Lori Faitel

My Story and Who I am today

In 1986 I was in a devastating car accident on my way to work.  A construction truck ahead of me on a local Interstate dropped a bail of hay, which landed on my windshield.  My car then spun out of control, off the Interstate into a construction area.

The construction area was to prepare an extension of the interstate freeway.  A state police officer was alerted to the accident and arrived shortly after; using the Jaws of Life he pulled me out of the car.  An ambulance was called and I was rushed to emergency.  I was registered legally dead two times in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.  Upon admittance to the hospital I was found to have a closed head injury/ Traumatic Brain Injury and a 7 day coma.

I was 24 years old and had moved out of my parents home for the first time about 4 months prior. When I became alert after the coma, my brain function had reverted to what I see as less than a new born child. During the coma I was on multiple life support machines, and after the coma I did not know how to perform even the most basic of functions; move under my own control, speak, eat, bodily functions, literally nothing. I had extensive therapy in the hospital, until relatively quickly I became an outpatient. Within a few months I was able to progress from the hospital. Thank You, Lord, my parents who took the challenge, I required 24 hour assistance but not constant medical attention. I moved back in with my parents.

6 or 7 months after the injury and after I developed enough while living with my parents, I became mentally and physically strong enough to return to my apartment with the support of my long term friend and my previous roommate. I continued outpatient therapy, NeuroPsychology or extensive self study for over 6 years following the injury. As function returned, it became clear to me that my professional desire had changed. With the help of my NeuroPsychologist I found a profession that interested me. Occupational Therapy, I returned to college and graduated with an Associates Degree in Allied Heath, passed the certification exam and began working professionally as A C.O.T.A.-Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant.

Today July 15, 2011 it has been 26+ years since the injury. I continue with bouts of insecurity, I fatigue easily and have residual physical pains, BUT I love my life! I am independent, I am married (to a non-brain injured), I have a home, a car and have recently began my own business. I am an author, advocate and consultant for brain injury.