Hello,

September 21, 2021, my Nephew Demari Turner, while traveling to start his first semester at FAMU was pushed off the road and into a ditch, totaling his car and tossing him from the driver side into the back of his vehicle. He was transported to Shands hospital where he flatlined and was brought back to life. He then fell into a coma due to his injuries. While in the coma, he said he was taken to Heaven by angels and saw the most beautiful things. He was shown different versions of his life and that of his loved ones.

On Earth, the doctors were telling us he suffered severe traumatic brain damage along with some physical injuries, and we should prepare for the worse. Little did we know the journey had just begun. To describe Demari’s journey in one word, it would be strength. Watching him go through something so difficult, choosing to be strong, mentally, physically and spiritually. His journey has me humbled and inspired seeing hope and resilience in him during darkest of moments.

After 7 days, Demari woke up and immediately after regaining his ability to speak, more like mumble his first words were “I am famous yet”.

He was admitted to a rehab facility ran by UF health where after only six months He was not only walking but able to swing a plastic bat, shoot a small basketball into a small hoop. Also, able to read again. God knows where we would be without UF health.

This changed the trajectory of Demari’s life dramatically going from a student athlete to a survivor and changed his approach to life. He had reset and start over and find himself all over again. Now, he no longer expects life to give him anything, rather is grateful for whatever it does.

Witnessing in-person the persistent and consistent effort it took every morning to push thru physical and cognitive therapy, the fight to find himself, was nothing like I have ever seen. I have shifted my priorities to become more of an advocate as my part of Demari’s journey.

After 10 months Demari was released home.

Today, Demari runs his own apparel and fashion company and has made friends with people like Lasean Mccoy former NFL running back and NBA player Trae Mann, whom both have been inspired by Demari’s Journey and supports his company Tykhunllc.

Most common myth about people with brain injuries is that if someone looks fine on the outside, they must be fine, but many brain injury symptoms are invisible, like headaches, memory issues, or difficulty concentrating. Another one is people with brain injuries are doomed to limited lives. This is not always the case, just ask Demari and he will tell with hope in his voice “It Gets Greater Later”.”