Garry Prowe has just released "Successfully Surviving a Brain Injury: a Family Guidebook." The book, the first in a series, is focused on issues "From the Emergency Room to Selecting a Rehabilitation Facility."  It's a great new edition to the list of books for caregivers. As a matter of fact, I think this book should be handed to families in any emergency room family waiting area when a brain injury patient has just been admitted. Garry has kept the first few chapters short, succinct and to the point. The facts he focuses on in the first few pages are often dealt with in a couple of paragraphs but they either answer the question a family member hasn't been able to get answered, or tells people how to find out the answer.  Most families in the first few days of dealing with brain injury won't be able to absorb any more than that information but will be grateful for the information. Especially good is the short list of "7 Reasons to be Encouraged." Check it out on our book reviews page.

This week I ran into two people who I'd been out of touch with for a few years. Both had brain injuries—it was a reminder to me of how hard it is for families to survive a brain injury. How can we help families like these? Is there any way to help these survivors maintain their relationships?

This letter comes from a student I used to work with when I taught at the university.Since I last heard from him several years ago, he has struggled trying to get disability payments, contend with his altered brain and behavior, as well as further medical problems and brain surgery. He and his friends and family have become estranged and he lives alone, trying to deal with all his problems with minimal help.

Tell your people about me. Tell the families and friends that the difference between a life and a living hell can be as simple as a little understanding, a kind word, a little attention. I am the poster child for neglected old brain-damaged cripples and no one should have to go through this. I know I am not alone.

Written by Garry Prowe
Reviewed by Marilyn Colter

This book is the first in a planned series for helping families navigate the confusing world of brain injury. Chock full of helpful information for people going "From the Emergency Room to Selecting a Rehabilitation Facility," this volume should be in every hospital and offered to brain injury families in their first 24 hours after the accident as they sit in fear and confusion in the hospital waiting room.