User Stories: Caregiver

“I am a single mother. My son is a high school senior, and wants to pursue a football scholarship. Last year he was badly injured during a game and suffered a concussion. His recovery was slow and lengthy, but I am happy to say that he is doing much better now. He wants to get back on the field as soon as possible.

I am really worried about him getting hurt again, especially after seeing how serious his concussion was. He was very lucky not to have permanent damage done to his brain. During my son’s recovery, it was very scary to watch him struggle with basic cognitive tasks. I want to protect him from harm, but he loves football so much, and is determined to pursue the scholarship which would give him the opportunity of a lifetime. Without the scholarship, my ex-husband and I would not be able to afford to pay for his tuition, so I am feeling very torn.

Although my son is doing much better, he is still not 100% better. I worry about him moving away for school in the fall and not being able to be a caregiver to him anymore. He is on a number of meds and has monthly check ups with his doctor to test his reflexes.”