Contributing Patient Advocate

Click here to become a contributing patient advocate; help other brain-injured patients by sharing your story.

CJ Hobgood (Pro Surfer) - Hobgood competed in the World Surfing League from 1999–2015. During his first year, he won Rookie of the Year; in 2001, he won the tour and became world champion. In 2011, Hobgood sustained a brain injury while free surfing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His injury started feeling better after six months, yet never fully healed. He has constant ringing in his ears but is very thankful for the recovery he has gained over the years. This injury changed him as a person. Hobgood has contributed his insight to our Words of Wisdom page and encourages anyone in need of kind words to reach out to him, “I want to encourage you that you will not always feel how you do right now. It will get better. You will learn the tools needed for your personal healing, and you will use them to help you get through this.” Instagram: @cjhobgood_ Email: cjgoods@gmail.com Movie: And Two If By Sea WSL Results: CJ Hogood

Shawn Dollar (Pro Big Wave Surfer) - Dollar is a two-time Guinness World Record Holder for the biggest wave ever surfed. He sustained a brain injury on Sept 7th 2015, Labor Day, while surfing alone in Big Sur. You can read more of his concussion story on his website shawndollar.com. Dollar has shared his experiences with Neuro Prolo, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Cranial Chiropractic or Cranial Osteopath, Hormone Therapy, Stem Cell Therapy and Diet. Instagram: @shawndollar Podcast appearance: Off The Lip

Nic Lamb (Pro Big Wave Surfer) Lamb, current Mavericks champion and back-to-back champion at Punta Galea, sustained a concussion while surfing big waves in Portugal. He used HBOT to help heal his concussion. Instagram: @theyounglamb

Thomas Lundgard (Big Wave Surfer) Lundgard is an up-and-coming big wave surfer. He’s had three bad head injuries, two at Mavericks (big wave located in CA) and one on a speed boat. Since then, he has had about 5-7 minor concussions from surfing.  He has reviewed HBOT, CBD, cranial work and diet. Instagram: @thomas_lundgard

Harley Rose Taich (surfing) was born in La Jolla, California. Surf, sand, and the mother ocean provided comfort to Harley, and soon after, joy when she received a pink surfboard shaped by her father on her fourth birthday. Harley surfed competitively from age eight until age fifteen when she sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) during a competition.  Five years post-injury, Harley no longer competes but supports, encourages, and shares her story with others suffering and recovering from similar injuries. Harley is currently back in school to get certified as a Holistic Nutritionist and yoga teacher. She is also a certified colon hydrotherapist and author of a children's book, "Heads Up! The Story of Finn and Reef" A concussions book for children. Taich has contributed reviews for Exercise, Infrared Sauna and Cold plunge, Hyperbaric Chamber, Meditation and Yoga, Diet, Neurofeedback, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Colon Hydrotherapy and Acupuncture. Instagram: @harley_rosee

Bjorn Hazelquist (surfing) suffered a traumatic brain injury from a surfing accident in 2010. At the time of the accident, he was riding for West Wetsuits, Dakine, and Smith Optics. He was a “QS guy” before the accident and grew up competing in all of the amateur contests, NSSA, WSA, etc. He is from Newport Beach, born and raised. He has started a nonprofit, Strength In Pain Foundation. Its goal is to provide assistance to individuals and families struggling with the costs of these TBI-specific treatments. Hazelquist has reviewed HBOT, Amen Clinic, Cranial Sacral Therapy, and Acupuncture. Instagram: @bjornhazelquist

Quentin Williams (Football) Quentin played football from age 7 through college at age 23, sustaining a concussion his senior year at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He was seeing double with a ringing in his ears running down the field after taking a high-speed, routine hit to the head as a personal protector for the punter. He didn’t realize the severity of the situation or the consequences of not reporting the symptoms, and he remained in the game and never officially was diagnosed. Two years later in his first real job out of school, he started experiencing nauseating headaches and confusion when exercising, driving, and when entering crowded spaces like grocery stores. He saw a neuropsychologist in Chicago and then an ocular therapist who diagnosed him with post-concussion syndrome. He still battles with the condition and wears prism eyeglasses to realign his eyes with one another for easier eye-teaming (and less work on the brain), which mostly eases his symptoms. Quentin currently lives in San Diego, CA, and is generating interest in hosting retreats, expeditions, and localized groups for people recovering from PCS and possible CTE. He is here as a fellow fighter and has found a passion in bringing more light to the many ways of healing and rebuilding the brain. Williams has used Neuro- Optometry as his main tool for recovery. Instagram: @quentinwilliams3

John Bukaty is a New Orleans professional artist specializing in painting at live events. He suffered his first head injury at six months old. Bukaty played football as a young man and, while playing in college at Kansas University, suffered more brain injuries. Over his life, he has suffered from trauma and is in sober recovery, "I believe trauma is at the root of many addictions and chronic problems we humans deal with."  Bukaty is 44 years old, "I feel frustrated every day, but have hope that everything is always getting better as long as I remember life is a process. The brain is an amazingly resilient organ." Bukaty uses diet, supplements, art and music therapy, and has also visited a trauma center.  Website: https://www.johnbukaty.com Instagram: @johnbukaty

Kelsie Igasan (Cheerleader and Gymnast)  Igasan is a former nationally ranked cheerleader and gymnast (2002-2008) who has sustained multiple undiagnosed concussions (close to 100). She developed a substance abuse problem at the age of 16, and was treated for mental illness. While being treated for a mental illness, she continued hitting her head playing sports, unaware she has even sustained concussions. This created a very dark life. At the age of 19, she became medication free and found long term sobriety. In February/March of 2017, she was in a minor car accident, slamming her face on her steering wheel, resulting in a concussion.  Soon after, her son kicked her in the head while she was changing his diaper and suffered another concussion followed by a seizure. During both of these incidents she had no idea she suffered a concussion. In the coming months she relapsed, lost years of sobriety, and was suffering deeply with concussion symptoms. In desperation to find relief from she symptoms, she jumped from her roof attempting suicide. She suffered a broken tibia and fibula as well as a subdural hematoma. In a matter of weeks she suffered three traumatic brain injuries. It was the Community Regional Medical Centers in Fresno, that uncovered her sports related TBIs and she found the help she needed. She is currently the ambassador for the Central Valley Concussion Consortium. Igasan has contributed her experience with Essential Oils, Speech Therapy, PT, Talk Therapy and Exertion. Instagram: @kelsiggy

Olivia (Soccer) "I’m 16 and I’ve suffered from 4 diagnosed concussions. I’m a huge soccer player, and I was starting to receive serious interests from d1 and d111 colleges. This summer I was on track to be getting my first offers. My 1st concussion, In 7th (may 2015) grade playing soccer, I collided with a girl going up for a header. 2nd, preseason of August playing soccer again, when a girl shot a ball at my face when I was three feet away from her. And 3rd and 4th may of 2018, colliding with a girl and heading the ball at the same time, and taking a header off of a goal punt the next day. After the concussion in 7th grade I was diagnosed with Visual convergence issues and also had vertigo and migraines, but I never connected it to my concussion. After I had my concussion in August (like starting in September) I got depressed and anxious. Again, didn’t connect it to my concussion. I also had bad headaches, and was chronically tired, I started to get better mentally until my 4th concussion which is when I decided to go to the concussion specialist because of my severe, debilitating headaches and being chronically tired. He said that everything that I was experiencing was a result of my concussions and headers. People who know me as a soccer player know that I’m famous for taking punts out of the air using me head, and scoring with my head. So although I have 4 diagnosed concussions, looking back, I know there were many more. Since seeing the concussion specialist, I’ve had to quit soccer. Most important advice: headers aren’t worth it, listen to your body, and don’t go back too early." Olivia has contributed reviews for vestibular therapy, vitamins, massage, exercise, and concussion specialists.  Instagram: @oliviaspcsjourney

Robson Lindberg (Tri-athelete) On February 16th, 2016, Lindberg sustained a brain injury while playing ice hockey. "For two months I was lost, clueless in the abyss. Then I decided I wanted to become the “World's Best TBI Patient” and win the World Championships in Triathlon. I've learned to write and crawl from scratch. Now, I'm learning to live again. I want to help others. That is why this webpage is crucial and I love Brain Waves for taking the initiative. It is my privilege to share my experiences. Nobody is born a warrior. You choose to become one. TBI patients around the world, inspire me every damn day! My recovery therapy story, yours is probably very different. Good, so it should be! I live in Helsinki, Finland. That’s in the most northern part of Europe, where the polar bears roam the streets freely. So, among the polar bears, you can also find most of my recommended specialists." Lindberg has contributed reviews for Acupuncture, Osteopath, Physiotherapist, Chinese Medicine, Vision Therapy, Tricks of the Trade and many more. He has been an amazing asset for the Brain Waves community. Instagram: @robson.lindberg

Dani Rodli (Soccer) “I've been playing competitive soccer for 10 plus years now. I don't remember anything from my TBI, all the information I know is from my mom. So about 4 years ago I was in a tournament when I was tripped from behind and I fell face first. No one knows if I went unconscious first or what. But eventually, I wasn't moving and help was rushed out to me. From there, I repeated the same 4 things every couple of minutes. Where are we? Are we in Helena? Does Nate ( my boyfriend) know? I don't want this to be the end of soccer. After the ER, I Eventually came to that day.” Dani has contributed reviews for physical therapy. Instagram: @danielarodli

Jess Fansler (cheerleading and gymnastics) “September 17, 2016 was the day that changed my life forever. I was in a cheerleading accident and had gotten a “mild concussion”. I was seen by my physical trainer, and he told me that I should be fine and to go back to school. The next morning my mom got a very panicked phone call from my school nurse. The nurse was very evident that I needed to be see by a doctor immediately. I saw many doctors around my small town and was told the same thing every time. They told me I had a concussion and I just needed to rest. They made me feel dumb for being so concerned. I was isolated in a black room for a week trying to calm down my symptoms. Months went by and everything continued to worsen. I was taken out of cheerleading and gymnastics which I had been in for 15 years. Eventually, I went to the Illinois Neurological Institution. They were my saving grace. I discovered that I had post-concussion syndrome and wasn’t crazy. It’ll be 3 years this September since my accident. The fight to try and overcome this is most definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever faced.” Jess has found success with a neuro-optometrist and a concussion clinic. Instagram: @jess.fansler and @babesnbrains

Beau Millett (Basketball, Baseball and Football) On June 4th 2019, Beau was in a serious car accident where he was thrown from the vehicle through the windshield. They estimate that he was thrown between 40-100 feet, depending on which roll he was thrown from. He had a compound fracture in his femur, a Le Forte 2 fracture in his face as well as a broken jaw in multiple places. But the most severe injury was a severe diffuse axonal brain injury. Beau’s family was told he may never wake up due to the severity of his brain injury, and if he did, he might never function again. He was in a coma for 12 days and was only minimally responsive for weeks. Luckily at Primary Children's Hospital they begin moving them as soon as possible even though they aren't technically in "Rehab". They showed his parents what to do, and they began working with him every day. Beau went from being unable to hold his head up, sit up or do anything independently to walking within weeks. Beau could walk out of the hospital unassisted just two days shy of two months from the day of his accident. He is currently working on being able to play the sports he loves again and is well on his way. His rehab doctors have given him hope that they may let him play baseball in the 2020 spring. Before the accident, Beau played varsity on his High School teams as a freshman. Beau has added his reviews for acupuncture, speech therapy, PT, occupational therapy, medication and tricks of the trade. Instagram: @beaustrong12 Facebook: @beaustrong

Stana Moes (snowboarding) was in a snowboard crash in August 2017 where she sustained a brain injury and many other injuries. Although she saw doctors and physio's days after the crash, her brain injury went undiagnosed for 3 weeks. Stana knows how important treatment is in the acute stages of concussion and is working to build awareness of just how serious concussions can be. She has since resigned from her pre-injury job as a primary school teacher and now teaches yoga; Stana is about to start 'yoga for brain injuries' in her community - Wellington, New Zealand. She's provided reviews of acupuncture, Osteopath, natruopathy, Cranial Sacral Therapy, chiropractic treatments, physiotherapists, and shamanic healing. Instagram: @simplystana + @recalibrateyoga  

Torie has been suffering from PCS since June 2017. It’s the most pain and the hardest thing she has had to go through. Before her injury, she was a Biology major with a concentration in the health field going into her senior year of undergrad. Her hope is to finish her degree. Torie began documenting her recovery on social media in hopes it would help others. She has become a key contributor to Brain Waves and has reviewed Chiropractic Neurology, Neuro- Optometry, Upper Cervical Chiropractic, Neuro day Program, Speech therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Hospital Concussion Clinic. Instagram @torieshealthjourney

Kellie Pokrifka experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury at age 19. This immediately forced her to take medical leave from the University of Virginia. Her doctors continued to give her recovery timelines, yet the injury progressively worsened. Four years later, she still experiences a wide array of debilitating symptoms. Throughout her journey, she realized how little information on brain injury recovery is publically available. Doctors preach the ‘rest and wait’ method when many more effective therapies are unrecognized. Kellie has taken this very personal cause and ran with it. She works to compile the latest research on TBI therapies and make it available to those in need. No brain injury survivor should fight so hard just to hear about therapy options. Kellie has contributed information for nerofeedback, buffalo protocol, Cbd, essential oils, muse, tricks of the trade, supplements, z-bell test, diet, vestibular therapy, nerve stimulation devices, Website: concussiongameplan.com Instagram:@concusssiongameplan

Regen is a 22-year-old biology major at Florida State University, on the pre-med route. In her free time, she enjoys bodybuilding and weightlifting. In April of 2019, a piece of gym equipment malfunctioned and struck her in the head. She’s been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, chronic migraines, and a cervical spine misalignment due to the injury. Although it hasn’t been easy, she has learned to make the best of her situation and hopes to help others who are going through similar injuries. “As a future physician, I would love to bring more awareness to concussion prevention and treatment!” Regen has added her reviews to concussion clinics and Neurosurgery. Instagram: @regen.morgan

Paul McMahon is an up-and-coming author due to his accident where he fell 15 meters or 3.5 floors from a building. He has a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/paulmcmahonauthor that you can follow if you like the story or like his travel/brain injury blog. The message is to never give up and keep following your passions. The worst accident in the world can still direct you into bliss and prosperity. He has not had an official doctor or treatment but found these three ways, studying, writing and exertion, as the best elements in making him feel better. They offer a holistic way to improve his life following the accident. Instagram: @paul___mcmahon FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/paulmcmahonauthor

Molly Parker is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and has become an amazing resource for her knowledge on TBI treatments. Back in 2011, she was on a crowded street corner when a cab driver fell asleep and drove into the crowd.  While she felt lucky at the time to have "only" sustained a concussion, her life slowly began to unravel.  She got worse for over 4 years before finally starting to be able to find the right help.  She's now seen over 70 healthcare providers over the last 7 years. Parker is currently finishing her recovery and is hopeful for a second chance at life. Instagram: @mollyparkerpt

Sarah Verlinde was involved in a seemingly minor car accident in November 2017, and incurred a concussion, whiplash, and an injury to her neck ...this has been quite a personal journey of giving herself grace while not accepting things as “normal.” She's tried multiple therapies, and has been blessed to work with a great team of practitioners. She is grateful to be able to share all she's learned about healing her mind, body, and spirit and the importance of advocating for herself. Verlinde is a certified holistic nutritionist and has created a website sharing her nutritional knowledge: nourishyoursoulfood.com. She has contributed reviews on Acupuncture, Physical Therapy, Cranio-Sacral Therapy and Functional Neurology Instagram: @nourish_your_soulfood

Jessica Brooks is the founder and executive director of Jahzara’s Way Incorporated, which is a nonprofit that supports individuals affected by brain injury. She started Jahzara’s Way along with her family to bring more awareness to the Traumatic Brain Injury community. This came about because Brooks was in an auto accident that caused her to be diagnosed with a mild Trumatic brain injury called post-concussion syndrome. Her recovery was one of the toughest experiences of her life. From being put on multiple medical protocols that she was not a candidate for, to experiencing brand-new symptoms over the course of her recovery, things got extremely rough for her. Because Brooks' undergrad degree was in sports science with a concentration of sports medicine she was able to double check her doctors, and become a self advocate. She knew that it was only because of her schooling she was able to stand up for herself and that she should do something to help those who don’t know how to advocate for themselves. Brooks contributed reviews for sleep, tricks of the trade, diet, exertion and PT. Instagram: @jahzarasway  Website: www.jahzarasway.org Facebook: Jahzarasway