Kansas City, KS- After a suspected drunk driver slammed into Kendall Forbes’ car on her way back to college, the 22-year-old suffered catastrophic injuries, including a severe traumatic brain injury that left doctors giving her one of the lowest possible neurological scores. Flown by helicopter to The University of Kansas Health System, Kendall spent days in a coma and faced a long road of intensive rehabilitation. Now, less than a year later, she’s back in school, working toward returning to competitive softball and using her story to advocate for tougher DUI laws, inspiring others with a recovery her family and care team once feared might never happen.
Kendall Forbes, Patient
Kendal survived a horrific traffic accident and yet shares the most positive message of hope and getting stronger every day.
She talks about when she was told about her severe injuries.
She says one of the most challenging parts of the recovery process is her brain is recovering faster than her body.
She is working to share her story to the Kansas Legislature about drunk driving.
Stephanie Forbes, Kendall’s Mother
Stephanie talks about the difficult first time they were able to see their daughter.
She talks about when Kendall called her and talked about how she felt her brain was healing faster than her body.
PJ Forbes, Kendall’s Father
PJ talks about how he was so encouraged by her never give up spirit which is what he expected from her very competitive daughter.
He mentions what a story of determination looks like with Kendall’s commitment to her recovery.
He gets very emotional talking about the days immediately after the crash and how inspired he is by his daughter’s strength.
Dr. Alexandra Arickx, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The University of Kansas Health System
Dr Arickx talks about the Glasgow Coma Scale and how Kendal’s was a 3, which is the lowest possible score a person can get. A Glasgow coma scale is a standardized, 3-to-15 point clinical tool used to objectively measure a person's level of consciousness following brain injury, with lower scores indicating more severe impairment.
She talks about how Kendall’s recovery is not typical – with her severe TBI.
She mentions the discussion with Kendall about the process about being ready to be back on the softball field.
Dr. Sarah Eickmeyer, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The University of Kansas Health System
Dr Eickmeyer mentioned about half of patients with this level of injury will see remarkable recovery in about a year.
She talks about how time is very important to get treatment and this level of recovery.
She mentions rehab and the importance of working hard and sticking with it.