In October 2014, Kim Howard’s life took a dramatic turn. She was driving home from her job as a certified nursing assistant, a career she had loved for 23 years, when a semi-truck crashed into the back of her car. Howard survived the accident, but she suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that would challenge her in ways she never imagined.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A TBI occurs when a sudden impact or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe injuries that affect speech, memory, and other critical abilities. For Howard, the TBI left her struggling to speak, coping with memory loss and dealing with a condition called conversion disorder, which affects motor and sensory functions.
What are the symptoms of a TBI?
The symptoms of a TBI vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty speaking or understanding language
- Memory problems
- Emotional changes like depression or anxiety
- Physical issues such as headaches, dizziness or impaired coordination
Howard experienced many of these symptoms, which made her daily life and recovery extremely challenging.
Hitting Rock Bottom Before Finding a Path to Recovery
After the accident, Howard’s injuries forced her to leave her job, and she eventually lost her home. Estranged from her family and with no one to turn to, she ended up in a shelter. Overwhelmed by her circumstances, she even considered ending her life.
“I was at my bottom. I had spent my life taking care of others, and to have everything taken away felt unbearable,” Howard recalled through tears.
In her darkest moment, Howard found the courage to reach out for help. She contacted the Mobile Crisis Center, which connected her to Monarch. There, she met Cherie Smith, a residential team leader at the time who helped Howard move into transitional housing.
“The staff at Monarch made me feel welcome. Everyone greeted me with smiles, and I knew I was in the right place,” Howard said. She also realized it was time to prioritize her health over her pride.
Setbacks Following a Traumatic Brain Injury
Recovery was not easy. In addition to her TBI, Howard was diagnosed with diabetes, which presented new challenges. With determination, she changed her diet and began exercising regularly. These efforts paid off: she no longer needs medication to manage her diabetes and has rediscovered her love of cooking.
“With a brain injury, if you don’t use it, you lose it,” Howard explained. She keeps her mind sharp through speech therapy, reading and creative activities like art therapy. One of her proudest creations is a mask she made in class, which symbolizes leaving her old self behind and embracing the new Kim.
Finding Strength in Resilience and Looking Forward
Howard’s strength comes from a lifetime of overcoming challenges. As a child, she endured abuse and neglect, which forced her to grow up quickly. At 19, she survived ovarian cancer, but her dream of having children ended with a necessary hysterectomy. Despite these hardships, she graduated high school with honors and built a life focused on helping others.
Today, Howard is focused on her future. She plans to move into permanent housing, reconnect with her family and start her own business. She’s also becoming an advocate for others facing similar struggles, using her story to inspire hope.
“This journey has changed my life for the better. It showed me who I really am,” she said.
Cherie Smith, who supported Kim through her challenges, admires Howard’s resilience. “She’s a survivor. Kim has adjusted her goals and embraced her new life with incredible strength,” Smith said.
Help for TBI Survivors and their Families
Monarch provides a variety of mental health, disability and residential services to support people living with a traumatic brain injury. Call (866) 272-7826 to learn more about how we can help.