For the third year, my family and friends are raising money for the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado in honor of my brother Kellen.

But this year, I have committed to climbing Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s most famous 14,000-foot mountains. As I don’t enjoy “hiking,” “exercising” or “being outside where there might be snakes,” I expect this trip to be, at a minimum, very entertaining for those following my progress.

But nothing compares to the progress Kellen has made since he suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury in the spring of 2013. Over the past two years, Kellen has re-learned to breathe and eat on his own, walk, talk and help care for himself. He has gone from the ICU immediately following the crash and Craig Hospital to most recently moving into a group home for individuals with TBIs. There, he is learning to become even more independent, while attending classes, going on outings and sharing his journey with people with similar struggles.

TBIs can be devastating and extremely difficult to understand and manage. They can affect people physically, cognitively and emotionally. More than 200,000 individuals live with the effects of a brain injury in Colorado and 5,000 new cases are reported every year.

The Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado is dedicated to serving individuals affected by all forms of injuries to the brain such as stroke, TBI, tumor, anoxia and infection. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for survivors by connecting them with resources to help navigate the path of rehabilitation.

Please help me support the BIAC. At a minimum, you can take bets on whether I’ll make it to the top or quit the first time I mistake a tree root for a snake.

Melissa

Are you up for the challenge?
September 7, 2024

2015 Pikes Peak Challenge Summit Hiker: Melissa Trujillo

By Melissa Trujillo

$1,525.00

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