A Client Success Story
In 1996, Kevin was 28 years old, married, and had two small children. He worked as a farmer, volunteered as a firemen, and was a licensed EMT. One accidental fall that year changed his life forever.
Kevin was climbing up to the roof of his home to repair a satellite dish when he fell off the ladder. This fall resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and he was given a 1% chance of living. After surviving the initial injury, he languished in a coma for seven months. If he overcame the coma, the doctors expected total memory loss without the ability to walk.
Fourteen years later, Kevin has overcome overwhelming odds. Kevin not only walks but has the ability to drive a car. He does have slight memory loss, but Kevin has learned to make adjustments to compensate. Winona ORC has played a role in Kevin’s recovery, helping him expand his vocational skills and providing him work opportunities. Kevin now works four days a week at Winona ORC, always eager to work and proud of his contributions. As a result of the TBI, Kevin will always face challenges. He will continue to strive to overcome them through hard work, determination, and from the support he receives from Winona ORC.
TBI Statistics
Traumatic brain injuries have a broad base of symptoms and are very complex. Of the 310 people Winona ORC serves, 5% of the population have a TBI. Our services help people succeed at employment when their disabilities hinder their abilities.
From the Center of Disease Control and Prevention:
- 1.7 million people sustain a TBI annually
- TBI is the third largest contributing factor of injury-related deaths
- Males are more commonly diagnosed with a TBI - 59%
- Falls are the leading cause of a TBI - 35%
