Gray Matters Intriguing Book of Poetry Published by a Brain Injury Survivor Gray Matters is filled with poetic insights of a woman who lived through a near-fatal head injury. Her intimate knowledge and sense of humor help survivors cope and better understand their injuries or themselves. This book gives a personal sense of what it is like to walk in the shoes of a brain injury survivor, thus enabling you to better understand brain injury survivors. Brain injury occurs around the world in a variety of circumstances; in sports events, motor vehicle accidents, terrorist attacks & war. According to the International Brain Injury Association, head injury is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Thirty percent of the soldiers returning from Iraq have Traumatic Brain Injuries. More than two percent of the United States' population has sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury and it is almost impossible to know when you will come upon someone with this "invisible disability." Brain injury is so widespread, yet the average person can't identify people living with its complications. This lack of awareness makes survivors' lives quite problematic. With a creative flair, Ms. Lerner informs the readers about head injury; she strikes a chord in sharing personal changes, loss and challenges. The chapter subjects are brain injury, the symptoms, rehabilitation, the brain, academic rehab, nature/the ocean's healing influence, and brain injury support groups. Gray Matters offers an introspective and sometimes humorous view of what it is like to suffer a near-fatal blow to the head and live with its complications. The author presents a thorough, subjective viewpoint as well as a professional and objective understanding of brain injury. Gray Matters presents a deeper understanding of the inner-workings of the mind and how in many ways, brain injury affects life as we know it.
