Here is a story about a horrible accident. Shortly before Larkin Forney’s 9th birthday in 1985, he was hit by a car traveling 50 MPH.  He nearly died, but awoke from his coma a few weeks later.  He had sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI).  In 1985, few knew what a TBI was, let alone how to treat it.  And that still seems to be true today.   

Larkin had to relearn how to do everything again—including how to walk and talk.  It was as if 8 years of life  had been partially erased.  He returned to school that fall and was welcomed back by friends and teachers.  However, due to the absence of treatment for brain injuries and lack of understanding and compassion by others, his difficulties became worse as time went on.  He was picked on relentlessly by peers throughout school, and punished by school authorities.   

As a family our childhood growing up was filled with a lot of pain, frustration, anger, guilt, blame and tragedies. We watched helplessly as our situation spiraled out of control to the point of utter desperation and devastation.  Larkin Forney survived a suicide attempt via gasoline in 2002.  He spent 19 months in prison.  He is now a college student receiving the highest grades in his class.  My brother is more focused than ever.  He is diligent and compassionate and ambitious and is concerned about helping others.  He enjoys writing and likes to sing.  Our life and particularly Larkin’s life continues to be a battle due to the mistreatment of him as a person by law enforcement and lack of access to resources and technology.  We have been injured, grown and are trying to heal as a family.   We present this story to you  from a place of love and pain.  If you would like to contact me to share your stories and collaborate on protecting and helping those who are injured to succeed, please contact me.  If you would like to learn more about this story, please visit Larkin’s website at www.justiceforvermonters.org