Finding Normal
An intimate look at the inevitable transformation that those recovering from a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) experience.
Video
Pitch video
Synopsis
On November 16, 2015 at 11:46am, everything changed for Margo Nelson. She was about to make a left-hand turn when a truck broadsided her car, sending her spinning into another vehicle. Margo was taken to the hospital. Six hours later, she was given a pamphlet on brain injuries and sent home. Everyone thought the bruises would heal and all would go back to normal. But since the brain defines who we are, a brain injury can affect bodily functioning as well as personality and mental abilities. Recovery involves not only healing the physical, but also coming to terms with the fact that things may never return to normal. Through conversations with family, friends, experts and others affected by TBI, Margo sets out to discover and redefine what normal now means.
The team
Our team brings together an interesting mix of experiences - from scripted shorts and series, to lifestyle, news, documentary and music. We foster ongoing learning both as a team and as individuals and welcome creativity and sharing of knowledge.
Production
Interview Roster
From therapists and specialists, to friends and family, here are some of the people taking part (from top left to right): Janet Watson - Friend Kirsten Guest - iRest Certified Teacher Hali Duncan - Personal Trainer Becca Nicholson - Sister-in-law Esther Emery - Mother Kirsti Allen - Friend Suzanne Thompson - Physical Therapist Honor Neve - Friend Lindsay Shroud - Recovering from a brain injury Keegan Fowell - Massage Therapist Paula Kent - Massage Therapist Krista Cornell Bradford - Friend Rand Woodbeck - Friend Heather Hofer - Friend Katie Knight - Sister-in-law Bill Roberts - Counsellor
Margo is the primary subject of Finding Normal. We follow her on her journey of rediscovery and recovery from a traumatic brain injury.
Jen met Margo through a serendipitous encounter afforded by the wedding of a mutual friend. Shortly and happily thereafter,Margo and Jen lived in Prince George until the week of the accident that resulted in Margo’s traumatic brain injury. Jen has been asked to be involved in this documentary to show the caregiver side of the coin. The partner she knew was gone and Jen was left on her own to deal with a full-grown adult in a walking vegetative state. The woman she loved had gone from a resilient, resourceful self-sustaining individual to a full-on dependent in the blink of an eye.