Smile and Jump High!: The True Story of Overcoming a Traumatic Brain Injury

The telephone call every parent dreads... a near fatal automobile accident... and a family changed forever. Given only a one-in-a-hundred chance of survival, the victim beats the odds. Her visible injuries dissipate one by one, but she and her family must deal with a much more serious problem that can't be seen... a traumatic brain injury.

SMILE AND JUMP HIGH! is the moving account of how one young woman and her family struggle through the 'hidden tunnel of darkness' for more than four years. Their journey begins with re-learning basic physical tasks of life such as holding a fork and using a toothbrush; taking a shower and eating; and subsequently walking and talking. These prove to be easy compared with what comes next, however. They must still deal with residual brain deficits that affect her perception, reasoning, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and volatile behavior.

The book is an emotional ride through the minds of family members and the victim using personal journals and a diary. It follows them on a sometimes serious, sometimes hilarious roller coaster ride from hope to despair, frustration to elation, finally ending in triumph. It also demonstrates the value of perseverance and love.

This is a story worth telling because it inspires hope and comfort for brain injury victims and their families. It's also a warning to every parent, teen, and young adult about making bad choices. The entire scenario was preventable... automobiles, alcohol and fatigue don't mix!

Author #1: Donald J. Lloyd spent twenty-four years as a medical group executive before retiring in 1998. He is now President of The StarLight Group, a health care consulting company located in Monroe, Georgia; and is enrolled as a graduate student in Political Science at the University of Georgia.

Mr. Lloyd received his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the University of Georgia in 1967 and Master of Business Administration Degree from Georgia State University in 1974. He was awarded Fellow status in the American College of Medical Practice Executives in 1979.

During his career in medical administration, Mr. Lloyd was an active speaker on health care administration issues, managerial ethics, accountability, and health care policy. He has also written numerous articles on those same topics; and is the author of HEALTHCARE 2010: A Journey to the Past, and co-author of TRIALS TO TRIUMPHS: Perspectives from Successful Healthcare Leaders.

Author # 2: Shannon L. Kehoe is a wife and mother who lives in Nashville, Tennessee. She is also a traumatic brain injury survivor.

Mrs. Kehoe received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design from the University of Georgia in 1993 and Master of Arts in Interior Design from the Savannah College of Art & Design in 1995. Her aspirations for a career as a designer were cut short by an automobile accident shortly after completion of her master's degree.

This book would not have been possible without Shannon's permission, and indeed, her active participation in the process. She has written in a journal almost daily since childhood, and it was her private thoughts, observations and feelings recorded in these journals that provided the most poignant and insightful entries in the manuscript.