Karen and Lauren

I met Lauren in 1st grade. We grew up in a suburb in NE Ohio. We spent many summers together at day camp and played rec softball through middle school. In high school, our sports preferences split us apart as Lauren played volleyball and basketball and I ran cross country and track. Together, we navigated classes and the drama that high school brings.

After high school, we attended different colleges but would try to catch up during breaks. As most childhood friendships fizzle out as we move to adulthood, we fell victim to this as well. We would occasionally exchange the birthday texts every few years.

Lauren had sustained her TBI in January 2019. Her sister had written a post on Facebook how Lauren was not recovering well from her accident. In November of 2019, I fell and got my TBI. Like Lauren, I was not healing the ‘proper way’ someone should with a head injury. My boyfriend (now husband) reached out to Lauren as they too were friends.

Lauren had gone three months without proper TBI treatment. I am so fortunate that I only had to wait two weeks without treatment thanks to Lauren’s help. She got me in contact with a physical therapist and concussion doctor so that I could start my road to recovery right away.

Now, we talk daily. It is comforting knowing that I am not in this fight for recovery alone. It is helpful having someone else know exactly how I am feeling and is always willing to give words of encouragement. I will forever be grateful to my pal, Lauren who helped me fight for recovery before I was able to fight for myself.