Success Stories
Frank
Driving home from his college graduation with a degree in finance, Frank and his family were in a car wreck when a tire came apart. Two decades later, he lives with his parents who care for him 24 hours a day except for the two days a week that he spends at Side by Side. Making the Clubhouse feel like home he greets every visitor with a huge smile and a clever quip. Ever loyal to his school and a huge sports fan, Frank became the proud sponsor of a Miracle League youth baseball team.
Marc
Marc worked in the roofing business before a drunk driver struck him while riding his motorcycle. His parents added a room to their home so that Marc could live with them instead of going to a nursing home. Now, seven years later he is a Special Olympics gold medalist in softball, has support to live in his own home, and makes the grits for breakfast at the Clubhouse on Fridays when he’s off from his part time job.
Diego
Diego was working as a painter with his stepfather when both were electrocuted while moving a ladder. Today Diego is part of the maintenance crew at the Clubhouse, which keeps him busy and productive, a healthy alternative to watching television.
Keith
Keith has a way with words and with people. An eloquent writer and effective leader in Clubhouse program meetings, he has been a valuable asset to Side by Side community for the past four years. He was struck by a car while crossing a busy street at age 13, but now at 24 Keith hopes to find a job where he is valued for his tremendous work ethic, generosity and eagerness to help others.
Marcus
Marcus’s humor and dance skills are lunchtime entertainment at the Clubhouse. He remembers well a successful career as an electronics specialist in the Navy, but since a car accident in 2001 left him in a coma for more than a month, he has trouble remembering small things, like to take big steps and how to get around the Clubhouse. Marcus’s membership at Side by Side is a benefit both to his parents who get a much needed break from care giving and to members and staff whose faces break into smiles as he walks (or dances) into a room.
Angie
As a teenager, Angie was injured on Christmas Day in a car accident that claimed the life of her boyfriend. She is known at the Clubhouse for her happy spirit, persistence and ability to get anywhere she wants to go and do anything she wants to do. Angie creates fantastic, sometimes impossible, lunch menus and serves on every party committee.
Charles
Charles joined Side by Side seven years ago after a circle of support and a special Medicaid program helped him move from a nursing home to a real home with a real family in a real community. He is our dedicated salad chef and rotating dominoes champ.
Justin
I heard of Side by Side when I was still living in Boston after my injury occurred at the age of 16. I am at Side by Side because I want a growing process with new things to do and learn. We could all be sad and think about the bad things in the past but I want to think about the present and beyond. Let’s move on!
Debbie
Deprived of oxygen for a time as a result of a 1980 motor vehicle accident, Debbie was also paralyzed on her right side. She has worked hard in therapy and has come a long way back. Debbie is now able to work a part time job and has found the time to publish a book of her own poetry. Around the Clubhouse you can find her taking minutes at important meetings and composing and distributing the daily schedule.
Billy
After being hurt in a car accident in Texas, I floundered around looking for some kind of understanding. Then I found the Clubhouse and I gained not only acceptance , but a foothold toward the future – even though it may take some time.
Alfonso
Me gusta venir aqui porque hay muchas amistades de distintos paises. Me distraigo mucho y me siento como en familia y seguro y el tiempo se pasa rapido. I like to come here because there are many friends from different countries. I get distracted a lot, and it sure feels like family and secure and the time passes quickly.
Ken
Loved by family and neighbors and a popular tennis player, this businessman suffered anoxia from a diabetes-related event. He lends his strength, energy and quiet support to the maintenance unit, making the Clubhouse a safe and healthy place for all of us.
Dan
Father, husband and talented builder, Dan was hit on the head while shopping with his sons in a retail store. His knowledge of gardening and the building trades, added to his coaching skills, makes him effective in helping other members work in our peer supportive atmosphere with daily tasks and goals.
Richie
Like so many people with brain injuries, Richie can no longer drive and needs a way to socialize. Using rapid transit he works part time and attends the Clubhouse on his day off. Even though he can no longer pursue his career as a drummer, his life is fully lived.
Lamar
Lamar was working an extra job to earn enough money for the down payment on a new family home when he was assaulted. In his spare time he had enjoyed coaching football, basketball and baseball, and tutoring children in mathematics. Lamar says he comes to Side by Side because he wants to better himself and gain a sense of normalcy after the brain injury.
News
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11Alive Mugs in the Morning Promotes Jawbones v Sawbones
February 15, 2012
Tune in Tuesday, Feb 21 at 5:20 and 6:20a.m to 11Alive’s Mugs in the Morning feature with Karen Greer and Ted Hall to catch a plug of our March 3 basketball fundraiser. Buy tickets here to watch Atlanta’s prominent doctors take on their esteemed lawyer colleagues on the hardcourt at St Pius X HS Gym.
