Sara Evelyne
Sara Evelyne, a mental health advocate from Northeastern Ohio, has dedicated her life to helping others find hope and a sense of identity, especially those who are vulnerable, underrepresented, and neurodiverse. As a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor, researcher, and author, she uses her own experiences to give voice to those who often go unheard. Her work has been published in various platforms, including Black Scholar Squirrels and The Burr, and she has contributed to the Brain Injury Association of America’s website relaunch, sharing her story of resilience.
In her book, Sara shares a deeply personal chapter titled "[Breathing] Into the Unknown." This chapter reflects her journey through self-doubt, unworthiness, and the long path to self-acceptance. For much of her life, Sara grappled with feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome. She recounts how, despite enduring multiple TBIs and struggling with her mental health, she persevered to complete her bachelor’s degree after 22 years of on-again, off-again coursework and four dropouts.Â
Sara’s story is marked by a significant incident that changed her life forever. While in a doctor’s office with her two-year-old son, she experienced a severe anxiety attack and passed out, hitting her head on the concrete tile floor. This injury led to a cascade of challenges that would redefine her life. Despite the confusion and pain, this moment also brought her a rare silence—a brief respite from the constant noise in her mind.
As Sara navigated the aftermath of her injury, she faced numerous physical and cognitive difficulties. She struggled with memory loss, brain fatigue, and the fear of losing her identity as a writer. The simplest tasks became monumental challenges, and the anxiety of potentially forgetting important moments in her children’s lives weighed heavily on her. Despite these hardships, Sara’s determination never wavered. She continued to search for hope, digging through books and resources, yearning for something that would reaffirm her existence and worth.
In the midst of her struggles, Sara discovered an inner strength she never knew she possessed. She realized that her worth was not defined by her disabilities or the number of achievements she could tally. Instead, her value lay in her resilience and the love she shared with others. Sara learned to embrace her identity beyond her injuries, understanding that she was more than her cognitive impairments and memory lapses.
Sara’s journey taught her that life is worth living, even amidst pain and uncertainty. She found joy in the simple moments—kisses, giggles, and the caress of the wind on her cheek. These experiences reminded her that she was deserving of life’s goodness. Sara’s voice, once lost in the chaos of her mind, began to rise with clarity and purpose. She learned to honor her place in the world, not as a mere survivor, but as a person with a unique story and the ability to inspire others.
Today, Sara Evelyne stands strong, filled with grace, love, and hope. Her advocacy work continues to provide echoes of hope to those who need it most. Through her writing, she encourages others to embrace their own journeys, reminding them that their stories are far from over. Sara’s life is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of recognizing one’s worth, no matter the obstacles faced. CONNECT WITH SARA www.linkedin.com/in/sara-evelyne
Comentários