The Wind Beneath My Wings

By Stefanie Moke

Happy Days-1979: Mom & Dad’s Wedding Day (Dad had not yet been diagnosed with a

malignant brain tumor.)

1985: My sister and I Dad was living with Cancer at this time.

4 months before Dad passedHe knew that he was about to die, so he took us to Disney World, where we met my Aunt Karon

(right).

October 2, 1999: The day our lives changed forever

• At 15, I was the passenger on a 4 wheeler, and I was not wearing a helmet. The ATV collided with a passing truck, and I was instantly knocked into a deep coma. 2 E.M.T.s, who happened to be at a cook-out next door, saw the accident, called the Life Flight, and ran over to me. I was then airlifted to OSF Saint Francis, in Peoria, IL. No one knew whether or not I would live. As you can imagine, my family members were beside themselves; especially my poor mother.

Me while in my coma The nurses would attempt to get me up and moving around each day, once I was ‘out of the

woods’. My mom was so happy that I was making any progress at all, even though (at that point) she had no idea how well I would be able to function for the rest of my life.

At hospital with my mom and step-dad, Eric. They slept on the hard floor of my room for 24 nights.

At the hospital

Miraculously, I only had to spend 30 days in the hospital. My mom and step-dad stayed with me during that time. The pink belt around my waste was so that I could

be held up by whoever was taking me for walks.

Another day at the hospital. Since my bangs were shaved, Mom used to comb over my hair and pin it with a barrette.

2009 Bradley Graduation (10 years after my accident, I graduated from Bradley University, with a Bachelor’s of Science, through an

individualized major program.)

• Today, I still live with several physical and cognitive challenges & limitations that stem from my brain injury, but I try to live life to its fullest each day. I am currently working on 3 books and an invention, and I frequently volunteer for the Fulton County Humane Society. My mother taught me to be strong, determined, and to persevere; just by being a wonderful role model. Although I have an extraordinarily amazing family overall, I know that I could not be where I am at today, without the unfailing love and support of my mother.

Mom & Eric

Thank you, Mom!!!