Question:
How I wish all of you could have been at the Pacific Brain Injury Conference with me. I was given 15 minutes but took 25 minutes. Tears flowed from the audience of professionals, and I told them right up front that I was not speaking as Debbie Wilson but as a "mouthpiece" for all brain injured, epileptics, and their families. And that some of the input came from this list. We also gave out the information for subscribing.

The comments were tremendous afterwards, with people telling me they just never realized what a brain injury must be like, or what living with one was like. Several said I was the most important speaker all day in their eyes. I used all the suggestions sent to me plus my own. This conference was a major step in awareness for BI in Hawaii, and I feel honored to have had the opportunity to speak for us.

[Input from Chris: Debbie was the MOST important speaker of the day, of both days for that matter. Without her in-put, there would have been no verification of the affects of Brain Injury or Epilepsy on the individual themselves. Sure, all those professionals talking about how to deal with the issues was important, but now they have insight into the lives of the people they deal with. Hopefully, on Monday morning as they return to work, they will think back to this weekend and remember to take the time to realize that their patients, customers, whatever, are real people with real lives and real feelings. Debbie did an amazing job at letting them view things from the inside out for a change. Many said that it would leave a lasting impression on their lives and change the way they dealt with things in the future.]

The association printed a book of my poems, and I had read three during my speech that I thought would have the most impact. People were ordering the books like you wouldn't believe. Who would have thought a probation officer would end up writing and advocating for Brain Injury and Epilepsy?

Answer: I have been involved to various degrees with the Ohio Brain Injury Assoc. We have talked about a panel, but it has never gotten off the ground. Can you all share how yours are structured and who is involved, what topics, how do you keep it constructive, etc.

...I truly wish I could have been there to see your presentation...I often thought how boring it must be to go to one of those things and listen to the professionals drone on about what they think the TBI survivor is experiencing. Thank you so much for your willingness to represent those who would be unable because of the stress of speaking in front of a group or those who cannot speak at all...(