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Mark Halvorsen’s life changed on May 1, 1999, when he sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after falling from the roof of his screened-in porch.He was in a coma for approximately three weeks and underwent an extensive rehabilitation journey.Today, Mark serves as a Peer Visitor with the Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association, providing guidance and encouragement to other TBI survivors navigating their own recovery paths.

💪 Advocacy & Professional Activities

Brain Injury Advocacy: Mark is active in the TBI community, particularly through Seek in Motion, where he champions resources and awareness for brain injury survivorConferences & Webinars: He regularly participates in brain injury-related events, sharing his perspective as a survivor.Insurance & Rehabilitation Issues: In one of his LinkedIn posts, Mark discussed the challenges of insurance coverage for TBI recovery and shared his positive rehabilitation experience at Boston’s Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.Podcast Feature: Mark appeared on Episode 5 of the “HumanityRx” podcast, where he recounted his coma, recovery journey, and ongoing advocacy efforts.

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Bill (Host):

“So what is dyslexia, really?

Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects the way the brain processes language — especially written words.

It’s not about intelligence.

It’s not about laziness.

And it’s definitely not just ‘mixing up letters.’

People with dyslexia often have difficulty with reading, spelling, and writing — even though they may be just as smart, creative, or insightful as anyone else.

It’s like the brain is wired to take a different route when reading — and that route might be slower or bumpier, but it’s still powerful in its own way.

And here’s something important:

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, affecting around 1 in 5 people.

But it’s also one of the most misunderstood.”

🎙️

ScrambledEggs&Ham

Segment

Title: Brains That Work Differently — and Brilliantly

[Music fades out]

Bill (Host):

You know, one of the biggest myths about dyslexia is that it somehow limits a person’s potential. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, some of the most creative, bold, and successful people we know have lived with dyslexia.

Let me give you a few names that might surprise you.

Whoopi Goldberg

Comedian. Actress. Legend.

Whoopi has always marched to her own rhythm. She’s talked about struggling in school, but she also said that her dyslexia gave her a different way of seeing the world.

Steven Spielberg

One of the most iconic filmmakers of our time.

He didn’t find out he had dyslexia until later in life — but it helped explain why school had been so tough.

He calls it part of his creative engine.

Richard Branson

Founder of the Virgin Group.

A billionaire who says his dyslexia taught him to delegate, think outside the box, and be bold.

He once said,

Octavia Spencer

Yes — Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer grew up with dyslexia.

She says it made her more determined — and more compassionate.

She’s passionate about telling kids:

Magic Johnson

On the court, he was pure genius.

Off the court, he struggled with reading — but never let that stop him.

Magic learned how to build businesses, inspire others, and lead by example.

(Optional)

Anderson Cooper

Even journalist Anderson Cooper — someone known for his sharp reporting — has talked about growing up with dyslexia and how important early support was for him.

Bill (Host):

So if you’re listening today and living with dyslexia — or someone you love is — know this:

You’re in powerful company.

These people didn’t succeed in spite of dyslexia.

They succeeded because they learned how to use it.

And that’s what this show is all about — turning struggle into strength, and finding power in the way your brain works.

[Music swells]

Bill (Host):

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Tanya Ward is fighting Glioblastoma, which is a type of brain cancer. The medical community told her that there is no cure, and gave her 11 to 18 months to live.
listen to her story along with her partner Bill Ross.
Glioblastoma is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord. It grows quickly and can invade and destroy healthy tissue. Glioblastoma forms from cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells.

Glioblastoma can happen at any age. But it tends to occur more often in older adults and more often in men. Glioblastoma symptoms include headaches that keep getting worse, nausea and vomiting, blurred or double vision, and
seizures.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bill1

National Brain Tumor Society
Headquarters
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Newton, MA 02458
Phone: 617-924-9997

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