The trajectory of one’s life can change in an instant. For Conor, that instant was the moment he stepped off the curb to cross the street and was struck by a drunk driver. In that instant, the challenge of Conor’s life was transformed from navigating college to recovering from the most severe traumatic brain injury his doctor had ever seen. For Anne Marie, Conor’s aunt, the news gave new purpose to her gift of writing as she became the chronicler of Conor’s post-injury journey. Hear Conor explain how he has relearned how to thrive, greatly surpassing the expectations of limitation that his doctors predicted for him, while Anne Marie fills in the picture of how connection and support is a two-way street. Conor Crippen suffered a catastrophic traumatic brain injury (or TBI) from being hit by a drunk driver. Despite this incident, Conor has a persistent belief that recovery is always possible, no matter the circumstance. He has a loving sister and brother and ended up right in the middle of them. His favorite things are curiosity in the unknown, big laughs and finding the opportunities to engage and befriend as many people as possible. So, if you meet him, pull up a chair.
Conor’s aunt, Anne Marie Romer, is a writer inspired by family connection, grief, and fleeting moments of serendipity. She articulates the language of the heart in a way which binds the human experience and highlights connections that are relatable to all. She is propelled by the relentless quest to highlight good that rises even amidst debilitating pain. Anne Marie is a Community Contributor to the Dayton Daily News. Along with her essays, she is also the author of the book, Just Give Me the Road. Her writings can be found on her website, annemarieromer.com. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx