BIG Life assists brain injury patients

By Susan Wenner

Herald Staff Writer

 

Merideth McDonald has made a BIG Life (Brain Injury Group) from what most people would have fallen apart in dealing with. Her non-profit was started after her husband, Nate, was involved in a nearly fatal accident and left with a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

“April 2009, my world was turned upside down when my life was forever changed,” she said. “Nate, my husband, was in what was thought to be a fatal motorcycle accident; the result of a garbage truck turning in front of him while riding his motorcycle. He sustained severe injuries and was not expected to live for several days after the accident. After surviving the next few days, he was never expected to come out of his coma. Nate very gradually showed minuscule signs of improvement, yet was expected to live an acutely compromised quality of life at best, and I was advised for a 3rd time by his trauma treatment team to discontinue treatment/life support. Nate had to learn everything again; he had to learn to walk, talk, chew, swallow, read, etc. As we have learned to cope with the long-term ramifications of Nate’s injuries, we have also learned to deal with the daily effect and unpredictability that comes with living with a TBI.”

McDonald then began caring for Nate and put her education on hold as she was pursuing her PhD. During this time she came to the realization that others dealing with the same thing she was had little support. “I started BIG Life in September of 2015 as I began to realize the tremendous need for brain injury support for survivors and their caretakers,” she said. “Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a word I had never even heard before Nate’s accident. Yet, without warning, preparation, education or awareness I was instantaneously thrust into a life with a TBI at its focal point. The unfortunate part of this is that I am not alone in my ignorance or unpreparedness; I had taken on a new and lifelong role and title of TBI caregiver.”

It was during the caring of her husband that McDonald came to the realization sometimes these “interruptions happen because we have a greater purpose and calling.” She added, “I did not choose, apply, aspire, or dream of being a part of the TBI population. Nate and I have no doubt that our journey-the good, the bad, the miraculous, the downright ugly, painful, unclear and everything in between has been to prepare for this very purpose in coming along side others with similar TBI journeys with BIG Life.”

Her organization is now instrumental in helping hundreds of people as well as her own husband to receive “stimulation-support, social interaction, community, to be employed, and to get the love, acceptance, hope, encouragement, and ability to do life with people who understand what they are going through.” Her experience has taught her much yet she cited she doesn’t feel at times she has even scratched the surface. She added, “It’s truly miraculous to see how tragically an injury can impede people’s lives, yet its elasticity and ability to rewire.”  

Future plans for BIG Life includes building a clubhouse to host support groups, workshops, entertainment, speakers, and open hours on the current 3-acre property in Volusia County.  They are also in the process of completing walking trails and renovating a 100-foot greenhouse for therapeutic gardening.

The continuing mission is and always has been to serve Central Florida while also to “enrich the lives of those impacted by brain injury with the goal of improved recovery, rewarding quality of life, and overall life satisfaction through fulfilling life experiences with a goal to make life BIGger for everyone who has been impacted by brain injury, providing opportunities and adventures empowering them to live BIG lives despite their obstacles. Whether you have been impacted by brain injury for 2 days or 45 years you can utilize BIG Life.”  

She cited, “There is a uniqueness that comes with brain injury, each and every person who has a brain injury has experienced a life-altering experience, often near-death.  There is an acceptance that just cannot be found anywhere else; an appreciation for life and others that is unrivaled.”  

According to McDonald, BIG Life offers support and restoration to brain injury survivors simply through providing a welcoming community. We offer support groups and enriching activities for anyone who has suffered a brain injury. Some examples of activities we offer are: support groups, game nights, paddleboarding, pizza in the park, playing corn hole, beach day, community service days, ice cream socials and more.

For more information about BIG Life go to www.iambiglife.org.