I have a son, age 52, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle accident 34 years ago. I have retained copies of his medical history since the date of the accident. I had to fight for a...view moreI have a son, age 52, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle accident 34 years ago. I have retained copies of his medical history since the date of the accident. I had to fight for all of his medical services during a time when there was little known about brain injury, and almost no technology available for testing or treatment. In an effort to get medical help for my son I went through every available resource in the State of Pennsylvania. I contacted every elected official and every state agency in Pennsylvania in order to get my son approved for Social Security disability insurance, and was finally successful after 21 years.
In 1977 I started the first support group for families of brain injured patients in Pennsylvania, Head-On, which allowed families to share experiences, both positive and negative, in the search for information about brain injuries. I've spoken at hospitals and rehabilitation centers throughout Pennsylvania and helped set up regional support groups across the State. I was appointed to the Board of Directors of the PA Head Injury Foundation, and served for 9 years. I was recognized by then-Governor Richard Thornburg for my work on behalf of the head injured and their families.
My husband and I have been married for 54 years and live in Levittown, PA. We have 4 grown children and 4 grandchildren. I am an organist at my church, and enjoy reading, writing, swimming, and playing piano, organ, and harp. I've been active in my church and community, serving on the Cultural Arts Committee, Board of Elections, Girl Scouts, Meals on Wheels, and various other service organizations.view less