To Whom It May Concern: 

I am a severe traumatic brain injury survivor. I was in a coma for three weeks and in my first week I had three strokes at the age of 34 (bilateral cerebellar stroke, brainstem stroke, and thalamic stroke). I had weeks of neuro storming and about five weeks of post traumatic amnesia. I am so lucky and grateful to be alive! 

It doesn't end there though. The strokes and TBI left me paralyzed. I couldn't walk, talk, move my face, eat, and I could barely breathe on my own. The breathing on my own took me about three months to accomplish. It wasn't an easy feat, but I definitely did it. 

I was at Sheltering Arms Institute in Richmond for my rehabilitation. There I learned how to walk again, learned how to speak again, and learned how to eat again. I was also introduced to music therapy as my doctor was firm in saying that positivity is crucial for my healing. It was absolutely amazing!

Since being discharged, I have been active with the Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley. My case manager introduced me to Anderson Music Therapy! Noel and her team are amazing and properly licensed. I worked one on one with a fantastic therapist who had, at least, three different licenses! One being a Neurologic Music Therapist. Having this has made it better in our sessions because she understands and has been properly educated to help me. Let's face it, my brain isn't the same as any "normal" person off the street. 

Even though Anderson is two hours away from me, they have virtual sessions which has been great! I started with Anderson having low self-esteem in the beginning. By the end, I have increased greatly and am starting to feel a lot better in certain situations, I don't get so overwhelmed, and I know I can make myself comfortable again by listening to some music or doing a guided meditation. 

I have learned so much with the therapists at Anderson. I think it's crucial to make sure everyone is properly licensed. For example, my best friend could never do anything the therapists can do at Anderson. She is simply not educated from a Neurological standpoint. Working with Anderson, I make sure proper licensures are in place when I recommend someone else to music therapy in their area. If not, I tell them Anderson has a virtual group as well!

I am now in a group music session, and we learn new things and challenge ourselves. We also take the time to introduce new music and explain what it means to us, and we connect with others from all over the state of Virginia. 

I am also in the process of facial reanimation as I have bilateral facial paralysis; this group makes me feel so welcomed and with my individual sessions I have great confidence and can go out in public with a swollen and bruised face!

All of this to say, it is extremely important to validate those with proper licenses. Being with Anderson has truly made a huge impact on my life and I cannot thank them enough for helping me get my confidence back.

Respectfully,

Jessica Damico