In the spring of 2005, Ed Morgan was enjoying his work as the director of fitness at a prestigious college and relishing in his role of being a dad to his one year old twins. A certified and licensed athletic trainer, he was running a road race when he suddenly had a stroke, leaving him in a coma for 47 days. The resulting brain injury caused lasting communication impairments and physical limitations.

“Ed needed something else, including social contact with his peers,” explains his mother Rosemary. Ed’s family researched the options and discovered the New York State Department of Health’s TBI Waiver Program and the services it offers through the HHH Transitional Rehabilitation Program.

A customized three-day a week regimen was developed for Ed and he has benefited from vocational rehab, assistive technology services and occupational and speech therapy. His physical conditioning has improved through use of the hospital’s pool and Wellness Center. He has also participated in the GolfAbility program. Ed’s service coordinator closely monitors his progress and re-evaluates his program every six months to keep pace with his goals.

Today, Ed is highly motivated, has improved his communication abilities and has developed new interests and talents, including impressive photography skills. While he is still working toward regaining his athletic certification, he has started exhibiting his landscape and architectural photographs. They showcase his amazing sense of composition and color, his newly acquired digital photography skills and his ability to print, mount and frame his work. Ed finds that his photos help him to communicate without words, allowing him to document and describe his family, travels and feelings.

“The Transitional Program has really boosted Ed’s self-esteem and independence,” reports his Mom. “For him, it’s like going to work and his job is to get better.” To which her son replies, “I’m trying!”