Brainwaves

Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona Blog

Headstrong and Ready for the Long Run

Jim Ledgewood’s story is known to many in the Arizona brain injury community. In 2006, he was hanging out with friends at a local bar. When he stepped outside to get some fresh air, a gunman randomly shot Jim in his face with a hollow-point bullet. In addition to severing a facial nerve and destroying his inner eardrum, damaging the optic nerve and nicking the carotid artery, the bullet caused brain bleeding and damage to his frontal and temporal lobe.

Since that fateful evening, Jim has been a visible supporter of fellow survivors through the Brain Injury Alliance. He is a facilitator of the all-men’s Brain Cave support group and speaks on behalf of the organization.

He oversaw the first Run, Walk & Roll 10K/5K/1-Mile Fun Run in 2018 and is proud its pre-COVID success. Since then, it has become a staple of the event calendar. This year, the Co-Chair’s HeadStrong team will hit the track.

We sat down for a life update, a pre-race check-in, if you will.

“For people new to the race, whether they’re running alone or on a team, is to enjoy yourself. Have fun. Be open-minded. This is an eye-opening experience because you’d never know that a fellow runner has a brain injury.”

Headstrong and Ready for the Long Run

Jim Ledgewood’s story is known to many in the Arizona brain injury community. In 2006, he was hanging out with friends at a local bar. When he stepped outside to get some fresh air, a gunman randomly shot Jim in his face with a hollow-point bullet. In addition to severing a facial nerve and destroying his inner eardrum, damaging the optic nerve and nicking the carotid artery, the bullet caused brain bleeding and damage to his frontal and temporal lobe.

Since that fateful evening, Jim has been a visible supporter of fellow survivors through the Brain Injury Alliance. He is a facilitator of the all-men’s Brain Cave support group and speaks on behalf of the organization.

He oversaw the first Run, Walk & Roll 10K/5K/1-Mile Fun Run in 2018 and is proud its pre-COVID success. Since then, it has become a staple of the event calendar. This year, the Co-Chair’s HeadStrong team will hit the track.

We sat down for a life update, a pre-race check-in, if you will.

“For people new to the race, whether they’re running alone or on a team, is to enjoy yourself. Have fun. Be open-minded. This is an eye-opening experience because you’d never know that a fellow runner has a brain injury.”

Brain Waves: So, what have you been up to?

Jim Ledgewood: I’m doing fairly well. I just bought a house, so that’s a good thing. My health is pretty much the same. At SWABACK, I’m moving up in the ranks and studying for my ARE exams to get my architectural license. With my promotions, I’ve become a jack-of-all-trades, especially when it comes to 3-D software and tech stuff.

Brain Waves: What do people find most surprising about your journey?

Jim: When they hear what happened, they’re surprised to hear that I’m in some profession. I’m also a good bowler. Since the injury, I have bowled three perfect games and missed three more by one pin. I tell them I’ve got one eye, one ear, and part of my brain. Imagine what I could do if I were healthy.

Brain Waves: Tell us about your team, HeadStrong.

Jim:  Right now, we have 17 team members, but we’re expecting more family. We’ve got friend/family members Jon Gambill, Roger and Suzi Geisler, advocate/friend Dan Levey, friends Sydney, Troy, and Patti Wiese, Felicia Overmyer, Vanessa Clarizio, Stephanie Arnold, and Kim Ferguson, jury member Bambi Ryker, cousin/cousin-in-law Kelly and Kevin Osbourne, cousin Mandi Vaulet, niece Courtney Buller, and aunt Kim Cox.

My company is fielding a second team. Their shirts will read, In Support of Jim Ledgewood. SWABACK & ASSOCIATES.

For people new to the race, whether they’re running alone or on a team, is to enjoy yourself. Have fun. Be open-minded. This is an eye-opening experience because you’d never know that a fellow runner has a brain injury.

Brain Waves: What’s the meaning behind your team’s name?

Jim: This was based on a song called Headstrong by Trapt. I really related to the lyrics about being shot in the head and surviving. I hope others get the message and know they’re not alone.

Circling, you’re circling, you’re circling your head
Contemplating everything you ever said
Now I see the truth, I got a doubt
A different motive in your eyes and now I’m out
See you later

I see your fantasy
You wanna make it a reality paved in gold
See inside, inside of our heads, yeah
Well, now that’s over

I see your motives inside
Decisions to hide

Back off, I’ll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong
Headstrong, we’re Headstrong
Back off, I’ll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong
And this is not where you belong

I can’t give everything away
I won’t give everything away

Conclusions manifest
Your first impressions got to be your very best
I see you’re full of shit and that’s alright
That’s how you play, I guess you get through every night
Well, now that’s over

I see your fantasy
You wanna make it a reality paved in gold
See inside, inside of our heads, yeah
Well, now that’s over

I see your motives inside
Decisions to hide

Back off, I’ll take you on
Headstrong to take on any one
I know that you are wrong
Headstrong, we’re headstrong
Back off, I’ll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong
And this is not where you belong
Where you belong

I can’t give everything away
This is not where you belong
I won’t give everything away

I know, I know all about
I know, I know all about
I know, I know all about
I know, I know all about
Your motives inside
And your decision to hide

Back off, I’ll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong
Headstrong, we’re headstrong
Back off, I’ll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong
And this is not where you belong
Where you belong
This is not where you belong

I can’t give everything away
This is not where you belong
I won’t give everything away
This is not where you belong
This is not where you belong

ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.

What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona:

  • Works with Congressional Brain Injury Task Force
  • Houses Arizona Brain Health Resource Center
  • Hosts virtual and in-person support groups for survivors and families
  • Has Statewide Opioid Use Disorder & Cognitive Impairment Response team with peer support, training, and family wraparound services
  • Facilitates Brain Health Advisory Council
  • Manages statewide Help Line: 888-500-9165

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