Brain
Stories

Adyson was plagued with balance and sensory nerve issues throughout her life. These issues were the cause of numerous concussions: she had a few when she was between 2 and 3, several more before she turned 5, and more than eight concussions between 8 and 16.

Peter Marshall was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at age 53 in 2018 after his wife and caregiver, Lisa, noticed his memory issues and cognitive decline. Within just three years his disease progressed aggressively, requiring around-the-clock care.

Meet Joshua McCune. Josh’s brain story is an inspirational one filled with courage and resilience. Nearly three years ago, Josh was in a horrific motorcycle accident resulting in severe physical injuries and a less tangible but equally severe traumatic brain injury.

Meet Laura. Her line of work brings her passion for holistic health and wellness together with her diagnosis with OCD (and more specifically, Relationship themed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), to help others achieve balance and thrive through mindfulness and natural healing.

“My name is Dr Jake, I’m a physician who treats mental illness, and I take meds for my mental health. And by the way, I’m proud of it.” Watch his passionate interview about his journey with depression and the joy he has found in life after treatment.

Liana Ruppert, diagnosed with Epilepsy, speaks to United Brain Association about how her condition impacts her personally and professionally in her career in the video game industry.

Meet Chris Boyce – a 46-year-old ex-hockey player who has experienced Repetitive Head Injuries throughout his 28-year playing career. Chris has tried over (76) various remedies and prescribed pharmaceuticals to treat his ever-present headaches, neurological, and psychological issues.

Nick was a healthy Arkansas Razorbacks fan, working in the commercial equipment business owned by his family. He was hardworking, hard-charging, had a history of high blood pressure, and didn’t mind an energy drink as needed. 

Bill Baker’s Brain Story includes service for our United States Military and a career with the NYPD as an undercover Anti-Crime Officer. Bill’s Brain Story embodies the trauma and emotional highs and lows that come with living with PTSD.

Michele is a vibrant and successful woman who has enjoyed a fulfilling career in healthcare and nutrition. She was diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa in 1981. At the time, little was known about the disorder, and her treatment was limited to the technology of the day.  Michele notes, “Ignorance of the condition was very common.”