The Chattanooga Brain Injury Association will hold its annual fundraiser and community education event, the Changing Face of Brain Injury, on Thursday, March 21. The speaker this year is Neil Ligon.
Mr. Ligon is a graduate of the University of Virginia (’01) and Tulane University Law School (’04). In August of 2004, his car hydroplaned on a stretch of I-65 before rolling down the hill next to the road. Mr. Ligon sustained multiple facial fractures and a severe traumatic brain injury. After three-and one-half months of hospitals and outpatient rehabilitation, Mr. Ligon returned to work as a lawyer in January of 2005.
After unsuccessful attempts at two legal positions he was able to find an alternative to the legal profession. As his healing continued, he began and continues to seek new avenues for his energies.
He left the stability of his job to write a memoir titled The Detours, about the car wreck and his consequent struggles of reintegrating into society. He has since made it his mission to educate people about the effects of brain injury and to support brain injury survivors.
As a peer visitor with the Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association, he meets with recent survivors and their families. He is the director of Advocacy for the Emory Chapter of the Brain Injury Association of Georgia and sits on their Support Group Steering Committee. He was recognized with the Walton Rehabilitation System 2012 Triumph Award.
The evening will feature dinner catered by The Mill and includes wine, beer, and soft drinks. There will also be a silent auction during the night and Mr. Ligon will have his book available for purchase and signing.
The event will take place at the The Mill, 1601 Gulf St., from 6–8 p.m. Individual seats are $60. Tickets can be purchased or a donation can be made on the Web at www.cabiatn.org or by calling CABIA at 634-1572.