My name is Maria S. Martinez and I am participating in the Manitou Walk for the third year. Along side me will be my 97 year mama Maria N. Martinez. We are both brain/stroke survivors.
I have had numerous concussions beginning in my early adolescents as I loved competitive sports. Skateboarding, rollerblading, boxing, martial arts, mountain/road biking. It was not uncommon to have an impact to the head or experience being light headed or knocked out. Getting picked up and told to “shake it off your doing great get back in there”. I continued to box until 2002.
I was working as a correctional officer and in 2007 I had a motorcycle accident hitting a retaining wall causing a closed head injury. I continue to have problems at work such as completing task and disciplinary problems. I was given time off from work to obtain help and I did improve after 6 months of cognitive, physical and occupational therapy and returned to work.
In 2008 I had two car accidents which shook my head. I was struggling at work with balance, multitasking, anger, difficulty with sequencing, isolation and depression.
In September 2009 I was hit by a co-worker driving a truck in the parking lot suffering knee, back, shoulder injuries and again shook my head. It was a time of constant pain, confusion, emotional battles of depression, surgeries and trying to deal with workman compensation
May 2010 I had a stroke which affected my left side, speech and balance. I completed rehabilitation and eventually lost my job. I was giving up and struggling with alcohol, depression and the thoughts of suicide.
What changed? Friends that cared, they were there and still here today. They helped me manage my daily needs and showed compassion. I began to feel hope that I could go on living. I am truly grateful for all they have done.
I began attending the Pueblo Brain Injury Support Group, learned of the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado . They understood brain injuries, there was support, programs that could assist with cognitive training, personal interaction, assistive technology, camps and connections to research programs.
I was eventually connected to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and connected to vendors who assisted me with daily living skills that led to graduating from Pueblo Community College with associate degree in graphic design.
Take the Challenge pick an event or participate in being a sponsor, volunteer or donate.
What makes this event so special? The survivors and families who are summiting alongside you are defying the odds, accomplishing something they’ve been told they’d never do, and are celebrating this truly amazing and powerful achievement. They remind us that their daily challenges far surmount our own and help empower us to challenge our own physical limitations. Each event is filled with camaraderie, laughter, and new friends. So, choose your summit, and join us as we raise money to improve the lives of those living with an injury to the brain.
Last year $275,000 was raised to support the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado! This year we hope to surpass that number and raise $300,000. Can you help us reach our goal?
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Terri Tibbs
$100.00 -
Dennis Friesth
$25.00