presentation - Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon

108 Pages·2014·19.71 MB·English

A MOM’S PERSPECTIVE:
The Amazing Erik Welch,
A True Story of
Challenge and Success
Thank You for Caring
The purpose of this presentation is to share
three decades of trial and error in the healing
journey of our family in Illinois. We share
these insights, experiences and details so you
will understand that you are not alone in
facing Brain Injury. I share these ideas to help
you to accept the challenges, acknowledge
progress and empower positive change in the
systems, agencies and resources available to
survivors and their families.
Erik Survivor of 3 ABI
BLESSING IN DISGUISE
1980 Erik Congenital - Hydrocephalus,

Cerebral Palsy at Birth
1993 1st TBI Coma Severe Car vs.

Pedestrian accident at age 13
2010 2nd TBI skull fracture/hematoma,

craniotomy at age 30
WHAT WE LEARNED
No matter how dire the
prognoses, there are simple and
cost-effective steps that families
can take to improve healing and
outcomes toward independence
for those with ABI – Many of
those are based on the
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
models we have adapted.
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
EMBRACE CHANGE!
ABI is an opportunity to problem solve,

meet challenges, witness growth and
continuous, marvelous recovery everyday
– not just in the 2 year “window” after the
injury.
We found that even families/friends

without professional training and few
resources can be involved and proactive.
CHANGE is the only constant!

Therapeutic Recreation TR –
allowed us to design a program
TR can work when other types of

therapy and education fail
TR gives families permission to design

their own sustainable, low cost,
integrated healing program targeted
to their changing needs
Therapeutic Recreation offers
Healthy Activity - Endorphins
Brain injury rehab does not need to be

based on the Medical model - we learned
that there is no "magic pill."
We learned that often drug side effects

aggravate issues – so lowest dose /
shortest duration helped to preserve the
brain’s natural Neuroplasticity
Therapeutic Recreation
Less Stress - More Results
There are easily adaptable, flexible
ways to use Therapeutic Recreation
for fitness, health and stress reliever
for all those involved, including
caregivers and family members.
As you hear Erik’s story
Consider This:
Proactive low cost, low tech care for

intentional Brain Healing is an evolving
concept –
This approach goes beyond acute stage

care and recognizes the potential for
continued neurological cognitive and
physical progress throughout life – can
be a radical idea
Erik Nathanial
Welch, born
4/27/80 CP
and spina
bifida – with
his first two
“recreation
therapists”