A Message from Kara Lynne Moran

Six years ago I thought I had a straight path to success in all aspects of life. I was a school counselor with a fair salary, I had a good car, friends, better than average health, a boyfriend, a cottage that I rented on Chautauqua Lake, and dreams and hopes for a future filled with possibilities and desire. This existence was soon to be shattered as I was exposed to neurotoxic chemicals at my place of employment. 

How could one possibly be exposed to toxic chemicals in a school you may ask? I guess it was a catastrophe waiting to happen, the work was not safely done. A renovation project which was suppose to be completed in the summer of 1992 went into the Fall. The carpet was laid down one day after it was made, never really giving it a chance to cure properly. In addition, the glue which was used to adhere the carpet was a contact cement and should have not been used. Also, the roof was being sprayed w ith isocyanade foam for insulation at the time as well. We were told it would be sprayed before and after school, as it was so toxic it could take the paint off cars. Something went wrong and some of this material entered the building while some of us were still in there. We were dosed with a chemical soup which caused diverse injuries.

My brain injury is known as toxic encephaloppathy. When exposed to organic chemicals, the chemicals adhere to the fatty deposits in the brain and can destroy brain cells (neutrons). In addition, the gases can displace oxygen and brain damage can occur as a result of anoxia (lack of oxygen). I have all the symptoms of a mild to moderate brain injury, with things such as poor concentration, attention deficit, fatigue, tremors, seizures, headaches, mood swings, and nerve damage. 

Although my life has been completely turned upside down and at times I thought of giving up, I turned my tragedy into something good for myself and others. I knew it would help me recover. I moved to Buffalo in 1995 when I was well enough to be on my own again and looked for help to start my life over. Headway for Brain Injured helped me to take the first steps. I wanted to feel needed again and useful to someone. I also was in need of a gauge as to how much I could do in an office. I volunteer at least two times per week, usually working on the computer and answering the phone and doing other jobs. I find I tire easily and can't maintain a job for two hours, but it is a start and I can take a break at Headway and go back to it after lunch. For a survivor this is very importatnt. The office staff and volunteers accommodate my needs so I feel I can do my best and not have to worry about faltering if I have a really bad day. I try to do the really hard concentration jobs in the morning if I am going to be there after lunch and that way I don't feel so worn out. I still miss the Kara I used to be working 8 or 9 hours a day as middle school counselor. However, I feel I am contributing to a very important cause and have learned more from my injury and about people than I would have being a school counselor. In some ways I feel I will have more success understanding life on its terms now. My confidence has increased tremendously and I am surrounded by the best friends since coming on board.

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