Links

The website for Author & Speaker, Colleen Butler is www.brainnavigators.com. Colleens mission is to provide solutions, education and practical tools for brain injured survivors. Her self-help book, Concussion Recovery, is a must read and I am honored to be her friend.


http://oedb.org/open/subjects/health-medical/

This is a useful and credible source of free online courses

http://www.mortgageloan.com/disabilities/ was found by a college student whose research is focused on Americans who are living with disabilities. It is a comprehensive consumer guide on how disabled people can have their own homes.

tbisurvivorsnetwork.com . On this site you will hear blog talk radio chats, other support group websites and events.

Canadian Disability Association.  .

There is excellent Disability Assistance and Resources on: https://abilityvillage.org/

secondchancetolive.org. -
Second Chance to Live presents topics and information in such a way to encourage, motivate, empower and instill hope in anyone who has been touched by trauma, abuse or adversity.

http://newpersonalityandlife.com/self-treatment/
Self healing.


Accessible Wilderness Society: Dan Bauer:
www.AWSociety.org:
Read about a  rehabilitation machine that was designed by Larry H Bohanan.Jessica E Taylor - New Beginnings Foundation - Parksville, BC, Canada - Links
The video filmed at the WCD Expo 2007 with Quadriciser's charismatic CEO Larry Bohanan in Washington, D.C.

YouTube - Dr. Paul Harch, MD: Unsung HBOT Hero   Dr. Paul Harch, MD (hyperbarics dot org) treated a scuba diver institutionalized because of ... Recovery From Stroke with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM_omRuWYC4

Betty Clooney Foundation
for Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury

HIGH HOPES HEAD INJURY PROGRAM
http://www.highhopes.ws/
High Hopes was the first private non-profit organization formed in the country to exclusively serve the needs of the head injured and their families. High hopes is a non profit charity which also functions as a full service day treatment program dedicated to helping the brain injured from their recoveries. High Hopes has also had the highest success rate as we have been serving for over 36 years. Since our inception in 1975, High Hopes has been recognized as a pioneer in the development and facilitation of community-based services. This year over 400,000 people will service a head injury with some degree of impairment. Traumatic head injuries (a blow to the head resulting in coma or loss of consciousness) are the leading cause of death and disability in people under the age of 35. This "Silent Epidemic" leaves 50,000 to 90,000 people needing programs like High Hopes. Through innovative program services, High Hopes continues to provide excellent services with superior results at the lowest cost in the country.

The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) is delighted to announce the launch of our new campaign website at www.thinkingahead.ie. The site is an important development in our aim to improve and prioritize services available to people with neurological conditions in Ireland.

http://www.drivewisesafety.com/drivewise/ With a performance record of 99% recommendation DriveWise is premier in Road Safety Education.
http://synapse.org.au/

Head-injury support in Queensland,Australia

www.vbis.ca  The website for the Victoria support group.

www.braininjurychat.org/canadabias.htm  This site gives the addresses of the many support groups around Canada.

www.cvheadinjury.com  TEAM TERRIFIC. Comox Valley Head Injury Society Initiative Founded by the Rick Hansen Foundation.

New Beginnings Community Center - Reaching out to TBI Survivors ...
http://www.nbli.org/ New Beginnings Community Center will be a Long Island outpatient facility designed to provide a healthy, stimulating, and safe environment for community.

Information about hyperbaric oxygen therapy ... from Dr. David Perlmutter http://perlhealth.com/perlmutter-hyperberic-center/hyperbaric-chamber-treatments/ 

www.daveirwinfoundation.org . This is the website of  Canadian downhill skier Dave Irwin.

www.braininjury.org.au Also, www.synapse.org.au   'Acquired brain injury The Facts' magazine is a must read for survivors and their families.  (Australia)
                            
www.THECNR.com The website of Dr, John Unruh the Founder and Director of the Centre For Neurological Rehabilitation, SwarthmorePenn. ()

www.AND.ca  The Association For Neurologically Disabled , Toronto,Canada

www.aiahp.org  The Institute for the Achievement of Human Potential is a nonprofits educational organization that serves brain-injured children as well as healthy children. The Centers in Philadelphia in the U.S.Italy, Brazil, and Japan introduce parents to the field of child brain development. Parents learn how the brain grows and how to speed that growth in their child. For more information go to www.iahp.org/

www.medra.com.   Important info regarding stem cell success on this website.

www.biail.org   Brian Injury Association of Illinois.

www.biamt.org Rehabilitation Center in Missoula, Montana. U.S.

www.headinjury.com  Constance Miller MA, in Seattle Washington has done intensive research on head injury related issues.

www.stemcellschina.com  An organization where stem cell treatment appears to be having success.

www.trans4mind.net/
Trans4mind.net is the world's premier personal development website,
with an abundance of free coaching services, ecourses, ebooks, videos,  audios and a great little eMagazine called Cultivate Life, all
organised to support you in your life challenges!

www.braincoach.ca. Gary Anaka has been working since 1997 in the exciting new field of Applied Educational Neuroscience.  He is the top Brain-Based Learning Facilitator in British Columbia today.  Gary is also currently a pioneer creating the amazing new field of Brain Health & Wellness.

www.comarecovery.com   There is more information about stem cells when you click Head Injury.

www.brainwave.org.uk .  Brainwave is based in the southwest of England where home-based rehabilitation programs are designed.

www.headway.org.uk   Headway support group in the UK.

www.headwayireland.ie  / Headway support group in Ireland.

www.patrickholford.com   Patrick is a leading authority on new approaches to health and nutrition.

www.Niagara.com/bian /  The Brain Injury Association of Niagara support group who also raise awareness to the prevention of brain injury.

www.bindependent.com   and  www.bindependent.com/poems.htm   / Dr Sandra Linley is a survivor of acquired brain injury

www.brown-karan.com   A home- like setting in Central Texas for caring and support

www.birt.co.uk   Brain injury support group in England.

www.rickhansen.ca  The site of Rick Hansen, "Wheels In Motion,"  who inspires others in wheelchairs to have a better life.

www.terryevanshen.com   Terry is an ABI survivor. His powerful story was the subject of the film, THE MAN WHO LOST HIMSELF

www.enablelink.org   A Toronto run foundation in Toronto; publishers of the book, MAKING A DIFFERENCE: PROFILES IN ABILITIES, By A B I survivor, Daryl Rock.

www.biasvi.org   Vancouver Island Head Injury Society

www.tbilife.com   The site of Daniel Windheim, A B I Survivor and Author.

www.caringbridge.org   Each month more than a million families with a health crisis get support from this group in Minnesota.

www.stroke-site.org  THE BRAIN ATTACK COALITION. Dedicated to reducing the occurrences, disabilities and death associated with stroke.

www.encephalitis.info   A charity dedicated to improve the quality of life of people directly and indirectly by encephalitis.

at.yorku.ca/kope/ba.htm   A collection of creative writing about stroke recovery. Edited by Liz Pearl

www.biac-aclc.ca  Brain Injury Association of Canada · Association canadienne des lésés cérébreaux ...

www.obia.on.ca  Ontario Brain Injury Association - Professional Training Caregiver Information and Support.
www.braintrustcanada.com  BrainTrust Canada Association is a world leader in the field of acquired brain injury rehabilitation and injury prevention.

www.biack.com  Brain Injury Association of Chatham-Kent, Ontario

www.nanaimobraininjury.org   Support group in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island.

www.tbisurvivors.com. A Seattle support group.

www.biaca.org  Brain Injury Association of California.

www.biaf.org  Brain Injury Association of Florida.

www.biatx.org  Brain Injury Association of Texas.

www.Sdbif.org  San Diego Brain Injury Support

www.brainassociation.com  Brain Association of B C, in Victoria.

www.biaa.ab.ca.  Brain Injury Association of Alberta.

www.escape.ca/~mhia   Manitoba Brain Injury Association.

www.saskbia.org.  Saskatchewan Head Injury Association.

www.ycod.yk.ca    Brain Injury Society of the Yukon.

www.head-injury.org.nz  Head Injury Society of New Zealand.

ww.way-ahead.org.uk   The Way Ahead utilizes drama and arts to support education and life skills.
www.freedom-center.org   A free book about Holistic Self Care for those experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from Dr. Cindee Grace

http://www.harmonicutopia.ning.com . Twin Flames, Erica and Dwaine provide a simple approach to Spiritual Enlightenment.
http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome Here you will see the great talents of savants around the world.

I admire James Redford for his campaign ' Transplant Awareness.'
Go to http://www.jrifilms.org  and http://www.sharethebeat.com .
I myself have carried a Organ Donation card in my purse for the past 20 years.

 https://www.acls.net/stroke-information-and-resources.htm Stroke Information & Resource Guide.

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Appearances

Appearances in Canada and U S.

Watch Jessica Taylor on the Spiritual But Not Religious Show.

Chat with Dr, Constance Miller on Febraury 12, 2015 at 5pm pacific time.
More Info...

Chat with Life coach Georgene Summers on Voice America Variety Internet Radio, Jan 29th 3pm, 30th 2 pm and 31st at 4 pm.
More Info...

Host for THE GLOBAL PICNIC FOR BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS. Parksville Park September 21 

Dave Graham's Radio Show, Sept 13. (Local station 88.5)
Patrick Nickelson's Radio Show Sept 13. (Local station 99.9)

Presentation ,"Hopes For The Forgotten People"  at the Brain Injury Society of Canada Conference, Sept 27,2012,

Presentation at THE RAINBOW HOUSE RETREAT CENTER, 629, Happy Hollow Road., Huntington, Vermont.
Sept 29, 2012,

Dave Graham's radio show 88.5 on June 27 at 8.30 am.
Oceanside Women's Business Network presentation at 7.30 am June 27/ Sunrise Ridge Resort Parksville.
 
May 1, 2011, Presentation at the Quality Resort Parksville, and B.C. The subject matter to introduce to Vancouver Island a rehabilitation machine called 'Quadriciser.'  This machine also accommodates an even wider range of disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis and much more.

The machine is used in hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes for seniors, as well as private homes in many parts of the U.S. It is also used in a couple of rehab centers in Canada. The cost of the machine IS $15.500.

Since establishing how the machine is helping so many people, I hope it will be used in many rehabilitation units around Canada. Please go to 'Links' for info and videos.
                 

TV Chat Shows & Radio in Ireland:

Kenny Live. (The Late Late Show)  R T E, T V. Ireland. 1994

The Gerry Kelly TV Show. Northern Ireland, 1994

Nation Wide.  R T E. T V.  Ireland. 1995

R T E radio. Ireland. 1993/94/95

Speaker at Intermediate School, Killorglin, Co Kerry, Ireland. 1996

Speaker at Dromquinna Manor Hotel, Kenmare, Co Kerry, Ireland. 1997

Speaker at The Hilton Hotel. Limerick, Ireland. 1998.  
              
Canada:


The Beach F M radio 88.5 at 8.45am, and The Lounge F M radio 99.9 at 9am on April 19, and October 20.2011.

Speaker at the Society of Organized Services, Parksville, B.C. September 2009.

Speaker to the Psychology Class students at Nanaimo University, March 2009.

Speaker at Oceanside Woman’s Business Network meeting and dinner, March   2009. On the panel March 15 2012. www.owbn.ca

Speaker at the Health & Wellness Fair, Parksville Community Centre March 2009.

Speaker at the Rotary Club, Parksville, B C.  2006/2008
Presentation at the Head Injury Conference, Hamilton, Ontario. 2007

Presentation at the Edmonton Head Injury Conference. 2007

Presentation at the Head Injury Conference, Niagara. 2006               

             Internet TV and Radio Chat Shows Canada & U S.

Jessica chats with Rev Rhonda Smith at 3pm pacific time, May 30.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/awake/2010/05/30/chat-with-jessica-taylor-author-worker-for-head-injuries
Rhonda's website is
http://www.theawakeningcenter.org/ 
This is the direct link for a repeat of my chat with Rhonda. http://rcpt.yousendit.com/881932913/a15db788ec3b03df685416f7c1fd58b4

Jessica chats with TV and Radio Hosts Erica and Dwaine about her book on
Aug 9th, 2009
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/harmonicutopia/2009/08/19/healing-from-the-inside-out

Web site: http://www.innerbalancehypnotherapy.com/                                
Valerie chats with Jessica about the incredible journey shared in her current book "From Tragedy to Triumph," what Valerie believes is an inspiring must read for all those who desire to experience hope, triumph and transformation post brain-injury.

Comments after my radio show:


Hi Jessica,

Today was a great show. Jessica, you are an inspiration to all. It makes the darkness that I have lived minor in comparison and yet your soul is so amazingly beautiful and bright. I felt the love, warmth, and compassion in your voice for others that are facing similar tragedies.

I just wanted to thank you for the interview today and I wanted to thank the Twin Flames for yet another excellent show. I wasn't able to call in and express this; therefore, I wanted to share my thoughts and love with you all here.

Much blessings to you Jessica as you continue spreading the power of self-healing. There are so many that will benefit by the blessings that your book and life experiences will bring to their hearts. Your heartfelt intention will impact thousands as will the Twin Flames...I love you all!  Twin Flames, Harmonic Utopia  Radio Show 19-8-2009

Peace & Love, ? Cheryl

Hello Jessica ... thank you so much for being on the show and sharing with us ... I was so encouraged and blessed by your sharing with us ... I would really like to help you anyway I can . I would like to help you promote your victory over this tragedy ... so that others can follow your example of victory and find their path of healing no matter what their physical limitations or healing requirements are .... hugs Elke   (Documentary Film Producer)

I'm in the right place with such an uplifted encouraging woman that is moving mountains to accomplish her goals.  Elke.

Much blessings to you Jessica as you continue spreading the power of self-healing. There are so many that will benefit by the blessings that your book and life experiences will bring to their hearts. Your heartfelt intention will impact thousands as will the Twin Flames...I love you all! Peace & Love, ? Cheryl


I'm here if you need me. Thanks for sharing your story, and becoming who you are.
Remy


Your profound ability to give people hope in their future and your indomitable resistance to the perseverance of not giving up is very commendable to say the least. You are a beacon of light on the darkest of nights. To never give up is to some an unfathomable though but to you it was your only way of preserving some sort of normal in your existence in this world that you live in. You have re made your world. You have overcome the impossible and now you travel on the roads enlightenment of others helping to show the truth of hope. 
Thank You

Love and Light, White Light
Hi Jessica...

Kudos to you, for your strength, determination and loving people enough to share your story. I could not imagine a fight for life such as yours. There are times when a curse becomes a blessing. The curse, your injury...and the blessing is to all those who will read your book and understand what trials are.

Thank you for sharing...Love and blessings, Lea
Thanks Jessica! Your energy, love, determination, support and wisdom are appreciated. I am very grateful to have met you. C J.  (Survivor)
Wonderful you have the voice of an Angle.  All the best more will follow so get ready for a mad autumn and a crazy winter.    Lin.  (Psychic)

I just really wanted to say hello and confess that I have very little knowledge of your work, brain injuries and only heard you for the first time on Blog talk radio which I was late as usual, my excuse being I live to far away in England. You have a lovely way about you and really would like to hear more about your spiritual self/ Journey from you as you are now, I believe we all have our inner calling to do something and you obviously have yours as I also have mine which is still at its dream stage from where I am now but am interested in how you see the world at the moment so I can maybe get a glimpse or sense your energy, as I believe before the physical work can begin there must be non physical work from which it came and as much as I want to share in your specific physical work I really think your inner work can help so many on there own physical works calling :) Aston.

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New Beginnings- Facts

BRAIN INJURY IS THE MAJOR CAUSE OF DEATH AND DISABILITY WORLDWIDE. IT IS A MAJOR GLOBAL HEALTH ISSUE WITH ESTIMATES OF OVER 1 BILLION PEOPLE AFFECTED ANNUALLY.

HEAD INJURY IS NOT ONLY 'A SILENT EPIDEMIC’; THE SURVIVORS ARE "THE FORGOTTEN PEOPLE."

1billion people are head injured annually world wide. 2.5 million of which are from the U S. In British Columbia alone, the number of people head- injured annually is 14.000. In Ireland, 10,000 people are head- injured annually. In Great Britain that number exceeds one million. In Queensland alone 11,000 people are expected to have a head- injury in the coming year. 1.6 million People are head injured annually in Australia. In New Zealand, 30,000 people suffer a head- injury annually. The statistics are just as frightening in the rest of the world.

How many more studies and statistics have to be generated in order for something positive to be done? All the world needs now is a call to action. Realizing that tomorrow we, or someone we love could suffer a traumatic head injury is the first step towards change.

Brain-related illness costs 1.3 trillion dollars in the U.S... annually. The lifetime cost for just one person surviving a severe injury can reach $4 million. Unfortunately, 41 percent of head-injured people live below the poverty line, and only one in twenty receive the rehabilitation they require. The Federal government spends less than $3 per brain-injured survivor on Traumatic Brain Injury research and Services.

A RAND study reports that nearly 20% of military service members who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan–320, 000 and still counting – report symptoms of traumatic stress disorder or major depression, yet only slightly more than half have sought treatment. Nineteen percent have suffered various degrees of brain injuries.

According to Zack Lynch, Executive Director of the Neurotechnology Industry Organization, there are 100 million Americans suffering from a brain-related illness, with an enormous economic burden that continues to grow as the population ages. He further states that Congress has the opportunity to streamline research efforts and accelerate the development of new treatments in order to meaningfully impact the lives of those suffering from devastating diseases and injuries.

In medicine today, the rehabilitation for brain-injured survivors is the most neglected area of all. This must change for the better! It also must be made known that head-injured survivors "suffer in silence." That, alone, is one of the saddest aspects that someone who is head-injured not only struggles to find rehabilitation and support but is forced to endure the mental and emotional pain of being isolated from the rest of society.

Brain-injury affects more people than breast cancer, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and HIVI/AIDA.

Though my autobiography is said to be "stupendous and inspirational”, it is very much part of my campaign. In the contents, I petition governments, medical people, the media, and the public in general, to refrain from using the demeaning and antiquated terminologies 'brain-damage' and 'vegetable.' .........

"Jessica, You have presented a compelling case against negative terminology and I applaud your efforts. In time, as more people become aware of the heart-ache these terms can cause, we can hope for a greater understanding and a change to more enlightened attitudes. Well done!" (Kathleen Falvae. Stroke Recovery Association. Oceanside Branch)

B.C. opposition Health Critic, Adrian Dix says "there is a lack of rehabilitation for head and brain injured survivors and this is a serious national problem."

Since it has been recently discovered that head- injured survivor, Ron Houben, from Brussels, was conscious for the 23 years when thought to be in a coma, more advanced diagnosis must be practiced.

CHILDREN AND CONCUSSION.
Concussions should be renamed "mild traumatic brain injuries," to better convey their seriousness.

Children diagnosed with a concussion were released from hospital sooner and returned to school faster than those diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.

Researchers analyzed data on 434 children who were admitted with acquired brain injury to McMaster Children's Hospital over a period of two years. Of 341 who were found to have traumatic brain injury, 32 per cent received the diagnosis of concussion. But 24 per cent of children who had moderate or severe scores on tests of neurological function were labeled as having a concussion, the team found.

Children diagnosed with concussion were also 1.5 times more likely to be released from hospital earlier than those who did not. They were also 2.4 times more likely to return to school just a few days after the injury.

Carol DeMatteo, a clinical professor in the school of rehabilitation science at McMaster, said she wants parents to have good information before deciding whether children should return to school or activity, since doing so too soon puts them at greater risk for a second injury and poor school performance.

Singing Helps Stroke and Head-Injured Survivors.

Teaching stroke patients to sing "rewires" their brains, helping them recover their speech, say scientists. By singing, patients use a different area of the brain from the area involved in speech. If a person's "speech center" is injured by a stroke, they can learn to use their "singing center" instead.
Researchers presented these findings at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in San Diego.
Gottfried Schlaug, a neurology professor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School in Boston, US, led the trial.

Melodic Intonation Therapy.

The therapy is already established as a medical technique. Researchers first used it when it was discovered that stroke patients with brain injury that left them unable to speak were still able to sing.
Professor Schlaug explained that his was the first study to combine this therapy with brain imaging - "to show what is actually going on in the brain" as patients learn to sing their words.

Advanced Rehabilitation

At the Schmieder Hospital in Germany, many coma patients are being brought back to life. I urge families to look at the video

Coma - Germany/www.youtube.com

We need the Schmieder rehabilitation conducted in the rest of the world.

'If you believe in a dream, and have the courage to try, great things can be accomplished.' Rick Hansen ~Visit Rick Hansen's site

"People aren’t different. I do lots of things just like anyone else would do" (Mike Bailey, Special Olympics Athlete.)

For personal stories from Headway, Ireland, go to http://www.headway.ie

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Media

Journalist’s articles about Jessica's book and campaign in Ireland:

THE MAN WHO COULD NOT WALK RAN UP TORK.  By Sharon Brown. THE KERRY PEOPLE 31/8/94

HEADS UP FOR THE SILENT EPIDEMIC.  By Michelle Breen.  KERRY'S EYE. 27/1/95

MILLTOWN GETS DOWN TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER. By Michelle Breen.

KERRY'S EYE. 29/4/04

RECOVERY AFTER BRAIN INJURY. By Jessica Taylor. THE KERRYMAN. 7/2/98

BODY SOUL AND BRAIN.  By Anne Lucey. CORK EXAMINER. 8/4/95

FATE IS HELPING ME.  By Valerie Sweeney. WOMANS WAY MAGAZINE. 4/8/95

JESSICA MEETS FERGIE. THE KERRY PEOPLE. 24/11/93

KILLORGLIN AUTHOR MEETS ACTRESS FAITH BROWN.  THE KERRYMAN. 6/2/94

PRESIDENTS GOODWILL MESSAGE THRILLS JESSICA. By Breda Joy. THE KERRYMAN 7/12/94

BACK FROM THE BRINK. By Alexis Brown. WOMANS WORLD MAGAZINE (SUNDAY WORLD) 6/2/94

LONG JOURNEY OUT OF DARKNESS. By Terry McGeehan. 27/10.92

DUCHESS OF YORK PRAISES JESSICA TAYLOR'S BRAVERY. THE KERRYMAN. 1/10/93

THE JOURNEY BACK AFTER SERIOUS BRAIN INJURY. By Colette Sheridan.

CORK EXAMINER. Oct'93

BUCKINGHAM PALACE PRAISE FOR KILLORGLIN AUTHOR. THE KINGDOM. Oct'93

JESSICA'S JOURNEY BACK. By Cleo Murphy. THE KINGDOM. 21/8/93

PLACE THE FACE. THE KINGDOM.  23/2/98

IRISH PUBLICATIONS.  THE WESTMEATH EXAMINER.  21/8/93

FUNDRAISING WITH FERGIE. By Marie Carmody. THE LIMERICK LEADER.Oct'93.

AT 45, BRENDAN LEARNS TO LIVE AGAIN. By Daniele Dreyer. THE KINGDOM. 13/12/94

RAY OF HOPE FOR THE AFFLICTED. By Marie Carmody. LIMERICK LEADER. 26/6 93.

LIFE ALL OVER AGAIN.  By Kate Shannahan. IRISH PRESS. 17/12/92

JESSICA CAMPAIGNS FOR BRAIN INJURED VICTIMS. By Daniel Dryer. THE KINGDOM.

March. 1993.

THE JOURNEY BACK.  THE KERRY PEOPLE.  10/3/93

KERRY AUTHOR TO MEET FERGIE IN APRIL.  THE KERRYMAN. 12/3/93

THE JOURNEY BACK.  By Ann Gitte. THE TELLING VOICE. 12/4/95

I COULD'NT EVEN REMEMBER MY OWN NAME.  By Anne Dempsey. U MAGAZINE

15/1/92

TRIUMPH OVER A TERRIBLE TRAGEDY.  By Rory Hafford. THE STAR. 7/7/93

JESSICA: FILM LIKELY.  THE KINGDOM.  20/4/93

BRAIN INJURED NOT BEYOND RECOVERY.  By Clodagh Finn. CORK EXAMINER.

Newspaper articles on Jessica's campaign in Canada:

Global Picnic for Brain Injury - with music! - Parksville, Qualicum ...
www.visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com/cms.asp?...2012...30...
COME TO A GLOBAL PICNIC FOR BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS AT THE PICNIC SHELTER, PARKSVILLE COMMUNITY PARK: JUNE 30, 2012. 4PM TO 7PM.

BRAIN-INJURED NOT GETTING HELP, ADVOCATE SAYS. 

By Brad Bird.    OCEANSIDE STAR   30/10/2008

TRIBUTE FOR BRAIN INJURY SURVIVORS.

By Fred Davies.   THE NEWS. 26/10/2008

BRAIN INJURY DOES NOT STOP HER FROM HELPING OTHERS. 

By Bill Robinson.........    HARBOUR CITY STAR.  / 6/7/2009.

JESSICA, THE HIDDEN HERO

            'As a young boy, they called him ‘retarded’. They kicked him, threw him into ditches, shoved wasps down his back and sexually abused him.  Diagnosed an ‘idiot-savant’, he was born with a pure singing voice, but sang in pubs for a pittance. The house that Brendan Moriarty lived in by himself had no plumbing or heating whatsoever. He was forced to use the back field as a privy. When Canadian immigrant Jessica Taylor found him, his hair was long and tangled, his clothing mismatched and smelly and his manners coarse. She stepped in when there was a family dispute about his house, contacted lawyers on his behalf and kept him company in court.  She sat by his side when a team of psychiatrists assessed him over and over again to determine if he was competent to tend to his own needs.

            Jessica’s empathy arose from her own horrific ordeal.  Though she had never known the cruelty Brendan endured, she still identified with his painful plight. Taking on the role of a mother, she taught him to eat and dress properly, helped renovate his home, and hired plumbers to install hydro facilities.  For seven years she watched over him, loved him and encouraged him to gain confidence in his speech, singing and musical abilities. The first time she saw him, he was sitting in a corner of the pub in bare feet, his head hunched into his body, singing and playing harmonica and accordion to tourists from all over the world. Immediately Jessica assessed his formidable talent and taught him to stand up to the pub owners to demand his rightful payment, encouraging his sense of self-worth. Today this man is dressed in pressed slacks, trendy shirts and his hair cut short as he confidently strides across the stage and between songs, smiles and jokes with his adoring audience.

On Christmas Day, Brendan phoned Jessica from his home in County Kerry to her home on Vancouver Island. His voice lilts with happiness, confidence and love for the woman who drastically changed his life.

But this is not the only person whose life Jessica transformed from dark to light. Two are here on Earth today because this caring woman pulled them back from the brink of taking their own lives. After suffering a severe brain injury, which she recounts in her amazing book, “From Tragedy to Triumph; journey back from the edge”, she almost singlehandedly took on the medical and governmental systems, to drum up support for ‘the forgotten people’.  Her heroic deeds have not gone unnoticed. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York wrote to her, “You are a great example to many for your bravery, determination and dedication.” Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland said, “My appreciation for your marvelous courage and work on behalf of the brain-injured of Ireland.”

Rather than accept the doctor’s words, “I want you to work in a factory and pack boxes for a living,” she totally rebelled and studied in libraries to research theology and its connection with the paranormal. She then discovered she was actually stimulating her dormant neurons to take over the task of the dead cells in her brain. Today she is vociferously promoting a rehabilitation program called, “Reserved Neuron Stimulation Patterning” while trying to bring it to Vancouver Island. She is currently writing a thesis on her research entitled, “Jewels in the Mud” and intends to earn her degree in Theology.
'Nothing stops this tireless woman. Leaving the dark cave of her horrific experience, Jessica Taylor could have gone into the Light and moved on. But she stopped, turned around, saw the suffering of others then ran back into their darkness. She suffuses them with determination and with gentling hands, leads them steadily and surely into the light of a new, healing day.
Never have I seen a more determined, focused individual. She is always constantly aware of the limitations of her brain injury but merely laughs, muddles through and emerges on the other side stronger, happier and with more to share with those she tirelessly aids. She has taught others to never limit yourself and never allow others to limit you. Focus on each new challenge and allow your spirit to clear each hurdle.

By Liz Roy. Editor, Author, Metaphysical Lecturer/
www.lizroy.ca

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Quotes

"Jessica is the living proof of all my theories regarding human potential.She is a rising star in the firmament" Sandra Ramdhani. Author and Psychic. 

“After receiving a copy of Jessica’s book I started to read it immediately and was unable to put it down.  I laughed, I cried, I wanted to jump up and down and scream..”FINALLY…!!! SOMEONE UNDERSTANDS ME!!!.  It was as though Jessica had literally crawled into my body and life and was describing in exact detail, everything I was feeling and had been trying to express for the last three years of my life!  It has been a very trying and difficult time for me in many areas of my life.  Jessica has inspired and given me hope.”Kathryn S Vause. Utah

“A stupendous story well worth reading” (Gerry Kelly: 'The Kelly Show.' U T V. Northern Ireland)

"When your book is published, actress's will fight each other to play you . Your story has film potential." (Henry Beckman, Actor.1985)

“An extraordinary story. A tragedy with humor.”(Pat Kenny. 'The Kenny Live' T V Show', Ireland)'

"Critics have described Jessica's story as a Triumph of the human spirit: (Journalist, Rory Hafford:  The Irish Star.)

"The most remarkable autobiography I have ever read. I could not put the book down". (Sinead O Sullivan. Kerry, Ireland)

"I often pick up your book to re-read it. It's always alive."(Brendan Kennelly)

“Your appearance on Kenny Live touched a chord with many people.” (John Burns. Researcher for RTE T V, Ireland.)

“A stupendous story well worth reading”

(Gerry Kelly: The Kelly Show. U T V. Ireland)

“An extraordinary story. A tragedy with humor.”(Pat Kenny.  Kenny Live. RTE Ireland)

"Your book is truly inspirational”. (Shay Healy. RTE TV Ireland)

“Your book would make a great film.”(Jean Ritchie. Author/Journalist).

"I managed to read the draft of your book, From Tragedy To Triumph.  The review will be in the winter issue of our Newsletter. I thought that it was a wonderful read and will give a real insight what it is like to be touched by brain injury. It is a very brave, touching and honest account of your experiences and I hope it will be a best seller!" (Clodagh O Brian. Headway Ireland.)

"A book for everyone in the medical profession." (Nurse. P. Hayden U. K)

“You are a great example for your bravery, determination and dedication.”  (Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York.)

“My appreciation for your marvelous courage and work on behalf of the brain-injured of Ireland” (Mary Robinson: Former President of Ireland.)

"I love your website and the work you are doing for all of us with a head-injury."   (Dr. Sandra Linley.)

"Your book is a tribute to your strength of character and determination." (Geraldine Diggin, Kerry Ireland.)

"I have known Jessica for many years and I never fail to be impressed by her fortitude and dedication, to the blessed work she has undertaken on behalf of those who suffered brain injury. Her noble work is bearing fruit in many countries and changing the public attitude towards those less fortunate brothers and sisters. In my eyes she is truly a Hero - no longer a hidden hero."  (Patrick Gallivan /Chairman, Sathya Sai Organisation,Ireland)

"We feel thankful to meet some like you who has been able to overcome such a horrendous experience and can genuinely help others.  We send you our heartfelt wishes that you will have continued strength and enthusiasm to take the message far and wide." (Debra and William Miller: Global Dharma Center)

  “Her story will provide hope for those who feel helpless. We can feel thankful for Jessica’s courage profound enough to provide an example for what can be done for the brain injured.”(Dr. John Unruh, Director of the Centre for Neurological Rehabilitation, Penn, US)

“Jessica’s experience demonstrates once again the potential of brain function, its ability to accept the insult of brain injury and the effectiveness of Reserve Neuron Stimulation. Her determination is an inspiration to all in the fight to succeed in rehabilitation.” (Eugene Campbell, Director of Association Revivre, Auterive, France.)

"I've just completed reading your book.  It was a truly remarkable journey and definitely is not an ordinary one.  Your experience has touched my heart deeply and opened my eyes into areas which I have never been aware of before.  You are a blessing to mankind and an inspiration to so many helpless beings.  God has chosen you for this role and you have not let Him down.  I feel truly honored to have met you through your book. " (Adeline Teh.)

"Your story is very important"  (Vanessa Redgrave.)

"I read your book today from cover-to-cover.  I couldn't put it down - I wanted to finish reading it.  What an inspiring and compelling story!"  (Raymond Trembley, author of 'Riding The Tides Of Life.)

“An extraordinary story, which I found very moving. Well suited to a mini series.” (Roger Randall-Cutler; Producer of The Commitments.)

“Good luck with the book. We hope that not only is it successful for you but your fight, determination, strength and incredible courage are recognized. You are a remarkable lady. (Susan George and Simon MacCorkindale.  AMY Productions.)

"We're so proud of your accomplishments and our hearts are with you and your fine efforts." (Jon and Judy Hendricks).

“I commend you for your courage and strength.”(Dave Pelzer, author of 'A Child Called It')

“Your story is inspirational and motivational. It needs to reach the mass media."    (Samira/Tribute to Tina) . www.trulytina.com

  "From Tragedy to Triumph, in Jessica's own heartfelt words, is a true story of struggle, adversity and triumph.  Her story will not only open your eyes, but also your heart." (Paul Elder, Author & Ex TV Newscaster) 

"Your profound ability to give people hope in their future and your indomitable persistence to the perseverance of not giving up is very commendable to say the least. You are a beacon of light on the darkest of nights. To never give up is to some an unfathomable though but to you it was your only way of preserving some sort of normal in your existence in this world that you live in. You have re made your world. You have overcome the impossible and now you travel on the roads enlightenment of others helping to show the truth of hope." ('White Light')

"An extraordinary story, which I found very moving. Well suited to a mini series". (Roger Randall-Cutler, Producer “ The Commitments)

"I was deeply moved by your story - and more - by your courage not only to recover from a traumatic experience but also to then go on to give back to others in similar situations." (Wallace Huey. Trans4mind.)

“A wonderful account of unbreakable courage. The stuff of which great people are made.” (Andre Kehoe. Author)

"You are such an inspiration to all who know you. I'm one of the lucky ones". (Rina Knoesen. Architect)

“Riveting. You have packed more into the last few years than most people achieve in a lifetime.” (The late Peggy Mason. Author.)

“Your story is unique” (Rochelle Moore, Author).

"Thank you so very much for your book. It was wonderful. I laughed and cried while reading it. I am in the process of having members of my family read it. Keep up the good work." (Maureen Shakespear. Immigration Officer.)

"I finished reading your book at 3 am this morning!!! Thank you for sharing your thought-provoking life story, journey after brain injury.
I gained great insight into some of the inner thought processes that you went through and shared your many experiences. I feel so fortunate that I have had the opportunity to meet you and be a part of your efforts to increase awareness of brain injury, the hidden disability." (Myrna Scarff. Teacher of special needs children.)

"My heroine is Jessica Taylor, a lady who 1st healed herself and then went on a worldwide campaign to educate people and bring attention to the plight of the head and brain-injured. Recently Jessica was honored as a 'Hidden Hero' on Shaw TV for her tireless crusade for head and brain injury awareness. Thank you, Jessica, for standing up from behind the rock and making a difference!" ( Erica Boersma. Harmonic Utopia)

"Recently Jessica was honored as a 'Hidden Hero' on Shaw TV for her tireless crusade for head and brain injury awareness. Please consider Jessica Taylor for this very honorable salute to those who are shining examples of what we all can be if we trust, believe, and know that we are powerful creator beings capable of any and everything." (Cheryl F Batoon.)

"Jessica, you have presented a compelling case against negative terminology and I applaud your efforts. In time, as more people become aware of the heart-ache these terms can cause, we can hope for a greater understanding and a change to more enlightened attitudes. Well done"! (Kathleen Falvae. (Stroke Recovery Association. Oceanside Branch).

"Hi Jessica, Thanks again for the presentation. Everyone enjoyed it very much. You are an inspiration to folks who are starting out on their own recovery journey". Blessings, (Kathleen Falvae. (Stroke Recovery Association. Oceanside Branch).

"It was very nice meeting you at the conference in Niagara and hearing about your journey back after suffering a traumatic brain injury. You are an inspiration to many …myself in particular." (Tonya Dembicki. A B I survivor).

“Jessica, your journey back has been such a long one filled with such hope. I’m so proud of you. This book is a must read. Thank you for including the small part I played in your life, it has been an honor to know and love you, my dear friend.” (Kathryn Kates Media Personality)

'Along with her campaigning, Jessica still finds the time to research and work on her dissertation on 'Theology and its Connection to the Paranormal' and hopes to earn a doctorate in theology. This from a woman who was told by doctors she'd only be able to work at making cardboard boxes in a factory!  She is not making cardboard boxes, she is making history.' (Liz Roy)

"Your first project will have great success and be on film. There will be a lot of follow-ups. There is a spiritual connotation. Your second project has a bigger spiritual connotation. This project will also have great success. The sky's the limit" Psychic Professor Merza, Brighton, England.

I loved your book. It was wonderful to read how you overcame such a horrible experience and how you have evolved. Your story gives me compassion and understanding for those who have had brain trauma. Thank you for being a source of love and kindness in this world.". Kim Bellwood: School teacher.

Sir

Ian Botham kindly gave a copy of my memoir to Thorsons editor Jo Kyle some years ago. Having read my book, Jo wrote ..." Your story is truly moving and inspiring. It is a courageous story that deserves to be read by many, showing that they too can win against the odds."

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Praise for "From Tragedy to Triumph"


  • A stupendous story well worth reading.
    -Gerry Kelly: 'The Kelly Show.' U T V. Northern Ireland

  • ...actresses will fight each other to play you. Your story has film potential.
    -Henry Beckman, Actor.1985

  • An extraordinary story. A tragedy with humor.
    -Pat Kenny. 'The Kenny Live' T V Show', Ireland

  • You are a great example for your bravery, determination and dedication.
    -Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York

  • My appreciation for your marvelous courage and work on behalf of the brain-injured of Ireland.
    -Mary Robinson: Former President of Ireland

  • Your story is very important.
    -Vanessa Redgrave

  • An extraordinary story, which I found very moving. Well suited to a mini series.
    -Roger Randall-Cutler, Producer, “ The Commitments"