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Watch a video trailer of the presentation that Jason and Marjorie Crigler have created, which focuses on Jason's injury and recovery, and works to inspire other families in similar situations.
After his recovery, Jason Crigler and his sister Marjorie began visiting hospitals, schools and brain injury associations in an effort to give back. This video, Defying the Odds: How One Man Recovered from a Devastating Stroke with the Help of His Determined Family, is a trailer for their presentation, which focuses on Jason's injury and his remarkable recovery.
To find out more about Defying the Odds or contact Jason and Marjorie, visit www.defyingtheodds.net.
Learn more about: Health & Health Care, Family & Society
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I can't find the words to describe how this movie has touched me. I'm inspired to do better, to not focus on things that really don't matter... Thank you for sharing this story with me.”
— Jack Pitzer, Viewer
Talk About This
It was a miracle of jesus and the Love of his
Family.
by Lucy
July 8, 2009, 12:42 AM
I'm not so sure Jesus or God was involved but what an awesome testament to the strength and will of the human spirit. A necessary and much needed affirmation of the true power of Love. Thank you PBS.
by Jack Nicholsen
July 8, 2009, 9:30 AM
This was an inspiring documentary. With all of the proper resources (especially the commitment of family and friends to the rehabilitation of the brain-injured person), clearly a brain injury is not the end, as most doctors see it.
by AI
July 8, 2009, 11:55 AM
I only caught the last portion of the video and speaking as a fellow Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor (TBI). The portion of the documentary that I did catch truly depicted the struggles of a person recovering from a TBI. I plan to watch the documentary in its entirety. Thanks for putting words and a image to the internal entrapment a survivor goes through.
Christina Ilczyszyn - Cape Cora, Fl
Survivor since 09/11/2001 - I am probably one of the only individuals living, that can honestly say that I can not remember where I was or what I was doing when the twin towers were hit.
by Christina Ilczyszyn
July 8, 2009, 9:03 PM
I am a fellow victim of a Traumatic Brain Injury. In fourteen months I have come from the edge of life to driving a car. I was trained as a dentist and I have 90% of my dexterity back. With help of caring people it has been possible to overcome the doubts of others and return to a full life.
by Barry Berman
July 9, 2009, 7:50 AM
Bravo to Jason and the rest of the family for what they did and for this wonderful film. It was tremendously moving and interesting, and it really gives me a different perspective on my own varied health issues and other "problems" -- which I can easily get depressed and angry about. But they don't even remotely approach what happened to Jason... Terrific guitar playing and music, too. Thank you!!!
Melanie
by Melanie Blank
July 9, 2009, 12:38 PM
Fantastic! I watched it from 2-3 a.m. here in San Antonio. Thank you for producing and sharing such a beautiful testament to love & family! God bless you in all your endeavors!
by Gloria Primera
July 12, 2009, 10:45 AM
Amazing, inspiring, humbling. Thank you!
by Patricia
July 13, 2009, 3:35 AM
Jason, you lift me up. My son suffered a TBI Oct. 2008. Just like you, he was not expected to live through the night; if he did, he would not be my same son. Thanks to miracles, prayers and great medical support and staff at Regions Hospital, my son is traveling the recovery road. The journey is long and hard but we keep moving on. We are blessed! Thank you for sharing and giving all of us hope.
Shirley - Minnesota
by Shirley Hardecke
July 13, 2009, 1:27 PM
Jason,
Your story is amazing! It makes people reflect on their own lives and realize that anything is possible and to take things day by day. It was good to see a real life story with a happy ending. You have one of the most loving and caring families. It was amazing how they did not give up on you through even the worst prognoses. Cherish every moment and dedicate every day to your family and friends who helped you through those times. Also, buy your wife something thoughtful she was so brave when so many would have quit.
Your story touched me personally by reminding me of my grandfather who had a stroke and was paralyzed on his left side. Our family worked so hard to help him get better. He was a different person after the stroke, seemed like someone took the life right out of him. He was a very strong-willed person before the stroke and had trouble with having people to take care of him like an infant. He eventually got better but never to the full extent. Through it all, he was best grandpa you could ask for.
Keep up the hard work. Your music is amazing and should be inspirational to all musicians, especially the ones who lose sight of what's important.
by Rebecca
July 20, 2009, 3:08 AM
I was so thankful to see Jason's family unite and patiently help him make it through the worst time of his life. They were sweet and loving, but they doggedly refused to give up on Jason and launched their own treatment plan with the goal of a full recovery. They worked hard and were faith in action. They just didn't wish for recovery, they believed, despite the doctor's grim prognosis, Jason could and would recover. It was quite moving to see his sister and wife, in particular, sacrifice their time, and energy and then see their joy when Jason "returned" to them. This story held a great lesson - not to shrink in fear when you get a bad report from a doctor, but stand in faith. Doctors and professionals, - they are great, and we need 'em, but it ain't over 'til God says it's over! Bravo to Jason's family, and don't forget to thank God! "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" Heb. 11:1-2
by Peggy
July 30, 2009, 11:39 PM
Mother
Jason, I am so happy for you, and proud of your family for not giving up and supporting and encouraging you. I am a full time care giver of a 16 year old Brain injured daughter. She is 9 years post her injury, I never have nor will I give up on encouraging and assisting her to improve. I to believe the love and support of not only family but friends has help both of us. She was not expected to live, much less walk talk,learn to speak spanish, paint amazing pictures, and most of all bring joy to all that she touches. The journey is never short or easy, but well worth it. Congrat, and Good luck.
Smiles Teresa
by Teresa Swerdlick from Damascus, Oregon
September 10, 2009, 2:23 PM
Inspirational
I noticed that everyone gave each other credit for the wonderful recovery; the sister thanked the doctors, the doctor credited the family. Loving and patient people to have persevered in the face of poor odds.
Our son had post operative meningitis and various episodes of intracranial pressure due to failed shunts. When he used ritalin to compensate his subsequent attention deficit we saw a flattening of his personality and depression. This disappeared when he stopped using ritalin. He uses an alternative and very effective natural product for his attention deficit- 5 years driving with no car accidents.
I hope Jason will be able to get off ritalin. It could be one more step toward regaining joy. Our son got his laugh back.
by k hetzel from montreal, quebec
October 12, 2009, 12:44 AM