The Komeback Khronicles

Firstly, Happy New Year! Secondly, I wanted to take a moment to share how The Komeback Khronicles came to life. Ironically, I started this blog at the beginning of a new year—a time often associated with fresh starts and new beginnings. For a long time, I was hesitant to truly share my story. When I was first in the hospital, I even considered vlogging my recovery journey. Unfortunately, I didn’t follow through with it. I barely took any pictures, let alone recorded videos.

Looking back, I realize that my hesitation stemmed from a lack of confidence and a fear of showing vulnerability. At that time, I couldn’t walk, couldn’t use the restroom on my own, and could barely feed myself. I was battling depression and felt lost. I didn’t know who I was anymore. My life had changed in an instant. But even in those moments, I knew deep down that what I was going through was happening for a reason.

Defying the odds of survival after my traumatic brain injury (TBI) made it clear to me that God had kept me here for a purpose. Over the years, I’ve always felt that the purpose was to share my story and use it to help others. During my recovery, I found it incredibly challenging to connect with people even my closest family and friends.

In 2019, I attended my first Brain Injury Conference. It was an emotionally overwhelming experience for me, especially since I had spent so much time trying not to think about my injury. But at the conference, I had no choice but to confront it head-on. It was difficult but necessary.

Sadly, the subsequent conferences were canceled due to COVID-19 and held virtually until just last year (2024). When I finally returned to an in-person event, it was an emotional rollercoaster. I met people whose injuries were so subtle you wouldn’t even know they had a TBI, as well as others with more visible, physical challenges. Seeing so many people like me—fellow survivors—was empowering.

This time, I actually took the opportunity to speak with other TBI survivors. Hearing their stories inspired me. Many had turned their injuries into strengths instead of allowing them to cripple or hold them back. That experience reignited something in me, and just a few months ago, I felt a strong pull to finally share my story. That’s how The Komeback Khronicles was born.

The name made sense to me instantly. I used the letter “K” to tie it to my name, and the concept aligned perfectly with how I’ve always viewed my TBI: as a minor setback on the path to a major comeback. That’s where “Komeback” came from.

As for the phoenix, it felt like the perfect symbol. The phrase that always echoes in my mind is: “From the ashes we rise, like a phoenix.” To me, this represents the birth of something new after destruction—a powerful transformation.

Through this blog (and eventually a podcast), I’ll share my story, the lessons I’ve learned, and the stories of others who have overcome their own challenges throughout life. I’m excited to see how this platform grows and can’t wait to discover what comes next. Together, we’ll embrace setbacks as stepping stones and rise stronger-just like a phoenix from the ashes. Here’s to new beginnings and the promises of what’s yet to come.

-Kat