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THE NEW SURVIVOR
I am part of a new
phenomenon. Thanks to Trauma Units and improved ER's there are now more
people surviving and facing the challenges of TBI. (Traumatic Brain
Injury) They are people coming back from injuries and trauma
that once killed or so severely disabled them that little hope of a "normal
" life was possible. That has ALL changed! We are a new force to be reckoned
with. With this new group comes a whole new set of challenges, Because
They CAN Get Better.
How Bad Do You
Want To Be An Actor ?
My 12 Year Fight To
Get My Life Back
After A Near Fatal Hit & Run Accident
By M. J. Quinn
Reprinted from the "Brain Injury Association Of Florida"
magazine.
and UPDATED
For
as far back as I can remember, I have always wanted to be an actor.
But nearly 13 years ago God asked me (in his own inimitable way)
that very question.
I was just wondering if I still could.
You see, I had just moved
to Florida, from N.Y.'s Hudson Valley. I had spent the previous 7 years
helping my mom after my fathers sudden and unexpected death. During that
time I had done everything from selling Cars to selling Kirby vacuums door
to door, not to mention the usual actors survival job..... waiter/bartender.
Now, it was time to get
back to my first love, performing.
In January 1992, I started
a 6 month temporary position at the "Jupiter Dinner Theatre" box office,
in order to get settled in Florida. Shortly after the job ended I went
to my "first" audition and GOT IT!
Suddenly I was off to
Orlando as the "LEAD" in a new musical. That's where my world came to a
crashing halt. (No pun intended)
Every evening, after
rehearsal, I would go for a bicycle ride. However, on the evening of July
22, 1992, that was the night I went for a bike ride and woke up a month
later.
I had gotten back to
the motel and found my bike with a flat tire. Needless to say I got a late
start. But, I wasn't concerned. I had ridden after dark before, after all
I had a headlight, taillight and reflectors. (Now a days, a helmet is part
of my required equipment) It was perfectly safe.
Luckily, (if you can say that) the other lone driver on the road and headed in the opposite direction, caught me in her headlights, as I rolled off. This woman immediately pulled over and began screaming at the truck to stop.
He immediately went back in and called 911, (the Fire & Rescue Station was only 2 blocks away) and all the while she held me down. If it had not been for this unknown woman, I would more than likely be Dead or Paralyzed now.
My injuries included a very badly broken back, ruptured spleen, and a closed head injury. After the accident, I was in a coma for a few days and then what they called an "Altered State of Consciousness" for nearly a month.
My recovery has included, learning to walk again and speaking cognitively. . I suffered extreme chronic pain and short term memory deficits. In fact, for a number of years I took well over 200 mg of morphine a day. I am happy to report that today I no longer need quite that much. Pain however is my Constant companion, and my cognitive abilities continue to improve.
I could write at great length about all the trials and tribulations I have endured , the many therapies I have gone through. Being trapped in the system of Social Security Disability, Vocational Rehabilitation, and the rest. Being dependent on them for all I needed. (Hit & Run meant there wasn't anyone to sue for the damage to my life)
Suffice it to say, the past 12 years have been an education that money could never buy. Despite all this, I have never lost sight of my goal to be a performer again. It is an on going process trying to get my life back, and some days I wonder if it will ever happen.
What I didn't realize were all the ramifications of my injuries, especially my traumatic brain injury. I had made a couple attempts at performing, but soon realized that my brain no longer worked the way it once had. It wasn't impossible to learn lines or lyrics, it just took forever, and were "shaky" at best.
I called it "Teflon Brain", things STUCK... But soon Slipped away. I figured if I couldn't depend on my memorization skills, I would do something that didn't require it.
I tried going back to school but soon discovered my cognitive & memory deficits interfered with my ability to learn new things.
Now, I had already given up my dream once, (after my fathers death) so I kinds knew trying to work in another business wasn't really an option.
Someone suggested Voice-Overs or Narration. I was lucky enough to meet the best person in the field in south Florida, and began studying with her. Through her support, guidance and encouragement, I was able to get a demo together and begin that pursuit.
What I didn't realize at the time was that during my VO acting lessons and repetitive singing of Broadway Show Tunes, my damaged brain was developing new pathways. I was literally "reconditioning" my brain. It took nearly 9 years to regain the ability to memorize.
I am happy to report that after all that time, I was able to complete
a successful run at the Hollywood Boulevard Theater in a show called "Better Living",
Directed by Arland Russell. Showing me just "How Bad I Wanted To Be An Actor".
We opened Christmas Eve, and I can tell you I have never had such a wonderful Christmas present as that. Even my mother (visiting from up north) was in the audience.
Recently my life has taken another unexpected turn on the bumpy road of life. Several years ago my mother passed away. My life in Florida came to an abrupt, unexpected end, and I've had to "Start My Life Over" yet again.
Having inherited my Mom's Co-op, I've moved back to the Hudson Valley, and I am embarking on the next phase of “Getting My Life Back.”
It seems all that repetitive Singing helped in other ways... Because these days I'm working on a Frank Sinatra Tribute called...
I share them with you now.
It
is not what happens to you that determines how far you go in life;
It
is what you do with what happens to you!
&
PRESS ON
Nothing In The World Can
Take
The Place of Persistence!
Talent Will Not;
Nothing Is More
Common Than Unsuccessful Men With Talent.
Genius Will Not;
Unrewarded Genius
Is Almost A Proverb.
Education Alone Will Not;
The World Is Full Of Educated
Derelicts.
Persistence And Determination
Alone Are
O M N I P O T E N T !
Hot Links
I
would love to hear from anyone
who
may have had any similar experiences.
It
is also still my fervent hope
to
find "My Angel"
The
woman who saved my life.
Me tipping the scales over
300lbs
A couple years after the
accident
Thankfully, I was able to
Lose over 100lbs.
after I got my Recumbent Bicycle
See What I Mean
These are the "Rods" Clamped
to my Spine
Almost 14 inches Long
Me as Father Jack in "Better
Living"
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at MJQuinnSings@aol.com
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