By Nicole LemireAndrea began attending the BICC a year ago at the encouragement of her mother to make friends and connect with other brain injury survivors.
Five years ago, Andrea went to rehab for alcoholism, and was improperly medicated during a detox. This led to an anoxic brain injury, which occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen. Following this, Andrea was in a coma and upon first waking up, could not even hold up her head or walk.
She was in a wheelchair for two years, and during this time discovered a love of working out. At the gym, she was able to rebuild her strength and begin recovering. Eventually, she stopped needing the wheelchair and now walks with a cane. Going to the gym is one of her favorite activities and the thing that has most helped her with managing her brain injury, along with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and rehab.
When she first came to the BICC, she was nervous about fitting in with the group, noticing that she was younger than most and one of few women. However, these fears were short lived, and she made fast friends with the other members and was able to form connections.
Since joining the BICC, Andrea has been able to join a community of people with similar experiences. Her favorite parts of the program are socializing, making friends, and helping in the kitchen.
