Kathleen Klawitter is a TBI survivor, past Jodi House member, and a current member of the Jodi House Board of Directors.
- Tell the story of when and how you sustained your brain injury.
My injury happened in the summer of 1998 at a women’s golf league located in Northern California. I was on my way to the clubhouse and was writing some names down on a scorecard when suddenly, I was hit by an errant golf ball that came all the way from the ninth tee. My entire life changed in that instant – I was rushed to the hospital after I was found motionless on the ground.
- How did your injury affect your life?
Going through the rehabilitation process following my injury was tough. A close friend recommended I go to Santa Barbara to see neurologist Dr. Cheryl Smith to receive the treatment I needed to recover. Dr. Smith referred me to a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, a physical therapist and many other specialists. I also started to become more aware of my body’s inner guidance system and rely on my natural intuition when it came to my recovery process. Over time, my process of living in the moment guided me to the slow but steady path of rehabilitation that allowed me to reclaim the life I wanted to live.
- How and when did you get connected to Jodi House?
Dr. Cheryl Smith, my neuropsychologist from Santa Barbara also took me to Jodi House back in early 2000. She had been a board member years before and knew Jodi House would be a familiar and safe haven for me.
- How did Jodi House help you?
What I loved most from Jodi House was the social aspect. Going there with friends to go to different events made me feel “normal” again. I was amongst people who really understood what a traumatic brain injured person was going through. If I closed my eyes or even flooded out, where the brain just shuts down from too much stimulation, I could still just be there with my friends. I would feel a sense of belonging, even from this deep dark tunnel effect I found myself in. They were all there to support me. That sense of compassion and being loved despite my disability was super important to me, and Jodi House staff exemplified this beautifully every time I was there.
- What would you like people to know about Jodi House?
They care. They have a pulsing heart. They work together in many different aspects to support someone who has been brain injured, and their families and friends. They are experts in their respective fields, and carefully navigate a safe and significant path to your rehabilitation. This is not only for severely brain injured people, but for those who are also wanting more “brain power.” I call it the brain train. All aboard!
- Anything else you would like to share about your relationship with Jodi House?
I have since become the ambassador for Jodi House, and I’m on the Board now. It is a very important piece to round out the team and give the perspective of a traumatic brain injury survivor.
