90. Lost and Found through Brain Injury (with Amanda Allemang)
Brain injury is invisible: on the outside you can't see how lost a survivor can actually feel. Today’s episode is a survivor’s story of going from feeling lost to being found through finding hope and support. Cristabelle speaks with Amanda Allemang, a 16 year survivor of TBI, about the long journey that brain injury can be. We talk about how hard it can be to find resources at first, dealing with symptoms, and the feelings of isolation and frustration. Amanda shares her personal story of recovery, the struggles she faced, and how she eventually found hope and community through the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania. She shares her experiences with eventually finding the right care team, starting a support group called “Lost and Found”, and the challenges of parenting while managing her symptoms. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding, support, and the journey of healing after a brain injury. 00:00 Introduction with Cristabelle10:16 Amanda's Journey Through Brain Injury19:58 Finding Support and Resources29:57 Navigating Life After Brain Injury34:14 Coping with Symptoms and Daily Life42:36 Navigating Relationships and Parenthood48:56 Words of Hope and EncouragementCONNECTFind more resources, podcast episodes, & our monthly zoom support group: hopesurvives.org | @hopesurvivesHosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.comListen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.