The Accident
A car accident left Andrea with broken bones and a traumatic brain injury. Unable to walk, talk, lift her head or feed herself, Andrea had to relearn basic skills.
On July 26, 2011, Andrea Briggs was on her way home from a Denver ice cream shop when the car she was in was broadsided by an oncoming vehicle. The 20-year-old college student sustained a traumatic brain injury and broken bones. Paramedics on the scene did not expect Andrea to survive.
“All my memory from January until [July] was wiped out,” Andrea said. “I could not walk. I could not hold my head up. I could not talk. I could not feed myself. I could not do anything.”
Earlier that summer, Andrea heard she made the dean’s list at the University of Colorado at Denver. Her family describes her as smart and sweet, with a ready laugh, ferocious spirit, giant dreams, and a joyful soundtrack.
Andrea was about to embark on incredibly important work, relearning all the skills necessary to be independent.
Rehab At Craig
Together with her team of therapists at Craig, Andrea fought every day to progress physically and cognitively. “The people here, they push me,” she said, “and I love it because I know it’s going to get me to home base.”
Since her injury, Andrea has regained the ability to eat and drink, smile and laugh, understand stories and do math, and walk with a cane.
Her mother writes that, “All through the grueling, often painful rehab work, Andrea maintains her sweetness, her smile and her inherent toughness. She is fearless. She has taught us all the true meaning of ‘warrior.’”
Missing Title
Two and a half years after her accident, Andrea moved into a simulation apartment. She regained enough independence to transition to her own place several months later, in early 2014. Andrea said she is now learning how to cook, clean, go on social outings and use public transportation. She is back on Facebook, she writes a blog, listens to music and hangs out with friends. 2014 also marks the year Andrea returned to school.
“How far I’ve come makes me feel really, really, really great.” Andrea said. “I love Craig. It is like my second home.”
Team Members
Ashley Goodson
Outpatient CCM
Nina Jensen
Community Reintegration Specialist
Andrea Briggs, Craig Grad 2011
Gaining Independence
“I feel like my life has more meaning now. I’ve fought so hard, man. I feel like I am where I am today because of what Craig has done for me.”
Learn more about Andrea’s Programs and Services
Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center
BI treatment and rehabilitation at Craig is a comprehensive system of care, from the initial days after injury, through inpatient rehab and outpatient treatment, home- and community-based services, and long-term follow-up.
Speech and Language Therapy
The Speech-Language Pathology team at Craig takes a holistic but individualized approach with every person with whom they work.
Occupational Therapy
At Craig, occupational therapy focuses on maximizing independence in daily living skills.
Physical Therapy
The goal of physical therapy at Craig is to promote functional independence and mobility, customized to each patient’s individual needs.
Community Reintegration
Craig’s Community Reintegration program provides transitional services for patients returning to productive community-based activities such as work or school.
The PEAK Center at Craig Hospital
The PEAK Center is an adaptive health and wellness center serving individuals from across the country with neurologic disabilities in order to optimize their recovery and to create a lifelong plan for their health and wellness.