Like many people who have served in the military, I have always believed in the importance of serving something bigger than myself. I enlisted in the Navy when I was 18 years old, and during my nine years of service, I learned discipline, resilience, and purpose. At the time, I had no idea how much I would rely on those lessons later in my life.

In 2017, my life changed in an instant.

While driving on the New Jersey Turnpike, I suddenly felt weak and lost control of my car. I could not steer or brake. The vehicle hit the median, crossed multiple lanes of traffic, and crashed into a barricade. It is a miracle that no one else was hurt. When first responders arrived, they thought I was intoxicated because my speech was slurred and I could not answer basic questions. Tests showed I was sober, but they also revealed that I had suffered a stroke before the crash. The impact of the accident caused a traumatic brain injury.

I am grateful to be alive. I am also grateful for the research that helped make my recovery possible.

After several days in the hospital, I was transferred to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. That time was frightening for my family and me. I could not pick up a pencil, and even if I could, I did not know what to do with it. Still, I knew one thing for certain. Giving up was not an option. My Navy training reminded me to stay focused and commit fully to the mission in front of me. Recovery became my new mission.

During my rehabilitation, I had the opportunity to participate in research led by Kessler Foundation scientists. At the time, researchers were studying the use of robotic exoskeletons to improve mobility after stroke, and I qualified for the study. That experience showed me how powerful rehabilitation research can be. This work was not theoretical. It directly affected my ability to move, think, and regain independence.

Research made a difference in my life in very real ways.

Over time, and with the support of my wife Joanne, our two children, and the dedicated professionals at Kessler Foundation, I made steady progress. Today, I work part-time as a member services representative at my local Y. I am active in local government and continue to look for ways to serve my community. I have participated in multiple Kessler Foundation research studies focused on balance, cognition, and other challenges related to stroke and brain injury, and I plan to continue participating in future studies.

The strategies I have learned through research, including meditation and cognitive techniques, help me manage everyday activities. Just as important, participating in research gives me a renewed sense of purpose. I am proud to contribute to the growing body of rehabilitation science that will help others facing similar challenges.

The work of Kessler Foundation scientists is redefining what rehabilitation can look like. Through innovation and discovery, their research restores hope to people rebuilding their lives after stroke, traumatic brain injury, and other disabling conditions. Each study adds to what is known about recovery and opens the door to better outcomes for future patients.

The need for this work is urgent. In the United States, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds, and a traumatic brain injury occurs every 13 seconds. There is still much to learn about how the brain heals and how people can regain function and independence after injury.

As a veteran, I understand the value of service. As a research participant, I understand the value of scientific discovery. Rehabilitation research gave me the opportunity to move forward, adapt to new challenges, and continue contributing to my community. I am proud to be part of that effort and grateful to everyone who makes this important work possible.