UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who donated to this fundraiser! Your outpouring of generosity is truly humbling. I am grateful!
To follow me in the marathon on Sunday 11/6, there is a TCS New York City Marathon smart phone app to download and input my information. I'm in Wave 3 with a 10:20 start time. Bib Number: 28681
Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! - Matt : )
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I'm running the 2022 New York City Marathon to raise funds for the Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS). Your charitable contribution provides assistance and advocacy to those, like me, living with brain injury. Thank you SO much for your support! I'm excited to run, and it's great having you on board!
When I was hospitalized by a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2009, my doctors said that "healing from brain injury is a marathon, not a sprint." I don't think they meant it literally, but it's an accurate comparison. The road to recovery following a TBI is long. Besides, who doesn't love a good metaphor? When I was offered the chance to run in NYC this year and raise funds for an organization that assists individuals with brain injury, their families, and their communities, I enthusiastically said, "Yes!"
My healing over the last 13 years has been aided immeasurably by the guidance of medical professionals and by the love, support, and encouragement of those closest to me. They helped me work through the physical, cognitive, and psychological challenges of TBI. Still, teaching my brain to work after being in a coma was my journey alone and in spite of the impediments, I've made a lot of progress. I guess patience (stubbornness?) pays off.
It took several
surgeries, years of therapy, a cornucopia of medication, and a plethora of
patience, but I am better. Much, much better. I'm back to work full time and I no longer require medical care or pharmaceutical
intervention. I’m at a point where I can seek out new challenges like mountain climbing in Colorado, learning to surf, and now running a marathon.
Admittedly, running a marathon is ambitious. My first race ever was a 1/2 marathon just last fall, but I’m inspired to prove to no one but myself that I can do this. A marathon is an opportunity to work through obstacles and overcome limitations. My injury may not be obvious (many don't even know that I had a TBI), but it is always present. Still, my healing continues and running this fall is another way to gauge my progress.
Given the degree of my injury, my healing is exceptional. Let's be clear; I don’t say that to tout my accomplishments. I say exceptional because to regain the use of one's faculties with only minor permanent impairments following a TBI is uncommon. It's the exception, not the rule. I received care at one of the best trauma and rehabilitation centers in the state, and I have an incredible support network. I've made nearly a full recovery, but many with brain injuries aren't so fortunate. When I cross the finish line in New York, this challenge will be complete. However, that's rarely the case when healing from brain injury.
Many brain injury patients face a lifetime of difficulties. Therefore, please consider donating to the BIANYS. Every dollar helps them carry out their mission, and your support means the world to me. Running in New York to raise funds for this charity is both a personal test and a way to pay it forward. And if my journey from literally learning to walk again to running a marathon inspires others with brain injury to further their own healing, then so much the better. Please also drop me a note. I sincerely appreciate your generosity and your encouragement. With each, a little goes a long way.
Thanks! - Matt
