“Actions speak louder than words. Being present as a kitchen volunteer who has been through a brain injury is an example to others at the retreats it’s ok to accept any finite injury in life, but never lose hope of all of the infinite possibilities.”
- Carolyn Garbo (she/her)
Meet LoveYourBrain Volunteer, Carolyn Garbo!
Carolyn (she/her) has played an integral supportive role at our Colorado Retreats. She has shared her personal growth, full heart, presence, and humor as a way to uplift and inspire our community.
We sat down with Carolyn to hear what motivates her to give back to our community in this way, and what it means to her:
Tell us a little about you and how you got connected with LoveYourBrain!
I work in healthcare as an athletic trainer in an orthopedic surgical practice with a focus in podiatry. I am currently working towards a certification as a dog obedience instructor, mastering the knowledge and skill set will allow me to be recognized as a more well-rounded dog trainer. I am also a runner and try to run at least one long-distance race a year. I enjoy being outside, running, camping, hiking or just sitting on the back porch with my dogs. The outside brings a clear and fresh perspective on enjoying our surroundings. I experienced a severe brain injury in 2017, my accident didn’t just injure my head and face, but my shoulder and foot were damaged as well. Getting back to distance running took patience, lots of therapy, and an appreciation that I was able to run and be outside again after my injuries. In early 2019 my sister heard about LoveYourBrain from a friend (Jake Schonhoft) who had just recently attended a retreat. I was told about his amazing experiences and how he met his community.
I applied for a Retreat in Colorado and did a 6-week Mindset program. It was here I felt my first sense of relaxation during my recovery. I instantly wanted to support my experiences with LoveYourBrain, so I bought some apparel and other items from their store. I realized I wanted to represent LoveYourBrain before attending a retreat. I ended up wearing a LoveYourBrain shirt during one of my first 2019 half-marathons after my accident. Due to the pandemic, I had to wait two years, but was able to attend my first retreat in March of 2022. I got connected to this organization and have met my new family as a volunteer for LoveYourBrain.
What inspired you to volunteer at LYB Retreats?
Unconditional love and support from everyone in the LoveYourBrain family. The moral support and mental strength everyone embodies shows me that I am not alone in this journey. Initially, you feel so isolated and misunderstood during recovery because family and close friends don’t understand the daily hardships. The positivity, vulnerability, and possibilities within the brain injury community at LoveYourBrain is infectious and inspiring. These qualities encouraged me to “pay it forward” and apply as a volunteer so I provide to other TBI survivors the feeling of being heard, seen, and connected. Volunteering in the kitchen to supply brain healthy meals shows my compassion and connection to the TBI community. Cooking and making healthy meals has always been a passion. Helping to provide specific foods to assist in the brain recovery journey for others is done with love and gratitude.
What do you hope to offer and create for others as a volunteer?
Actions speak louder than words. Being present as a kitchen volunteer who has been through a brain injury is an example to others at the retreats it’s ok to accept any finite injury in life, but never lose hope of all of the infinite possibilities. I’m not a person who has come up with clever sayings or repeatable phrases like “Turn Boldly Inward” or “I don’t come with a warning label.” Just always remember to be kind to yourself and be open to the unexpected - I hope my actions represent this sentiment.
What is the most meaningful part of volunteering at Retreats?
After volunteering for 6 days, the most meaningful part is the first few weeks after the retreat. Friends, family and co-workers have told me I’m more mindful of my own happiness, vulnerability and well-being. I’ve noticed I put a stronger focus on prioritizing my own positive outlook for the future. My overall self-awareness changes after each retreat. I’ve learned it is not about having a brain injury and dealing with the recovery, but about surrounding yourself with smiling faces who understand the journey without any description of the daily struggles.
What’s been the most memorable Retreat moment you’ve been a part of?
The first full day during circle story share at each retreat, the multiple times I’ve been able to self-reflect on my recovery journey and see my own mindset growth since 2017. It’s never been one specific part at a specific retreat, but the 5-day process that makes the experience empathetic, liberating, and unforgettable, but it always starts with the time at story share. These experiences have increased the pace of my growth on my recovery journey. I look forward to the next retreat to sit and reflect on my recovery and how I’ve accepted all of the possibilities that have been provided for my future.
Inspired by Carolyn’s story? Learn more about our Retreats and how you can support our community as a volunteer!