After battling suicidal ideas, among other troubles resulting from traumatic brain injuries, Jennifer Fortezzo shaves her head for “Say Goodbye TBI” campaign
DENVER, COLORADO ( May 10, 2016 /EINPresswire.com/ ) — Most days blurred past retired police officer Jennifer Fortezzo in a haze. After leaving law enforcement due to injuries received in the line of duty, she has been plagued with numerous after-effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a condition previously thought to be untreatable.
But in March 
2016, Fortezzo found a new treatment that the latest in science shows may reverse brain damage, and restore normal functioning to injuries caused by TBI. So, instead of donating her brain for research after she dies — like several celebrity athletes are doing — she joined the “Say Goodbye TBI” campaign. Now she seeks to raise funding and awareness for this new treatment, which could help millions of others suffering TBI-related conditions.
The new treatment is spearheaded by Drs. Theodore Henderson and Larry Morries, co-Founders of the Neuro-Laser Foundation, who are on the forefront of studying the effectiveness of treating TBI patients with a specialized method using high-powered, multi-watt near-infrared light (NILT).
Dr. Henderson said Fortezzo is an excellent candidate for NILT because her brain scans show multiple brain injuries, and PTSD, probably connected to years of sports participation in addition to her work-related injuries.
Fortezzo served as a Law Enforcement Officer for the Colorado Springs Police department for 10 years, until she retired in July 2014 due to injury sustained in the line of duty. A self-described “Tomboy,” she has always enjoyed participating in various athletics. She said she has always been “the type of athlete that sacrificed my body, including my head, for the sake of the game.” She also recorded many previous concussions. She is married with two daughters (14, 9) in Colorado Springs.
Fortezzo was diagnosed with major depression and PTSD after the death of her daughter in 2006. Since then, she has struggled with progressively worsening memory issues, anger and rage, anxiety, severe depression, suicidal ideation, obsessive-compulsive thinking and difficulty thinking clearly.
Prior to receiving NILT, Fortezzo said, “I am no longer the person I used to be! I’ve lost all hope of living a healthy and active life.” But after meeting with the doctors and hearing about the new treatment she said, “I left their offices filled with hope – hope of living, not just existing.”
Just a few months into her treatments, Fortezzo reports the following PROS and CONS:
- CONS
“There aren’t any. There’s no pain, no side affects from the treatment, which is wonderful because medications do have a lot of side effects.” - PROS
“My head feels very clear, instead of cloudy. Light instead heavy. The most important difference is — I don’t think about suicide every day. Early on in the process, I was functioning, but most of my time was spent in my room, secluded and withdrawn and not engaged with life and my family. But lately, my husband has seen a huge difference as I’ve stepped outside of that shell and getting outside and doing things I like to do. Its been very freeing for me. I felt for so many years like I was in bondage. And this is the first time I feel free.”
While seemingly unbelievable, the changes in Fortezzo’s life are backed up with science showing NILT regenerates the healing process among damaged brain cells. Mrs. Fortezzo has not been compensated for her remarks.
“The light we’re using penetrates the skin and skull, reaching the damaged areas of the brain to stimulate the energy production and regenerate the healing process,” said Dr. Morries, who has co-authored three related studies on this subject in the last 12 months.*
With millions of TBI survivors, and various other possible applications for NILT, this is one of the hottest topics in neuro-science today, according to Dr. Henderson.
“The need is tremendous, and we suspect there are many other ways NILT could help the brain heal,” said Dr. Morries, who together with Dr. Henderson, is seeking $2.5 million through the “Say Goodbye TBI” campaign for research and financial aid for military veterans, first-responders and others who may qualify.
The Neuro-Laser Foundation (NLF) is a non-profit organization, based in Denver, Colorado, dedicated to transforming lives of those distraught with various psychiatric and neurological conditions, some resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Building on more than 30 years of studying the effects of near-infrared light on cells and tissues, the Foundation is advancing technology and treatment approaches that will increase quality of life factors for people impacted by traumatic brain injury.
More information is available at TBI.care or calling (720) 493-1101.
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