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Whitney Gilliece

March 9, 2024
Whitney Gilliece

Recently, a frustrating incident unfolded on my social media feed. Someone complained about individuals boarding the plane before them, suggesting that those with disabilities should be relegated to the back. It struck a nerve, highlighting the prevalent misunderstandings surrounding invisible injuries like traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Invisible injuries, often overlooked or dismissed, endure a barrage of misjudgments from medical professionals, acquaintances, and even the legal system. My own encounter with the legal system revealed the harsh reality of how appearances can unfairly sway outcomes.
In my own experience, I was advised to not go to trial to pursue legal action due to potential bias against my appearance, resulting in an outcome that was less than satisfactory. Since my accident in 2019, my journey with TBI has been challenging, with 2023 being particularly difficult as my symptoms continued to worsen. TBI affects each survivor differently, yet societal perceptions remain harsh and judgmental, particularly regarding appearance, behavior, and necessary accommodations.
TBI is often overlooked as a chronic condition, leading to delayed treatment due to a lack of understanding among physicians. Despite never being advised to refrain from work or give my brain adequate rest, I persisted as a new business owner, unaware of the toll it would take on my health. It’s disheartening to realize that my strong work ethic, once a source of pride, contributed to a permanent disability that I grapple with daily.
Survivors of TBI require accommodation, whether it’s early boarding on planes or access to handicapped parking, to prevent potential medical emergencies. Looking back, I wish I had prioritized self-care over work, but dwelling on the past serves no purpose. Instead, I’ve shifted gears, retraining what’s left of my brain to embark on a new venture and surround myself with only those that fully support my journey.
To the public, I implore kindness and empathy. You never know the battles someone is fighting, and I pray that TBI never becomes a reality for you or your loved ones. Awareness is crucial, as many symptoms and necessary lifestyle changes remain unknown. We are adaptable chameleons navigating a disease with countless uncertainties, reliant on a fanatical support system for survival.
Privacy is paramount to me, but so is sharing my story if it helps even one person. Let’s trade curiosity for judgement and build a community of understanding, recognizing the unsurmountable battles fought silently by many.

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​Every brain injury is different, yet there are lessons we can learn from the experiences of others. No matter whether you are an individual with a brain injury, a family member, caregiver, or clinician, your story is important.

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