Keep Climbing

Today’s blog was written by Ryan Farrell, who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in 2010 (exactly three years ago today) during a  cheerleading exhibition. Ryan currently shares her story with teens through BIA-MA’s Gateway Program.

1,096 days – 156 weeks – Time really does fly … THREE YEARS have gone by!

If anyone had ever told me 1,097 days ago  that I would suffer, survive  and THRIVE after a brain injury, my response would have been quite simple: “A BRAIN INJURY?!? Why would I have sustained a BRAIN INJURY?” Well, it has been three years since I suffered a TBI and although I never would have imagined something of that magnitude would have ever happened to me, it has made me a stronger, more steadfast, more determined woman. Every morning when my alarm clock goes off (no matter how early it starts to loudly chime), I pop out of bed, ready to take on the day!

My determination, in all that I do, has been strengthened even more than before my injury.  I have truly discovered who my true friends are – the ones who will always be there for me, no matter what.  Not only have I discovered my true friends, but I cannot reiterate enough how significant family is. My family – immediate, extended, and sorority – are the fabulous individuals who will be there for me, no matter what.

Even on the days when I get frustrated, when nothing seems to be going the way it should, I try my hardest to stay positive.  Do I think about the things which were taken from me on April 18, 2010? Of course I do. But, do I waste my time and energy getting frustrated and upset?  No, I do not.  I am HEALING, I am STRONG, and I am ALIVE!

As Winston Churchill once said: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”  Surviving, persisting, THRIVING – that’s the way to go through life!