Astonishing Recovery from TBI
Darren Campion of Minnesota was an officer in the Army on leave in 1999 when he was stabbed in his back and ear by two men in a Wisconsin bar. They accused him of looking at one of their women. His injuries comprised of a traumatic brain injury and stroke, putting him in a coma for weeks. Doctors told him he had a 99 percent chance of ever walking again. Now at 33 he has trouble speaking because of his injuries and has to speak one word at a time, sometimes getting frustrated when he can’t say something. Like many trapped in a disabled body he knows what is going on in his head, but has trouble articulating it. As he says, “Brain, excellent, talk, really bad.” His speech therapist from the time of his rehabilitation, Jack Avery, never thought that Campion would come as far as he has. He has exceeded all expectations in terms of his return to independent living. His physical recovery has also exceeded expectations. Since Campion’s injuries he has competed in the 2004 Paralympic Swimming Trials, completed several triathalons and 3 24 hour walks. His most recent accomplishment was one of those 24 hour walks wearing a 70 pound rucksack. It was to raise money for a swim team at a rehabilitation and resource center that helps people with disabilities. He credits his success with his belief that physical feats are 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical. He carries a note in his wallet that says “Expect more than others think possible.”
