Purpose

Hello! My name is Jasmine Herrera-Martinez, and I am an 8 years post Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). I sustained my brain injury on May 17th, 2014, in a Motor Vehicular accident (MVA). Before my brain injury, I was a full-time student in college, a full-time worker at Target, and was active in my 5 godchildren [...]

As A Parent…

Before we began our TBI journey with our daughter, Lucy, she was a sweet and sassy 7-year-old little girl with a smile that brightened the room. In one moment, all of that was taken away and our whole world was turned upside down. She could’ve died that day. Lucy fell 6ft 6in off a water [...]

Faith and Traumatic Brain Injury

We have all heard the phrase that miracles happen every day.  We often read stories of incredible triumph through various hardships such as job loss, financial devastation, loss of loved ones, and injuries beyond comprehension.  During such problems, troubles can mount to extremes and one may find their very soul tested to the point [...]

A Link Between Autoimmune Disease and Traumatic Brain Injury

Studies continue to link traumatic brain injury and the possibility of autoimmune disease. Yet, even with extraordinary medical advancements in our society, conversations between patients and many health professionals are still elusive on brain injury health outcomes.  Slow medical research and a lack of knowledge, training, and awareness for traumatic brain injuries among many [...]

Understanding PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury

As he stood tall behind the glass partition, he quickly glanced at her health chart; a sudden huff of frustration and a winced expression appeared across his face.  She was halfway through a tilt table test for syncope symptoms when her doctor said, "I see you've been diagnosed with PTSD', he scoffed.  He forcefully [...]

Genetic Activation After Traumatic Brain Injury

Currently, under thorough study is how traumatic brain injury can influence genetic activation. For survivors of mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries, the recovery process can look vastly different for each patient. Just as no two fingerprints are alike, neither are injuries to the brain. Why do some patients breeze through treatments, rehabilitation therapy, [...]

Brain Injury Awareness 2021

Every year March is a month dedicated to advocacy towards brain injury awareness throughout the world.  Non-profits, medical associations, specialized TBI facilities, caregivers, survivor advocates, volunteers, and more raise awareness through the grassroots efforts of community campaigns, educational outreach, online podcasts, local and social media.  Anyone can participate in the national efforts towards reducing [...]

Traumatic Brain Injury, Trauma and Brain Health

What we now understand about traumatic brain injury, trauma, and overall brain health is remarkable. However, in countless cases, patients in the various stages of declining health from a traumatic brain injury go unrecognized throughout many areas of our conventional medical system.  There are significant gaps in brain injury care, from a lack of [...]

Reflections of Joy 2020

It is Christmas, and I will acknowledge the elephant in the room by saying we all know it has not been an easy year. Everywhere we look, something can overwhelm our senses, turning our focus inward, and unfortunately, away from all that matters most. As the year-end closes, I watch it fade in the distance, [...]

Failing Forward Towards Success After Brain Injury

There is a well-known cliche in life, whether it applies to business or daily living; what does it mean by failing forward towards success? Life after a brain injury can feel like constant personal growth magnified. Learning to adjust our individual goals to fit any new situation can be an uphill climb. How can [...]

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