How do you define yourself when everything about your life has changed? Cali Lonardelli is a survivor of multiple brain injuries, and this week she shares her story of perseverance and hope. As a teenager, she went from an accomplished athlete in gymnastics and pole vaulting to struggling to be able to walk. Her journey has taken her through many years of symptoms and learning to live with a new reality, as well as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) eating disorder. Cali is a true overcomer and is now a Physical Therapy student and an intern for the non-profit Pink Concussions. Take a listen as she joins Cristabelle for an inspiring conversation shining a light on what it is like to live with brain injury.
NOTES
0:00 Intro
6:15 Introducing Cali
9:18 Concussions + Symptoms
13:15 School Adjustments
17:41 Life Change
20:40 Loss of Identity
23:00 RED-S Eating Disorder
27:50 Therapy & Support
39:45 Coping Strategies
46:05 Words of Hope
Connect with Cali: @cali.lonardelli and @pinkconcussions
CONNECT
Find more resources, podcast episodes, & our monthly zoom support group: hopesurvives.org | @hopesurvives
Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com
Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!
Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.
