Broken Part 3: Living with a Brain Injury

In New Zealand 36,000 people suffer a traumatic brain injury every year. The most common cause is falls, followed by accidents. The most severe go to ABI Rehabilitation where a team of experts support people with brain injuries back into the community.

Terry is learning to walk and starting to recall what happened to him. Eltje is preparing to go home. Fifteen year-old Jarrod was playing basketball when he collapsed and had a heart attack. He survived, but because his brain was starved of oxygen he must learn to talk, read and write once again.

[jwalt]

Eltje gave me chills. She is the DEFINITION of determination. She has truly inspired me to fight to have the best life possible and to achieve my goals. Terry and Jarrod are amazing as well.

[sweb]

The lady that had a bicycle accident is inspirational truly. She has given me motivation to do more. Her determination is captivating.

[kateg]

Eltje's speech to the workers was so heart warming, as a care worker myself I can attest that those moments are the reason we do the work.

[milliesaysokboomer]

Everyone talking about eltje but can someone notice Jason? Model brother. Brother of the year

[gailkelly]

Eltje is so inspiring and with her determination I'm positive she will eventually be able to cycle professionally. Her strength is marvelous and I hope she is progressing. Such a wonderful and strong willed woman. God bless from England.

[jennytocool]

Was crying at the end. She's so kind!

[RandomComment]

I worked with TBI survivors for nearly 17 years. Thank you for sharing these videos.

[larsstoerloes]

I want to thank you fine people at Attitude for these wonderful documentaries. Really gives you perspective, plus they are very informative.

[nicolarollinson]

Huge respect for the specialists who help to rehabilitate these people. They are foing an amazing job

[RoseFili]

Eltje you LEGEND. Just sheer determination and to go through rehab without family and whanau from Germany is just amazing. God speed Eltje!!

[georginasmith]

Eltje on the bike made me cry - with happiness for her! Thanks for the uploads x

[jonniebyford]

Attitude: I saw you uploaded this in 2016. I hope people continue to view this. As someone who suffered a brain injury this brought tears to my eyes. I hope all of you people in the video get better and better. I thought I made a full recovery after a fall, but deep down I know that's not true. There are some things I have absolutely no memory of. When someone mentions things I can't remember, when I should remember them, I have started to write them down. This is when I realised how different I am to before. I have no memory whatsoever of my youngest son's Christening, for example. Unless somebody mentions certain things I can't be sure if I've forgotten them or not. That's Catch 22 and kind of crazy! I can't remember some people either, I mean we all have problems sometimes recognising a face, but it's really embarrassing and I find myself having to apologise. People can't comprehend that you've just completely forgotten them and they say it's impossible because we knew one another pretty well. I have to make my excuses and leave because it's dreadful having to explain. It's the sort of thing that happens at the beginning of films.

[ah]

You have been assigned this mountain to show others that it can be moved.

[ruqayaalgburi]

Eltje, you have inspired me as I'm going through a very hard time in my life. I kept myself in my safe bubble, my bed, for the past three weeks ... I'm so thankful I've came to watch this series. I wish with all my heart that you enjoy your rides and for all the other patients to get well soon and have a prosperous lives.

[AbigailBGnath]

Eltje, you are a hero and an inspiration! Love to you from the United States. 😀💜

[kassrripples]

I’m watching this series to understand more about the future for a two year old who survived drowning.

[elanacarland]

Thank you for these videos. My son has a TBI from August 16, 2009. It's very hard for people to understand how different life is afterwards. My son hasn't improved as much as these folks but it goes a long way toward educating the public. I would like to have seen a bit more about the rage part of the injury but as has been communicated, every TBI is different. I'm only half way through Part 3 but I also hope there will be more focus on the tole TBI takes on the caregiver. Thank you for bringing this to light.

[kiwigirljacks]

Eltje is so amazing.. her sheer determination is something we could all learn by.  I was so happy when she got on the bike.  And her leaving speech had me in tears.  I love Terry too.. he talks like a typical Kiwi bloke! He's made amazing strides too.. was very worried about him in the first episode, but he's definitely coming along.  This series is so amazing, as is your whole channel.  I'm so pleased I found it!

[melflo]

Eltje, we don’t know each other, but I highly appreciate your determination, your courage. You teach me to count my blessings rather than being depressed or bitter about difficulties in my life. You and patients like you give me hope in life.

[szqsk]

Fantastic video! It's interesting to see how health systems in other countries work compared to here in the USA. An injury like this has the potential to bankrupt you in this country. These families are SO lucky they don't have to worry about getting help from friends/family, selling their home or having a fundraiser to come up with lots of $$ to pay for all the things your health insurance doesn't/won't cover and the massive hospital bills that will result from treating a TBI. Now that's a video that people who don't live in the USA should see.