A SURVIVOR’S STORY OF
STRENGTH AND 15
years ago, a horrific motorcycle accident nearly took Enrico Quilico’s life, leaving him comatose and with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). His recovery was arduous, but Enrico took on the challenge, incorporating sports, fitness, and studies into his rehabilitation. Since then, Enrico has participated in marathons, including the 2016 Lake Placid Ironman, and worked with the University of Toronto’s Rehabilitation Science Institute, where he is a PhD student, to develop a program designed to help individuals with
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TBI. We sat down with Enrico to talk about his story and how his experiences led him to where he is today. YOU’VE HAD QUITE THE RECOVERY AFTER YOUR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY—A LIFE-ALTERING EXPERIENCE, TO SAY THE LEAST. HOW DID THAT CHANGE YOUR LIFE?
ENRICO: I was 23 when I had the motorcycle accident that led to a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). I spent two weeks in a coma, one month in intensive care, and two more in hospital. Then I was transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation
© LOUIS-CHARLES DUMAIS
INSPIRATION centre for another month before continuing my rehab as an outpatient for two more years. I had to relearn how to speak, how to walk, how to do just about everything again with newfound disabilities. The things I took for granted in life were taken from me and I had to work twice as hard to reclaim them. I went back to school, which was incredibly challenging. I became a teacher and am now in the process of completing my PhD studies. The entire process was a very humbling lesson. I recognize how fortunate I am to still be alive and do not take anything for granted. The accident was the worst event of my life, but I chose to make it a turning point for the better. I believe anyone can do that, if they choose to.
