In 1997, Rhonda’s son Luke lost control of his pick-up while driving to football practice, suffering multiple injuries–the worst of which was a severe, diffuse, axonal brain injury. Every square inch of his brain was damaged by the shearing forces from the accident, and the prognosis was not good. 

Doctors informed Rhonda that IF Luke survived, he might live in a vegetative coma. Then, if he woke from the coma, he might never walk or talk again, and face behavioral and cognitive complications. In any case, Luke’s quality of life would be impacted and life would never be the same. 

Luke woke from his coma and began his journey of life after a brain injury. He and his mother, Rhonda, faced incredible challenges and immeasurable struggles. They dealt with anger, frustration, heartbreak, depression, isolation, and the dissolving and straining of relationships, all while navigating doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions (physical, occupational, speech, and counseling), and finding appropriate care for Luke’s needs. 

Rhonda and Luke sitting together on a front porch.

After a long 25 years, Luke has regained a quality of life that both he and Rhonda are happy about. He has found a family with a handicap-accessible home whom he can live with and can participate in his finances through a True Link card. He and Rhonda were also able to raise money to pay for a trained service dog. 

These changes were inspired by attending Person-Centered Planning training that allowed Rhonda and Luke to reframe how they approached his injury, the challenges they faced, and Luke’s goals for the future. Focusing on Luke’s hopes and dreams and surrounding themselves with a team of people willing to support Luke to reach his goals changed everything for Rhonda and Luke. 

Rhonda says, “The Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska is one organization that has encouraged and supported us over the years. Time and time again, I have called to ask for help finding a doctor or a specialist. There have been support groups that helped Luke and I realize that we were not alone in our journey. We attended yearly conferences where we were able to meet other individuals with brain injury and hear their stories of survival. The education and encouragement provided at the conferences and on their website have been invaluable tools that we have used on countless occasions as we faced another hurdle. The staff have listened to me rant about services or the lack thereof; have supported and encouraged me when I was sobbing about a devastating issue; have included me in their efforts to provide the best possible services to others living with a brain injury.”

Today, we celebrate Luke and Rhonda’s journey and their wonderful accomplishments! Yet, their story is just one out of the many people affected by brain injury. There are more still striving against an invisible injury and often difficult odds. More people are searching for answers and assistance with a life-changing injury, whether for themselves or a loved one. Some people find their way on their own or with the help of a friend or family member. Others lose their way, stumbling and falling due to a lack of awareness or physical, mental, or substance-related obstacles. 

Your support can help change the trajectory and the stories of people in either situation so that they don’t have to go through a brain injury alone. Your support helps us connect with individuals and families affected by a brain injury and support them as they navigate through changes and issues related to a brain injury. You make it possible for Luke and Rhonda to share their story, for Jessica to advocate for herself and others who’ve experienced a brain injury, for schools and parents to learn how to recognize and manage concussions, and for us to promote awareness of brain injuries and build community support networks across the state.  

Will you donate and help continue to make moments worth celebrating a reality? 

$50 provides one hour of intake and information services for an individual or family affected by brain injury. 

$100 teaches parents, athletes, coaches, and educators how to recognize and manage a concussion properly. 

$150 helps us connect and refer individuals to local, state, and federal programs and services.

We appreciate the support of people like you, who help make moments like Luke and Rhonda’s possible, and who partner with us in providing support for individuals and families affected by brain injury across Nebraska.