Hope After Traumatic Brain Injury - You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have!
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OUR STORY
Ryan's Accident
On July 1st, 2010 Ryan Finneran was riding passenger on his way to a baseball tournament, during his senior year of high school, with a teammate. After proceeding through a 4-way intersection, they were struck on the passenger side of their car, where Ryan was sitting. Fortunately, the driver of the car was not physically hurt. Ryan was found on the scene in serious condition. After removing Ryan from the car with "Jaws-of-Life" and being ventilated, he was then airlifted to the University of Michigan Mott's Children Hospital. There it was determined that he suffered from a traumatic brain injury, a bruised spleen and liver, as well as a deep cut above his right eyebrow. Having spent 17 days in a coma, and only a 5% chance of waking up again, Ryan woke up and began his journey to recovery.
Ryan's Road to Recovery
Ryan went through intense physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to regain various basic skills he had lost due to injuries he incurred from his accident. Ryan dedicated every day to becoming stronger both mentally and physically. After 49 days spent in the hospital, Ryan was then discharged and continued with out-patient therapy. After being able to finish his senior year of high school, Ryan then went on to obtain a Bachelor's Degree from Central Michigan University. Ryan double-majored in Marketing and Logistics and now currently works with fellow traumatic brain injury survivors.
The Beginning of Our Foundation
The accident became a defining moment for the Finneran family. Tragedy not only struck Ryan, but also his surrounding loved ones. After witnessing the hardships that followed the accident first-hand, Ryan's siblings decided to sell t-shirts and wristbands to help offset the cost of medical bills. The support of the local community of South Lyon made the fundraisers possible and further inspired Ryan's family. In 2012, Ryan's family came together and formed Finn Foundation Inc. (formally known as Team Finn and The Finn Foundation) a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.