Tom Becker, Anne Conner, Tom Conner with Jerry Johnston Andrew

W W W . T I R R F O U N D A T I O N . O R G • S P R I N G 2 0 1 5

Remembering Jerry Johnston Andrew by Tom Conner

On April 22, Anne and I were among the guests at TIRR Foundation’s “Connect the Docs” dinner honoring Dr. Robert Grossman, a great man and friend of TIRR Foundation. It was a bittersweet moment. In 2011, we had the opportunity to chair this same event honoring Jerry Johnston Andrew. Like so many people, we have a wealth of wonderful memories of Jerry, who passed away on December 24, 2014. Our family shares something in common with Jerry, who was injured in an automobile accident many years ago and was wheelchair dependent for 40 years of her life. Our daughter, Emily, also sustained a spinal cord injury at the age of 19. One of my most unforgettable memories of Jerry took place when Emily was newly injured. Emily was released from TIRR Hospital in the fall of 1996. Like most paralyzed people, when they are first injured, they avoid the public and tend to stay in their home. Like clockwork, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo came around the following February. It was always a big part of our lives and that year Jerry was serving as a Vice-President of the Rodeo. Jerry, already a mentor to Emily, urged her to start coming out to the show. While Emily had been reluctant, she started coming out with some of her friends for a few nights. As a tradition, the officers of the show would all ride horses in the Grand Entry each night of the performance. Since Jerry could no longer ride horses (a passion she and Emily both shared in their pre-wheelchair days), the rodeo constructed a special wagon, designed for Jerry, to allow her to “ride” in the Grand Entry. Jerry approached Emily and told her that the “Jerry Andrew Wagon” was hers for a night. Emily was very reluctant, being in the frame of mind of avoiding displays of her newly acquired disability. With Jerry’s encouragement, Emily “rode” in the Grand Entry. I will always remember standing behind the bucking chutes and watching Emily ride in the Grand Entry, with a big smile, waving her hand to the crowd and me, looking at her mother, with tears of happiness streaming down her face. Jerry was an exceptional person and much beloved, and now greatly missed. Thanks, Jerry.!

Jerry with her daughter and son-in-law,

Cheryl and Brad Duff

Memorial contributions in memory of Jerry may be directed to TIRR Foundation,

4605 Post Oak Place, Suite 222, Houston, TX, 77027; The Center Foundation, 3550 West Dallas Street, Houston, TX,

77019; or the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, P.O. Box 20070, Houston, TX, 77225.

Anne Conner with her daughter Emily

Given the indisputable complexity of medical research, bringing a promising discovery from the lab

to the bedside of a patient is a high-risk venture. Only 1 out of every 5,000 compounds investigated for patient use becomes an approved treatment. On average, it will take 15 years from the drug’s discovery to reach a patient, and its cost will exceed $1 billion. The goal of Mission Connect, and our outcomes-driven approach to research, is to deliver relevant and beneficial results to patients with brain and spinal cord injuries. As stewards of the funds given to Mission Connect by our donors, we view their funding as more than a gift; it is an investment in a discovery and potential improvement for thousands of patients. As a small foundation, we have the opportunity to select research based solely on its merit and its potential to improve a patient’s care. We shorten the cycle and cost of discovery through the collaboration of multiple institutions, interdisciplinary research teams, transparency, and knowledge sharing. We are not weighed down by the pressures experienced by the private sector and academia. We are at liberty to invest in high-risk, high-reward research

with the greatest potential to move medical science forward, and with it, the health, recovery and quality of life for those with spinal cord and brain injuries. Relative to the small size of our organization, we have an outsized impact on neurotrauma research. Every dollar donated to TIRR Foundation for Mission Connect is given in whole (100%) to carefully selected research projects. Since its inception, donor dollars given to Mission Connect research have been multiplied twenty-fold by the recipient scientists through funding from the National Institutes of Health and other large grant-making institutions. It is through this significant follow-on funding that discoveries travel the pipeline of research and become approved treatments in use with patients. To advance the care and recovery for those who have sustained a neurological injury, there must be a partnership between foundations such as ours, excellent researchers, public funding, and private investment. TIRR Foundation and the more than 100 members of Mission Connect and the 18 institutions from which they come, are leveraging knowledge, sharing resources, and shortening the length of time it takes for discoveries to reach the patient.

From the Executive Director’s DeskCynthia Adkins

Compelling stories surrounding the dedication of a leading neurosurgeon and a victory over a potentially fatal injury framed an exciting evening during TIRR Foundation’s Connect The Docs, benefitting Mission Connect April 22. Chaired by TIRR Family President Janis Henry and her husband Randy Henry, and emceed by Louise Parsley, the evening honored Dr. Robert Grossman, a founding member of Mission Connect. “Dr. Grossman is one of the most widely recognized neurosurgeons in the world with an endless list of accolades,” said TIRR Foundation Executive Director Cynthia Adkins. “This opportunity to recognize his contributions to Mission Connect brought to light his guidance and mentorship of more than 100 scientists, physicians, engineers, and other specialists who are members of Mission Connect.”

Among the awards received by Dr. Grossman is the highly coveted Harvey Cushing Medal, the highest honor awarded by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. He is also a founding member of the Houston Methodist Neurological Research Institute and Professor of Neurological Surgery. Practicing for more than 58 years, Dr. Grossman is noted for his dedication to teaching and advancing research. Dr. Grossman was joined by his wife of 60 years, Dr. Ellin Friedman, as well as their daughters and grandchildren. Rabbi Jack Segal gave brief remarks about his friendship with Dr. Grossman before delivering the invocation, followed by a video featuring historical images and footage of Dr. Grossman’s professional and personal life. Interviews with Dr. Claire Hulsebosch and Dr. Guy Clifton who, along with Dr. Grossman, are founding members of Mission Connect, were also featured. Guests were also treated to the insights of presenter Mike Segal, who shared his own life lessons after being shot in the head and left for dead during a convenience store robbery in 1981. Currently a social worker in Houston, Segal has been recognized by Newsweek as an “unsung hero,” but noted that he would rather be seen as a person who overcame a tragic event. Following his recovery, Segal became a Phi Beta Kappa and was selected as a Dean’s Distinguished Graduate in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas. Most important to Segal, is his role as a dedicated husband and father.

Dr. Robert Grossman

Hundreds Celebrate

Honorees at Connect the Docs

Left to right Bruce Ripper, Susan Massey,

Katherine Ripper, Fred Massey

Mke Segal

Clay-shooting enthusiasts brought the “boom” in support of TIRR Foundation’s Mission Connect during the annual “Pull For TIRR,” Monday, February 23. Wet and cold weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of more than 100 shooters who made their way to the Greater Houston Gun Club to take part in the competition designed to test their clay shooting mettle, but even more to raise awareness of, and funds for, the goals of Mission Connect. Chaired by Will Conner and Larry Phillips, funds were raised through donations, entry fees and games, as well as raffle and auction prizes. Among the prizes were a barbecue pit and

case of premium steaks, a Yeti Cooler filled with chicken and burgers, an Orvis gun case, and a variety of generous gift cards from local restaurants. One of the more notable items was a South Zone Afternoon Dove Hunt donated by Phillip Bowen. Teams were provided with commemorative hats and backpacks as well as a delicious lunch provided by Demeris Barbecue. Winners were presented with first, second and third place trophies. TIRR Foundation offers its thanks to those who attended and congratulates the winners, as well as event chairmen Will Conner and Larry Phillips for hosting another outstanding TIRR event. Peter Hempel, Tom Conner, Robert Crow, Will Conner

and auctioneer Jack Gibbs

2015 began with a ROAR as TIRR Foundation’s Junior VolunTIRRs transformed The House of Blues into a roaring ‘20s speakeasy January 10 with the theme “TIRR’n Back to the ‘20s.” Event co-chairs Stacy Freeman, Whitney Miller, Brittany Stephens, and Katie Wooldridge, along with more than 250 glamourous gangsters, flappers, molls and dolls, cut a rug to benefit Camp Xtreme; TIRR Foundation’s exciting overnight camp developed for youngsters with physical disabilities. Face painters adorned the beautiful crowd with expertly applied 1920s flair which complemented the music of Empire 6, who kept the crowd on its feet throughout the evening. Party-goers took full advantage of the photo booth to commemorate the night.

Colleen Mattingly andSarah DeWalch

Maudie Werlin, Brittany Stephens, Katie Wooldridge,

Whitney Miller and Stacy Freeman.

Junior VolunTIRRS

Left to right Bruce Ripper, Susan Massey,

Katherine Ripper, Fred Massey

John Adkins, Elizabeth Adkins, Raleigh Wooldridge, John Wooldridge, Clark and Mindy Samuelson, Katie Wooldridge and Elyse Landry

Happy Campers celebrating this year’s theme“Game On!”

Camper Caroline Graves

September 27, 2014 was the date and

Warehouse Live was the site of some boot scootin’ and

two-steppin’ to raise funds and awareness for Mission

Connect. Legendary Texas favorite Jerry Jeff Walker and platinum

country artist Clay Walker performed for a sold-out audience of more than 400 revelers.

Through the event TIRR Family member Kristin Abello and her husband Raul were able to introduce the foundation to a new group of advocates. Partiers enjoyed cocktails and a barbecue dinner catered by Demeris before Jerry Jeff enticed them to the dance floor with his legendary hits “Mr. Bojangles” and “Redneck Mother.” The crowd continued their two-stepping on the always-full dance floor as Clay Walker performed his hits “What’s it To You” and “Live Until I Die.” Record-setting funds were raised with live auction vacation packages, including a week’s stay at Jerry Jeff and Susan Walker’s home in Belize. TIRR Foundation thanks event chairs April and Carlos Abello, Kristin and Raul Abello, Paul and Chris Borally, Martha and Dan Rutledge, and Selin and Sy Salerian for an outstanding event which generated much needed funds for the research of Mission Connect. The next Two Steppin’ With TIRR concert is slated for September 19.Clay Walker singing to a sold out crowd

Kristin Abello and her many friends enjoying time spent with Jerry Jeff Walker

Xtreme Grins, Giggles and Glory

TIRR Foundation’s Camp Xtreme was filled with the sounds of laughter and shouts of triumph last July as 43 campers enjoyed activities that helped the youngsters push their physical limits, as well as develop social skills in a fun, adventurous setting. Located at Camp For All near Brenham, campers worked with a highly experienced team of counselors and physical therapists in a group environment. Campers were divided into “Spoke Wars” teams, Wheelchair Warriors and Rolling Rengades, and competed in various events including floor hockey, kayaking, Wii Dance Maker, a one mile wheelchair race, and a scavenger hunt. On the last full day, the Burton volunteer fire department cooled the campers off with a fun spray from their fire trucks. Camp Director Genny Gomez said, “Camp Xtreme not only offers an exciting experience for campers, it gives entire families a break from everyday life. Camp Xtreme helps kids grow out of their comfort zones and build their self-confidence because they are meeting new people and trying new things. Ultimately, our goal is for them to return home with the confidence to advocate for themselves.” In March 2015, Camp Xtreme hosted its first Spring Break session where siblings were invited to participate in wheelchairs alongside their family member and share not only the camp experiences, but everyday life experiences as well. In addition to archery, paint ball and adaptive soccer, campers enjoyed a trail ride and petting zoo. First-time camper Dakota Willman commented that she was thrilled with the experience. She beamed and said, “Camp Xtreme makes me feel better about myself; like I belong somewhere now!” Dakota is already looking forward to the summer which will mark Camp Xtreme’s 16th summer of fun.

The growing concern regarding concussions, skull fractures and other traumatic brain injuries served as a platform for presentations in September and October 2014 by two of the nation’s leading experts. Mission Connect provides these opportunities as a part of its unparalleled approach to collaboration by its member physicians, engineers, and scientists. In September 2014, concussions were the focus as Anne Sereno, Ph.D., provided a presentation on quick behavioral biomarkers for predictors of post-concussion symptoms. Dr. Sereno’s lab is in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. In October 2014, TIRR Foundation hosted Dave Hovda, Ph.D., during its Mission Connect meeting at the University of Texas Medical School. Dr. Hovda is Professor and Vice Chairman of Research Affairs and Director of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Brain Injury Research Center. Dr. Hovda, who presented on sports related concussions, has consulted with Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Hockey League and the World Boxing Council, among others. His research is dedicated to the understanding of the pathobiology of traumatic brain injury and the recovery of function after concussion and other brain injuries. In addition to Mission Connect members, approximately 150 athletes, parents of athletes, coaches, trainers, and medical professionals attended the event from throughout Houston and the surrounding counties. Certified athletic trainers received CEU’s for attending. In March 2015, Jonathan Levine Ph.D. delivered a unique presentation on Canine Intervertebral Disk Herniation in a study in which cerebrospinal fluid is commonly acquired in dogs with intervertebral disk herniation and is a common method to assess inflammatory responses following spinal cord injury. Dr. Levine is an Associate Professor of Neurology/Neurosurgery in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University.

Sports Injuries Dominate Mission Connect Presentations

In April, TIRR Foundation welcomed Qing Yang, M.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Dr. Yang addressed the topic of decreasing neuronal excitability to prevent SCI-induced chronic pain. Mission Connect’s support of the collaboration of scientific ideas and research is unmatched anywhere in the world as a platform for research and granting seed funds for innovative projects. Each meeting begins with lunch and an opportunity for Mission Connect members to catch up on recent successes in both their professional and personal lives. Those interested in attending future Mission Connect meetings should contact Sandra Jochen at jochens@tirrfoundation.org

Dr. Pramod Dash, Scientific Director of Mission

Connect with Dr. Dave Hovda

The J.P. McGovern Foundation team and winner of the trip to Pebble Beach,

Bill Shrader, Brian Delaney, Kemp McMillan and Jerry Brewer.

Janet McCarter, Pam Holm, Carol Junell and Connie Plank

Bright smiles and great swings were the norm during Tee It Up With TIRR, October 23, 2014, when more than 80 golfers enjoyed spectacular weather and great golf during the annual Foundation golf tournament at Wildcat Golf Club. Honoring Michelle Jackson, her husband Don and daughter, Emily, golfers were welcomed by chairs Bob and Shaw MacIntyre followed by lunch and a Foundation presentation. After the final hole, golfers returned to the clubhouse to bid on vacation packages to California, a rodeo suite, and a San Antonio golf package. Golfers took their chances in a drawing which included international wines, treats and clever gifts.

Symposium December 5, 2014

TIRR Foundation welcomed Darwin J. Prockop, M.D., Ph.D. as its distinguished speaker during the December 5, 2014 Mission Connect Symposium at the Cooley Life Center. Dr. Prockop is a Professor of Molecular and Cellular Medicine and the Stearman Chair in Genomic Medicine. He is also the Director of the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Scott & White in Temple, Texas. His accomplishments include appointments to both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Institute of Medicine. He is currently studying the adult stem/progenitor cells from bone marrow referred to as mesenchymal stem cells, multi-potent stomal cells, or MSCs. The title of his presentation was “Potential Therapies of Injuries to the Brain with Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSC’s).” A total of 150 students, doctors, scientists, and engineers attended the Symposium. In addition to a lecture, a data blitz session was held in which select graduate students and postdoctoral fellows presented their research studies. Fifty participants prepared posters highlighting their research findings. Jim Grau, Ph.D., Dept. of Psychology, Texas A&M University,who has attended for the past 6 years, commented that the Mission Connect Symposium is a unique chance to interact with peers and Kim Tolias, Ph.D. said, “Kudos to TIRR Foundation and Mission Connect. There is no other event like this.” Awards were presented for the best SCI and TBI posters. as well as oral presentations, at the close of the event. The Mission Connect 2015 Annual Scientific Symposium will be held on December 4, 2015 at the Cooley Life Center.

Misty Strain, Grad Student, Texas A&M, SCI Best Overall Poster with Stephen McCauley, Ph.D., BCM and

Elizabeth Wilde, Ph.D., BCM

Nuray Yozbatiran, Ph.D. and Sam Kim, Ph.D. Karthik Prabhakara, Grad student, UTHealth, TBI 1st Place Poster

Join the new MIssion Connect Facebook page at facebook.com/tirrsmissionconnect

Dr. Dash, Dr. Prockop and Executive Director, Cynthia Adkins

Cameron Jeter, Ph.D., UTHealth, Coordinator,

Rapid Fire Podium Presentations

Robert Grossman, M.D. Dan Felleman, Ph.D.,

Claire Hulsebosch, Ph.D. and Pepe Contreras-Vidal, Ph.D.

Conversation and Cocktails Ann and John Wooldridge hosted 60 guests at TIRR Foundation’s

Conversation and Cocktails event at River Oaks Country Club. Dr. Dave Hovda, Ph.D., Professor at UCLA Brain Injury Research Center and Mission Connect External Review

Committee member was the featured speaker of the evening. His topic was “Sports Related Concussion.” The evening began with Ann and John’s son; TCU alumnus John Wooldridge, Jr., reflecting on

his experience with sports related concussion as a football standout at TCU. The intimate audience was riveted by his account of playing in 105 degree heat, and in football terms “was the nail and not the hammer” in a play that caused him to score a very low 25 out of his baseline concussion score of 97. Before introducing Dr. Hovda, he thanked him for his efforts in educating the public, especially athletes about concussions. Dr. Hovda’s presentation to the guests was informative and enlightening as he described how concussions can affect the brain for a lifetime. He encouraged his audience to treat a concussion like any other injuries and to give it time to heal to avoid life threathening consequences. TIRR Foundation’s conversational dinner series continued in November with an event hosted by Gretchen and Ross Coleman.

Among the guests were Kristen Abello, Nancy Gordon, Mr. and Mrs. John Harrell, and other close friends of the Colemans. Mission Connect member, and professor of Children’s Regenerative Medicine, Professor at UT Health, Dr. Charles Cox was the featured speaker. A clinical trial directed by Dr. Cox is currently funded by TIRR Foundation. Maclaren Coleman, the daughter of Gretchen and Ross Coleman, is a participant in this trial, having suffered in-utero strokes.

John and Ann Wooldridge with their son John, former TCU football player Allan “Bud” Shivers, Jr. and TIRR Foundation

Board Chair, Becky Crane

David Hovda, Ph.D.

River Oaks Country Club

Alan Ytterberg, Cynthia Adkins and Louie McCarter

Waking up, I turned to the wall beside me. The sun was just peaking over the city skyline as I turned to see my sister, Molly, sleeping on the couch beside my bed. She was always there for me, just as every member of my family had been there for me. I was in the hospital, TIRR more specifically, but I could not recall that. I did not remember why I was here. I was simply appreciating the sun as it rose steadily over the city before my day began. This was my first clear memory after my fall. Later, I learned I had suffered a traumatic brain injury after a fall while skiing on christmas day 2010 at the age of 20. Unfortunately, I did not and still don’t remember the semester prior to my fall and much of the time following. Honestly, I don’t want to remember being swollen and unable to speak. The day before, on Christmas Eve, I playfully wore a Santa hat on the slopes, until my mother barked at me to be safe, so on Christmas day, I wore a helmet and that decision, one we should all make, probably saved my life. We Jackson’s have spent every Christmas up in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, but I am glad I don’t remember this one. I’m told we spent all morning opening presents, drinking cocoa, and listening to jolly music. My father, sisters Molly and Abby, and I decided that we would hit the slopes while Mama cooked our delicious traditional Beef Wellington Christmas supper. After a few hours out on the slopes, Dad and Abby went to grab lunch while Molly and I decided to try out our stunts at Rabbit Ears Park, a really fun terrain park. I told her to head to the chairlift before me because, (here comes a bit of bragging) I knew how fast I was and was pretty sure I could beat her. Molly went down, going off a few jumps, sliding along the rail, and just enjoying herself. Unfortunately, the joy grew into concern when I did not come down. I had been found by another skier, apparently after falling while performing a trick, and Ski Patrol was called. By the time my parents got to Ski Patrol, I was at a hospital in Steamboat, where the gravity of my injury was determined. I was helicoptered to Denver General while my family had to drive down. I do not like to imagine how long of a drive that seemed. It was determined that I had a Defuse Axonal Injury meaning that I had not only a focal injury in a specific area, but it was a more widespread injury. My fall caused my brain to bounce around inside my skull causing the axons to be disrupted, blocking messages between nerve cells and neurons.

A Glasgow score is used to assess level of consciousness after head injury. The scale is composed of three tests: eye, verbal and motor responses. Each response is valued separately on a scale of 1 – 5. The lowest possible score (the sum of each of the responses) is 3 (deep coma), and the highest is 15 (fully awake person). Since my score was 1-1-1 (3) the doctors were very hesitant to tell my family anything positive, for the statistics associated with brain injuries are grim. There was one beacon of hope for me; my brain was not swelling. Doctors advised there was the possibility of a full recovery, but cognitive and physical limitations were also a possibility. As my family researched my condition, there was certainly fear, but they never lost faith. My injury was indeed severe, but everyone knew what I fighter I was. GO EMILY became my father’s signature line on every e-mail he sent to keep friends and family updating my status. He never doubted that I would come back to him. “Why sometimes I believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast,” my mother read to me from Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, for she knew how much I loved to imagine the unimaginable. She knew that I would come back to them. My middle sister, Molly, started a Facebook page called “We Love ECJ the Mostest” where she kept all of my friends updated. My youngest sister, Abby, made sure to move my hands and feet around to keep my blood flowing. She washed my face and brushed my hair so I would not wake up from my coma as a Wooly Mammoth. After I was stabilized, my parents arranged to fly me to Houston. On New Year’s Day 2011, my mother was reading to me from Through the Looking Glass. Her voice was so hoarse after reading to me for a week straight. She said, “I looked up and your eyes were open. Hope! Just so much hope flooded through me.” My doctors viewed my case more positively because I regained consciousness after just a week’s time however, my prognosis was still very guarded as I might never walk or talk again. Even still, I showed my own desire to heal from the beginning, and this brought confidence to everyone! One of my favorite stories from this time is when my father, feeling sleepy

continued on page 10. . .

If I Can by Emily Jackson

“I did not doubt myself, so how could anyone else?”

The Jackson Family

continued from page 9...

Emily with John Konke, Ski Patrol Director

Emily with her dad, Don Jackson

and wanting some coffee, told me “I will be right back Emily, okay?” to which I gave him the OK sign! It was all of these little moments that let everyone know that I was determined and would not stay down for long. Shortly, I was transferred from the Neurology ICU to a room large enough to accommodate my family and extended family. One day everyone was gathered at the other end of the room, and me being the social butterfly I am, simply stood up to walk over, determined to join them. Even though I don’t remember, my mother told me she felt such hope as she rushed to help me. Progress continued. The first day that I spoke, after only being able to nod yes or no, the speech therapist asked me what my favorite thing was to eat, to which I responded, “Well, it’s difficult to say.” And went on about how I loved my father’s cooking. It was so hard on everyone, yet no one let themselves even consider a negative thought and I didn’t either. Every moment of every day, I knew that I was not alone. I have heard many stories of moments when people could see me, the real Emily Jackson, through my injury. My sister Molly told me how she “remembered walking with me in the hospital as part of my therapy and loving every minute.” One day, my sister Abby came to see me as I was walking with one of the nurses. When I saw her, I stepped away from the nurse and put my arms around her to finish the walk. “That was the first time that you looked at me and realized… I know this person, this person is mine, and this is my family,” she said. Even though I do not have many clear memories from my time at TIRR, it was there that I started coming back to myself. Back in my high school days, I was in many musical theatre productions. A group of my old friends visited and brought CDs. Even though I had not progressed to speaking, they were all shocked as I mouthed along every word of the songs. Music was incredible therapy for me. I connected more with music than I did other triggers because I have always been in love with the

melodic world, and I truly think that this was one of the best therapies that brought me back to myself. My father likes to tell an inspiring story of what everyone called the ‘Emily Spirit’. One as we drove home from Mentis Rehab, on my day pass, I told him how frustrated I was that I couldn’t ski. He asked me if I truly felt like getting back out there on the slopes, to which I quickly answered yes. He said, “OK, let’s make that a goal. This season will be over by the time you are out of Mentis, so we can have a goal of skiing next season.” Even though I knew a skiing accident was what caused my injury; I would never allow it to rob me of my passion. In the fall, I returned to Chapman University in California. While everyone was nervous, the faculty, other students, friends and my family looked out for me. With only two classes, the first semester was still a challenge, but gradually I took more classes and even volunteered at the UC Irvine Medical Center in their Neurology hospital with patients who had suffered similar injuries. It was hard to witness, but it was rewarding to give hope to those families. Even though it wasn’t easy, I graduated against the odds with my English degree in Spring 2014. To this day, I have very foggy memories of the 18 months before my fall, but I am so lucky in so many ways. To have fallen at an age when my mind and brain were not fully formed; to be from Houston, the home of one of the greatest neuroscience hospitals in America; to have such a caring, incredible group surrounding me, and just being someone who never lost confidence. I did not doubt myself, so how could anyone else? The following year, my family went back out to Mount Warner for Christmas. John Konke, the head of Ski Patrol, invited my father and me out to open the mountain with the Ski Patrol. I was thrilled as we would be the first ones on the mountain that day. After riding the gondola up, I stood on my skis, overlooking the magnificent sunrise as it crested over the snow-white mountains with an unabashed feeling of utter pride and accomplishment. The anticipation coiled in my belly as I could see my breath swirling in front of my face. I was back! I knew that I was a part of this mountain just as much as it was a part of me.

4605 Post Oak Place

Suite 222

Houston, Texas 77027

Upcoming Events:

Camp Xtreme July 12-17 Camp for All, Brenham, Texas

Two Steppin’ With TIRR September 19 • Warehouse Live

Tee Up with TIRR October 8 • Wildcat Golf Club

Mission Connect Symposium December 4 • Cooley Life Center

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