The impact was life-changing, not only for Aisling but for her entire family. In the weeks after the accident, Aisling’s family was told to prepare for the worst.

It was a rainy Tuesday night in 2005, and Aisling had just stepped off the bus from college outside her home. Aisling was struck by a car resulting in a severe brain injury. The driver didn’t even see her until she was on the windscreen.

Aisling was rushed to Navan Hospital, where she was intubated to help her to breathe, and then transferred to a trauma hospital in Dublin.

These early days were filled with fear and helplessness. This was incredibly hard for a mother, Doreen, who, from the moment her daughter was born, had always been there to care for her.

Christmas came that year with little joy and magic for Aisling’s family. They didn’t put up a tree, and holiday lights seemed far from their minds. There were so many flowers sent to Aisling and she was not able to enjoy them.

Yet, Christmas Day itself felt like a gift. The family spent it at Beaumont Hospital by Aisling’s side. Even though she was still in high dependency care, they felt an overwhelming sense of relief—they were just thankful she was still with them.

Aisling’s recovery was uncertain. 

She spent her 19th birthday in the ICU.

After two weeks, Aisling developed pneumonia, which required a second tracheotomy and nearly cost her life. It was unclear at the time whether her brain had sustained any further damage.

She could not move, speak, or recognise anyone (except her mam). Her cognitive abilities were like those of a nine-month-old baby. She often cried without being able to explain her feelings. Her family watched, unsure of what the future held.

Doctors advised that Aisling might need long-term care in a nursing home. But Doreen refused to give up and advocated fiercely for her daughter to receive the right rehabilitation.

Aisling was accepted for a trial at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH), which turned into five months of intensive recovery work. These months were life-changing, but Aisling’s recovery was far from over. When Aisling came home, her family continued to support her as she relearned how to walk, talk, and regain a sense of normalcy.

That’s when Aisling found Acquired Brain Injury Ireland.

Here, she discovered not only therapies that helped her regain independence but also a community of people who truly understood her journey. Our programmes in art, cooking, mindfulness, and creative writing helped Aisling reconnect with the things she loves and rediscover a sense of purpose. Through our support, Aisling found comfort in meeting other survivors, sharing stories, and knowing she wasn’t alone. This connection helped fuel her determination to keep moving forward.

These activities aren’t just hobbies—they’re a form of neurorehabilitation. In the supportive environment of the Acquired Brain Injury Ireland Clubhouse, expert staff work with members to help them build on their strengths and regain independence. This community gives people like Aisling the social connection and confidence needed to continue their recovery.

For Doreen and her family, the services we provided were a lifeline. Our team helped Aisling at every step, guiding her toward recovery in a way that no family should have to face alone. Today, Aisling is not only continuing her rehabilitation with us, but she’s also giving back as an ambassador, inspiring other survivors with her story and resilience.

Every year, Aisling’s family celebrates the anniversary of her brain injury, grateful that Aisling is still with them. “We are lucky she is still here, and anything after that is a bonus,” Doreen shares.

Doreen had to fight tirelessly to get Aisling the care she needed, but not every family has the resources or the support to do the same. Acquired Brain Injury Ireland offers vital services that help people like Aisling regain independence, connect with others, and find hope for the future.

But we can’t provide this critical support without you.