Mark Schmitt’s Creativ/Edge has been made possible by the generosity of the Schmitt Family.
This extraordinary addition to our Programs and Services is dedicated to those with a creative side just waiting to come out. It is for those affected by ABI and TBI who enjoy working with their hands and digging deep inside, and opening up their creative spirit to make something beautiful.
This is a space for activities and life enrichment experiences where individuals can explore their interests and expand their horizons. You are invited to grow, connect, move, and create at your own pace through dynamic activities. We encourage suggestions and contributions to keep our activities fresh and innovative. Use your right and/or left brain and find your “Creativ Edge.” Don’t let anxiety, depression, or any disability define who you are!
Your support keeps various activities available to all who enter our doors:
- Tell your story and join the Unmasking Brain Injury Project by creating your mask for the traveling display
- Relax and read one of the Survivor Stories or donated books
- Use our Looms to make a handmade creation
- Crochet something cozy and warm
- Create something for the Packer Project that supports Rescue Dogs
Mark Schmitt’s Story
Aimee Schmitt was suddenly woken during the night of May 07, 2015, by a loud boom. Hearing this sound and recognizing that it was not a normal sound, for the home where she lived with her husband, Mark Schmitt, made her spring out of bed to discover what had caused it. Imagine finding your husband lying on the kitchen floor and unable to communicate. Her first thought was to call 911, which was the correct move, because of what would happen next. “Mark was lucid for 20 minutes before he went into a coma,” Aimee explained to me in an interview. She insisted that the emergency personnel take Mark to Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, St. Luke’s, in Milwaukee, because she knew that they had a Neuro ICU. Later, the doctors discovered that Mark had an uncommon disease called “MoyaMoya.” According to the Mayo Clinic, MoyaMoya Disease is a rare blood vessel disorder where, ultimately, the blood supply to your brain becomes reduced, and this condition can cause a mini-stroke . This disease is most commonly found in children and traditionally is found in Japan and other countries in Asia, but has become a rare occurrence here in North America. After arriving at St. Luke’s, Mark would stay there for his initial recovery, which lasted three weeks before he was moved to Sacred Heart, where he would remain from May 29th until July 3, 2015. Following this long ordeal of recovery came outpatient therapy that he had three days a week, all da,y from July to December of 2015. During our interview, you could see the struggle to recall information on Mark’s face as he tried to recall various facts and often turned to Amy for the correct answer. Despite what has happened to Mark, he remains positive and has coped well, stating that the most challenging aspect of his injury is “trying to find a new normal in my life.” Trying to find a new normal can be challenging at best, but Aimee is so very proud of her husband for adjusting to his new way of life and being able to “go with the flow.” Read the rest of the story in Volume 6, Issue 4, Page 11 of the BIRCofWI Bulletin (https://bircofwi.org/bircofwi-quarterly-bulletins.html)