During Brain Injury Awareness Month this year, Jefferson Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute is pleased to highlight Meighan Dorr, one of the wonderful participants who has shared her time, energy, and perspectives with us through participating in multiple research studies over the years. We are grateful for her dedication to supporting our research and we appreciate having the opportunity to be part of her recovery journey. In this interview, Meighan provides details about her background, her lived experience after traumatic brain injury (TBI), and her involvement in research at our Institute.
Can you tell us more about yourself?
My name is Meighan Dorr, and I am 40 years old. I love art, and I enjoy hosting art shows for my friend who is an Artist. I enjoy gardening, reading books, and running. I love makeup, and I recently became a beauty consultant. To stay active when I lack motivation, I enjoy doing food deliveries on my bike in my community, and I love it because it gives me the opportunity to meet my neighbors and exercise. The biggest thing I learned from life is you have to keep moving.
What led to your brain injury, and what happened afterwards?
I was injured in a motor vehicle accident that occurred on February 8, 2010. Following my accident, I was treated at Temple Hospital for a TBI and two broken legs. After regaining my memory, I got further treatment for my broken legs and received metal rod implants in both lower legs. Shortly after recovering, I was transferred to MossRehab (now Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation). There, I received round-the-clock physical and occupational therapy in group settings with other TBI patients. The therapists were excellent and very encouraging. They taught me how to perform daily living activities, such as climbing up and down stairs, getting in and out of a bathtub, and walking with a cane.
How did you decide to participate in brain injury research studies?
Someone from MossRehab contacted me about a study not long after my discharge, and I have been participating in research ever since. I have not turned down any study opportunities from MossRehab because I find them very helpful.
What has your experience been like as a participant in our research studies?
I like the studies because they help me keep track of my progress. Some studies involve doing brain teasers to test memory, including my short-term memory of words and number sequences. Some studies are geared towards learning how to manage difficult emotional side effects of TBI, such as brain fatigue and irritability.
What have you enjoyed most about being part of our research studies?
What I like most about the studies is that they help me put to use what I learn while participating in them. For instance, how to prevent brain fatigue from stopping me from doing something that I would normally enjoy otherwise.
What would you say to someone who is considering getting involved in research studies at our Research Institute?
The studies are helpful and completely confidential. For me, they always have something that will benefit my recovery, no matter how much I am struggling. TBI has so many side effects, it's hard to identify them, and these studies help identify them so that you don't dismiss them. They are a great way to learn and be proactive in helping others who suffer from TBI.