The Brain Injury Law Firm®, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP are proud to have presented the fourth annual Traumatic Brain Injury Scholarship to Hannah Mead. Mead (pictured below) is a student pursuing a degree in Marine Biology at the Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina.
This scholarship was introduced during Brain Injury Awareness Month, for those who sustained a traumatic brain injury and are pursuing a higher education. In announcing the winner, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP partners Shana De Caro and Michael V. Kaplen said, “We continue to be impressed by the number of outstanding applications we received. It is inspirational to see how many people have sustained significant injuries, and continue to struggle and overcome incredible obstacles in order to achieve their dreams.”
Shana De Caro, Vice Chair of The Brain Injury Association of America and past chair of the American Association for Justice, Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, commented, “Our winner, Hannah Mead, has shown incredible determination and tenacity over many years learning to adapt to life after a brain injury, compensate for her injuries, and pursue her goals.”
De Caro continued, “Hannah sustained a significant brain injury when she was just 5 years old and a passenger in a vehicle that was struck from behind. Since that injury at an early age she has struggled with rehabilitation and has had to learn compensatory skills in order to work through school, including her time at a community college. Now at Coastal Carolina University, she is continuing to succeed in pursuing her dream of becoming a marine biologist. With many setbacks in this endeavor, she continues to maintain a positive outlook and strives to complete her degree. Hannah does not let anything get in her way and appropriately seeks accommodations and assistance. Her amazing attitude, perseverance, and incredibly hard work is what will make all the difference for her.”
Michael V. Kaplen, a three-term president of the Brain Injury Association of New York State, and professorial lecturer at law, teaching a course in brain injury law at the George Washington University Law School said, “Hannah, is a remarkable person, she appreciates the assistance of those who helped with rehabilitation, such as Brain Injury Services of Virginia, where she spent her childhood, and helped her find a way forward. Hannah realized she could help others who have sustained similar injuries, and give back by speaking publicly at conferences about her experiences. Her positive attitude is amazing, considering the long struggles she has had and continues to have, maintaining that every experience, including sustaining a traumatic brain injury, makes you stronger and wiser.”
The Traumatic Brain Injury Scholarship is an annual award for students who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. Applications for the next fund, to be distributed in late Summer 2021, will open in early 2021.