May 20, 2014 I had brain surgery where they removed a tumor 2.7cm, about the size of a walnut, from my cerebellum. At the time of my surgery I was 23 years old and was not prepared for the recovery that was to come. I spent nine days in the hospital and was eventually released to the care of my parents. For months nobody had any idea how to help me and I wasn’t living. I was simply surviving.

Six months after my surgery I went to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital called Helen Hayes. It was there my recovery was in high gear; I attended physical, occupational and speech therapy each twice a day. Since the surgery, I have struggled with double vision, nystagmus, ataxia and tinnitus.  This year I hiked 1,200 miles on the Appalachian Trail for my recovery and to raise awareness. I’m hoping my experience can help the invisible illness and the brain injured community as well as the general public. My story is about overcoming an obstacle in life, becoming a stronger person and learning to be more then just a survivor.