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The true story told in this book
begins on January 1987 with a two-car collision in a northbound
ice-covered lane on the New Jersey Turnpike. The author was pulled from
the wreckage unconscious due to trauma caused by soft brain tissue
rapidly striking bones of the skull. Injuries were internal, but
resulted in brain damage that required the author to relearn the most
basic skills, social and physical, at the age of thirty-four.
The author’s health-conscious live style and diet had caused her weight
to drop to 110 pounds prior to the accident. Twelve medications
administered while in a coma and afterwards caused extreme nausea with
additional weight loss. Family members urged her to eat in order to
live. After gaining some weight, she was able to convince doctors that
she did not need and actually was allergic to one of the medications.
An anti-depressant had proved most helpful.
DeBellis was transferred to Magee Rehabilitation Hospital to relearn
life skills. Within a short time this extroverted hair dresser was able
to return to work on reduced hours. But her personal life suffered most
when her husband and she separated due to her personality changes.
Friends and family provided the confidence to rebuild a new life.
Titled Lady In Red because of
the author’s love of wearing that color, this inspiring book begins
with a compilation of family journal entries, medical worker reports,
and police records. From there, deBellis picks up the pen to tell the
ongoing story about her struggles with the physical and social
consequences resulting from one moment in time.
The book is a guide for anyone dealing with internal brain trauma. It
also illustrates the need for a living will, especially when the
incapacitated person is the health advocate for his/her self.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review