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Finding Purpose After Brain Injury And Loss

 Hi, my name is Ellie.

My story begins when I was 18 years old; I was newly married and nearly 8 months pregnant. I went into early labour, and on the way to the hospital we were in a devastating accident with a dump truck.

I lost my baby girl, broke many bones, had internal ruptures, etc., but the most significant injury was a diffuse axonal brain injury.


I was in a coma for a month — upon awakening I thought I was 5 years old. I couldn’t walk or talk beyond a few simple words. I also didn’t have the memory retention to understand what had happened. I would think I was still going into labour and repeatedly be told — she didn’t survive the accident, and I had such damage to my body I couldn’t carry future babies.

My Last Day in Hospital, 2011

I had to relearn everything about how to function right from the basics of feeding and clothing myself. How to read, write, do basic math — understand my challenges.

I spent 2 years between the hospital and a rehabilitation facility called CONNECT (Lake Country).

After I moved home, I went back to school to take upgrading courses to earn a high school diploma gradually over the next 6 years. One course at a time for my faulty memory.

Then, following a divorce, my life changed drastically yet again!
I had to envision my future independent of anyone else. I built myself up.
I learned how to operate ALONE. What did I REALLY want for my life?

Months later, the death of a significant friend changed me — I was heartbroken again and searching for purpose. In my own healing, I found comfort and strength helping others who were going through tragedy. As I grieved, I learned about myself.

This inspired me to pursue higher education and a counseling diploma. I knew I’d been through too much to not want to help others on a similar path. Now I work with people going through life challenges, offering hope and motivation.

October 2025

 

 

 

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