The Real Lives of TBI Wives

Navigating the Journey: Barb's TBI Wife Story In this episode of 'Real Lives of TBI Wives,' Erika Brouillette welcomes Barb DeJarnett, who shares her profound journey as a wife and caregiver for her husband, Darien, following his traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2013. Barb recounts the immediate impact of the accident, the extensive medical treatments, and the long rehabilitation process that followed. She speaks candidly about the struggles and changes in their relationship, the support systems that have helped her cope, and the resilience required to adapt to a new normal. This episode offers a meaningful exploration of love, care, and strength in the face of life-altering challenges. 

In this episode of 'Real Lives of TBI Wives,' host Erika Brouillette interviews April, who shares the heart-wrenching journey of being the caregiver and wife to a husband who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) four years ago. April recounts the day of the accident, the immediate aftermath, and the long, arduous road to recovery that followed. She discusses the legal battles with workman's compensation, the immense emotional and physical toll on both her and her husband, and the lack of support from family and friends. Despite facing monumental challenges, including financial instability and her own health issues, April continues to fight for her husband's care while grappling with the loss of her dreams of motherhood and a 'normal' life. This episode encapsulates the resilience and struggles of a caregiver, posing profound questions about love, duty, and survival. 

In this heartfelt episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, Kim Krajny opens up about the traumatic experience of her husband James’ severe brain injury and spinal cord damage following a devastating accident on December 10, 2020. Kim recounts the gut-wrenching day of the accident, the overwhelming chaos that followed, and the emotional toll it took on her as she navigated the complex healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kim speaks candidly about the intense surgeries James underwent, the physical and emotional challenges they faced together, and the unwavering fight to ensure he received the best care possible. She also shares the powerful role that community, faith, and self-care played in helping them adjust to their “new normal.” Throughout their journey, Kim explores the struggles with guilt, the difficulties of maintaining their household, and how they found moments of joy in the midst of adversity.
Kim’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and love that caregivers embody every day. If you’ve ever faced similar challenges, Kim’s words will inspire and uplift you, proving that even in the darkest times, there is hope, courage, and light.

In this powerful episode, Jill West shares her family's journey through the life-altering challenges following her husband's brain tumor diagnosis and subsequent brain injury. Jill takes us back to their college days when they met, started a family, and envisioned a bright future, only to have their lives forever changed by medical setbacks.
Jill opens up about the initial diagnosis, the transformative surgery at Duke University Hospital, and the long road to recovery that followed. She discusses the emotional and physical toll on their family, the struggles of caregiving, and the medical complications they faced along the way.
Through it all, Jill emphasizes the critical importance of a strong support system, including both family and professional help. She speaks candidly about how she’s learned to adapt to her new role as a caregiver while striving to keep a sense of normalcy for her loved ones. This episode offers invaluable insights, strength, and hope for families navigating similar challenges, shedding light on resilience and the power of perseverance through hardship.

In this deeply moving episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette  sits down with Karen Stone Fortune, whose husband suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a cycling accident in 2019. Karen shares the heartbreaking early moments of the injury, the long road to an accurate diagnosis, and the complications that led to emergency brain surgery—all amid the isolating challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Karen opens up about the emotional toll of caregiving, the strain on her family, and how she slowly began to rebuild through therapy, self-care, and boundary setting. She speaks powerfully about transforming pain into purpose, choosing gratitude alongside grief, and the importance of connecting with others who truly understand the invisible weight of this journey.
This episode is filled with practical insight, raw emotion, and deep encouragement for any woman navigating life after a partner’s brain injury.

In this heartfelt episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette welcomes Gloria Longsworth, who shares her powerful journey as the wife of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor. Gloria recounts meeting her husband Gabe in Germany and how their life was turned upside down when he suffered a massive stroke while they were living in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From navigating Gabe’s complex recovery abroad to relocating him to the U.S. for long-term care, Gloria reveals the raw realities of being a primary caregiver, a mother to a young daughter, and a woman fighting for her family’s future. She speaks openly about the emotional toll of caregiving, the challenges of adapting to new physical limitations, and the unexpected path that led her to launch a kimchi business to support her household.
Gloria’s story is a testament to unwavering love, creative resilience, and the strength it takes to build a new life after everything changes.

In this unforgettable episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette speaks with Jacqui Taylor Hayward, whose husband Greg suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in October 2023 after falling down the stairs during an episode of sleepwalking. Jacqui takes us inside the night that changed everything—detailing the emergency response, ICU crisis, and multiple life-saving surgeries that followed.
With raw honesty, Jacqui shares what it was like to battle the healthcare system, advocate for proper care, manage Greg’s post-TBI seizures, and shoulder the emotional and physical weight of it all. From medical trauma and emotional burnout to unexpected moments of humor and hope, this episode paints a vivid picture of what it means to survive the unthinkable together.
Jacqui’s story is one of resilience, love through crisis, and the search for healing, peace, and purpose in a life forever altered.

In this heartfelt episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette is joined by Val Creager, who shares her moving journey through love, tragedy, and transformation after her husband’s life changed forever in a 2019 traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Val walks listeners through their love story, raising children together, and the devastating accident that reshaped everything. She opens up about navigating health crises, financial instability, and the emotional toll of becoming a full-time caregiver while holding her family together. Val speaks with clarity and courage about the tools that helped her survive the storm—therapy, mental health support, caregiving advocacy, and the unshakable power of resilience and community.
This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the aftermath of trauma, there is space for healing, love, and forward movement.

In this compelling episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette sits down with Amanda Ryan Romo, who courageously shares her journey after her husband sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a work-related accident that triggered severe vertigo, a concussion, and complications from neck surgery.
Amanda speaks openly about the overwhelming toll caregiving took on her young family, the emotional and logistical burden of managing her husband's evolving condition, and the difficult turning point when Child Protective Services became involved, leading to his placement in an independent living facility. Despite balancing caregiving, parenting, and her own career and academic responsibilities, Amanda found strength in advocacy, community, and her commitment to reclaiming stability.
This episode offers a raw look at the hidden costs of caregiving, the complex realities of navigating healthcare and legal systems, and the resilience required when everything feels out of your control.

In this heartfelt episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette welcomes guest Brittiny Buckenberger, who opens up about her husband’s surgically induced traumatic brain injury (TBI) following the removal of a brain tumor. What began as a life-saving procedure quickly became the start of a life-changing caregiving journey.
Brittiny vulnerably shares the cognitive and emotional challenges her husband now faces, the mental toll of endless medical appointments and therapies, and the impact TBI has had on their marriage, routines, and communication. With grace and honesty, she offers encouragement to other TBI wives, emphasizing the vital role of support systems, patience, and protecting your own mental and emotional health.
This episode is a compassionate guide for navigating TBI after surgery, and a powerful reminder that caregiving is an act of fierce love.