Pia Dixon

I was riding an electric scooter. The wheel got stuck in a train track and I flipped over, smashing my head into the pavement. I did not have a helmet on. My skull was fractured. I damaged the left side of my brain. I was in the hospital for nearly 2 weeks.

The first week, I didn’t even know where I was. I had difficulty in conversations, word retrieval, and short-term memory. I had to learn how to walk and talk and do basic things.

It’s also the part of your brain that controls planning and organization. Following routines was so difficult because I couldn’t remember them. I had to be reminded to brush my teeth! I had to make a list for my bathroom mirror of my basic morning and nighttime routines.

It’s now been five months since my accident. I am still in speech therapy for my word-retrieval, memory, focus and attention. I’ve come a long way. I’m really proud of my progress. I’ve been focusing my attention on arts and crafts, and that’s helped me to stay positive.

The healing process is a long journey. Being in TBI support groups has really helped because a lot of the symptoms that I struggle with are invisible. It’s great to be part of a community of people who share the same struggles. I’m making jewelry now and clothing. I made a quilt. I took part in a makers’s market to sell my clothing and cork art. I’ve never done that before, so it was great to showcase what I’ve been able to do while having a traumatic brain injury.

Spreading awareness about TBIs is now so important to me—either preventing them or sharing my story with someone who knows someone with a TBI. It’s all about making connections and building community.