Turning Pain into Purpose: One Therapist’s Fight for Concussion Awareness
AdventHealth Littleton
Littleton, Colo.
Lisa Hackett, an occupational therapist at AdventHealth Littleton, understands the profound impact of concussions through personal experience. Decades ago, she suffered a concussion in a car accident that went undiagnosed for over a year, while juggling a new job and caring for her infant daughter. Initially attributing her symptoms to stress and sleep deprivation, Lisa eventually sought help from a neurologist, which led to a proper diagnosis and the support she needed.
Motivated by her own journey, Lisa is now committed to raising awareness and improving concussion care. On National Concussion Awareness Day, she hosted an educational booth at AdventHealth Littleton, sharing vital information about symptoms and treatment options.
“Education is huge. Knowledge is power,” she said. “Concussions are brain injuries and need to be taken seriously. Just because you can’t see a brain injury, doesn’t mean it’s not there.”
In her daily work, Lisa uses both her personal insight and professional expertise to ensure concussions aren’t overlooked, especially when patients present with other injuries. She advocates for thorough screening and connects patients with appropriate specialists to support recovery. Lisa’s message is clear: concussions require attention and care, even if the damage isn’t visible.