family. 

We were fortunate to survive- something we try to hold on to given the serious impact our lives. 

In addition to physical injuries that have largely healed, I have a Traumatic Brain Injury that severely limits my short- term memory. My longer term memory is also dulled. This impacts my day to day living in many ways. I often cant remember what people just told me or plans we made. Reading is hard because of the small print, so I listen to books via “audible,” which I am grateful for every day. 

I used to be thoughtful, analytical and quick witted.  I can no longer work or serve as an elected official, so I need to find other ways to occupy my time. I  am currently looking for volunteer opportunities, I hike a lot, travel and enjoy my community. I am lucky to have a deep and rich relationship with my wife of 33 years. And our lives  are completely altered due to our disabilities. 

I think that I am improving, but I will never regain many of my previous strengths. I am often sad in reflecting all that I lost, even as I am grateful to still be alive.