Brain Injury Recovery in Utah: Resources, Hope, and a Community That Cares
Every year, thousands of Utah residents experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Whether caused by a skiing accident, a fall, a motor vehicle crash, a sports injury, or another unexpected event, a brain injury can change life in an instant.
The numbers are sobering. Every day in Utah, approximately 25 people are treated and released from an emergency department for a traumatic brain injury, six people are hospitalized, and one person dies from a TBI. In fact, about 1 in 14 Utah households includes someone who has sustained a brain injury.
Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a journey of recovery.
Brain Injury Recovery Is Possible
As a traumatic brain injury survivor, I know firsthand that recovery is rarely a straight line.
In 2015, while competing in the Freestyle Ski World Tour Finals, I suffered a near-fatal traumatic brain injury. I stopped breathing on the mountain, underwent emergency brain surgery, and spent days in a coma. When I woke up, I had to relearn basic skills like walking, climbing stairs, and rebuilding my confidence.
Years later, I accomplished something that once seemed impossible—I successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro.
That experience reinforced one of the greatest lessons brain injury has taught me: recovery isn’t about getting your old life back. It’s about discovering new strengths and finding purpose through the challenges.
Brain Injury Resources in Utah
No one should face recovery alone. Utah is fortunate to have organizations dedicated to supporting brain injury survivors and their families.
Brain Injury Alliance of Utah
The Brain Injury Alliance of Utah provides free resource facilitation, support groups, education, advocacy, and connections to community services throughout the state.
Two of other trusted resource facilitation partners include:
- Phoenix Services, which helps survivors and families navigate medical, rehabilitation, and community resources.
- Roads to Independence, providing personalized resource facilitation and support to help individuals regain independence and improve quality of life.
Whether you’re newly injured or years into your recovery, these professionals can help connect you with services, funding opportunities, rehabilitation programs, and support networks.
University of Utah Health – Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital
The Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital offers nationally recognized inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for people living with traumatic brain injuries. Their interdisciplinary team helps patients maximize independence and continue making progress long after their injury.
Utah Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Fund
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services administers programs that may help eligible individuals access neuropsychological evaluations, rehabilitation services, assistive technology, and additional recovery resources.
MoCrazy Strong Foundation
At the MoCrazy Strong Foundation, we believe education, connection, and hope are powerful parts of recovery.
Through community events, educational programs, inspirational speaking, and outreach, our mission is to empower brain injury survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and communities with the tools and encouragement to build resilience and move forward.
Whether we’re hosting educational events, sharing survivor stories, partnering with healthcare organizations, or inspiring audiences through keynote presentations, we are committed to reminding every survivor that recovery is possible.
There Is Always Hope
A brain injury may change your life, but it does not define your future.
Recovery looks different for everyone. Some victories are physical. Others are emotional, cognitive, or simply finding joy again. Every step forward matters.
If you or someone you love is living with a traumatic brain injury in Utah, know that you are not alone. There is a community ready to support you, resources available to help, and hope for the road ahead.
At the MoCrazy Strong Foundation, we believe resilience is built one step, one challenge, and one victory at a time.
To learn more about our educational programs, community events, speaking engagements, or brain injury resources, contact us at info@mocrazystrong.org. We’d love to connect with you and help you find the support and inspiration you need on your recovery journey.