Comments on: Bob Woodruff Recovery: Photos

By: Gloria Hartman

Gloria Hartman — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 04:03:45 +0000

Bob, I watch you often, and am so glad that you have done so well with your recovery. God Bless you. Do you have a brother named Dave, who went to John Glenn High school in Westland in 1967? He and I were very good friends, and I had to leave……..If it is him, can I get his address, to get in contact again?
Thank you, Gloria

By: John Constantinides

John Constantinides — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:42:15 +0000

Dear Mr. Woodruff
I’m writing to you about my wife Demetria who sufferred an anoxic brain injury on February 4th, 2007 due to cardiac arrest. Before this she was a young vibrant 35 year old healthy beautiful wife & mother of 2 young children (6 & 2) and now she is slowly recovering from this tragic injury. Our whole family is devestated and feels helpless because theres is not much we can do for her other than the conventional rehab practice that is performed on brain injured people.
The reason why I’m writing to you is if you can recommend any doctors or any new cutting edge treatments that she would benefit from.
Thank you for taking the time out to read my letter.
John

By: Ginny

Ginny — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 03:11:28 +0000

Dear Lee & Bob,
Your book is being so inspirational to me! My husband suffered anoxia to the brain after a lightning strike stopped his heart. He is still recovering. Things I read in your book are what we’re going through.
Its tough to see my husband struggle. The anoxia caused him to lose his short-term memory, so every day he wakes up to finding out he’s injured.
He’s a good man, he’s still able to say he loves me. I remember, at the hospital I became so used to talking to him in his coma, that it shocked me the first time I heard his voice again.
We have four kids also, but ours are older. Yet, I noticed reading your book that my older daughter and son reacted similar. Mine were both in different years of college. Yet, my daughter was there with her dad more and my son withdrew. He took pictures of his dad with him. So, I knew he was having a more private grief.
Thank you for being brave enough to share your tragedy…your fears…your triumphs. I feel much less alone in mine.
I don’t mean ..alone..as if I had no support. I’ve had wonderful love and support of family and friends. I mean alone..as in realizing this road has been walked before me..there is a place to turn and learn.
You are beautiful people who see both the heart-ache and the joys in your life, even in struggle.
Thanks,
Ginny

By: Heather Hill

Heather Hill — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 16:20:31 +0000

Dr. Heather BE Hill says:
It is fortunate that Bob Woodruff has the profile to draw attention to this SILENT EPIDEMIC and to have experts assisting him! Hope you are not on tooooo much medication. I recently went into hospital again and when the medial doctors found out I was not on ANY they wanted me to take some!! I did for awhile though I dislike possible side effects so I’ll stick to meditating! I was in a horrid car crash 20 years ago. Coma for around 3 months, since then I’ve re-taught myself walk, talk, feed, dress myself as well as obtain three degrees (undergrad, masters + PhD). Prior to aquiring my brain injury had NO degree! Yes it took me brain injury to become academic ;-) I have assisted with the establishment of a community access center, a self help self advocay group, presented and publish several articles I have written to the woman incharge of brain injury for Vets in DC offering my servies to NO avail!! Any suggestions?! I think if I can progress and you can something is missing as currently we are the Unusual instead of being the usual! I have learnt so, so, so much from my expriences that I like you feel it is important to share.
Cheers
Heather Hill

By: Franki

Franki — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 04:53:00 +0000

Dear Bob and Lee,
I tried to watch your special but my husband found it too painful,so all week I have caught snipets. You see on 1/31/05 my husband suffered a brain aneurysm. Like you he was in a coma and like you, Bob, he was not expected to make it…but with the support of a loving family and friends, skilled doctors and God’s blessings he is here with us. Much has been lost on this journey and much has been gained. This week has been a great struggle and watching you in stolen moments were difficult and inspiring for me…but what kept coming to my mind is how many times Bob appeared on t.v….I felt great concern for him.
As someone whose husband is two years post trauma, becareful! When someone heals the way Bob has (looks almost like his old self, acts almost like his old self) it can be deceptive. Lee, you are so happy to have the love of your life back and Bob is so happy to show the love of his life he is back…it is very easy to push much too hard.
My husband has become great at compensating. At sitting in a room where so much is going on… smiling… and later feeling so drained he can barely move. I watched your interviews with a different eye than most. While I admired the wonderful, animated and loving way you conducted the interviews, I also ached for Bob going over this, and over this just a year after such a trauma. Hearing the pain this caused his family (that many times in a week)has to be difficult, even for someone who is 90% back.
Lee, each tbi person heals differently but they are all fragile on different levels for a time. I have learned it’s usually 3 steps forward and 1 or 2 steps back. The two of you are an amazing couple with so much to offer in bringing this illness to light. Yet, also keeping in mind, healing from a traumatic brain injury is an uphill journey.
I look forward to attending one of your book signings with my husband. If we can be of support to any of the tbi patients you are working with please do not hesitate to contact us at the above email address. May God continue to bless the Woodruffs.
Regards,
Franki

By: Robert Miles

Robert Miles — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:41:57 +0000

To Bob Woodruff: Sir, you have been truly blessed. Perhaps you survived Iraq to be the spokes person for active soldiers and veterans. Sir, as a retired Army Master Sergeant, I can tell you that we do not have national politican who gives a darn about the military. Please do not let the VA Administrator fool you. In my experience their primary goal is to deny claims by giving you the run a round until you give up the persuit. In my opinion, most of the very serious injuries have not or never will receive the quality treatment you received. If you are truly interested in the medical treatment of Iraq and other veterans; go around the country and speak with enlisted retirees and veterans about the medical care and the VA.

By: Peggy Miller

Peggy Miller — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 14:29:53 +0000

Bob,
Thank you for your story on Feb. 27th. I have been through what you are going through. Six years ago on Feb. 27th, I had serious brain aneurysm illness and a stroke. My family was told that I may not make it or I may have to go into a home having problems with speaking, memory, being paralized. I was given as you were given. Miracle recovery. Seeing you, helped me seeing a person going through as I did. I have such respect for you. For what you are doing to help the other soldiers having brain problems and helping their families. What they are going through is difficult. I know that you were given a gift from God and now what you are doing is what God has asked you to do. You are a wonderful person. A person to teaching people what is important in life. You are teaching me. You do have a wonderful wife who is helping you through your recovery. I am excited to read the book you both wrote. God bless you. Thank you.

By: Debbie Bachman

Debbie Bachman — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 06:21:42 +0000

To Bob Woodruff and family,
Thank you so much for your remarkable story. There needs to be so much education done of TBI.
My then 19 year old daughter was injured in a car accident 10 years ago. She was in a coma for 8 months. It is a constant battle to receive care. I am so so saddened to hear of so many young people receiving TBI’s. Our medical services are very much lacking in this area. I thank you so very much for bringing this problem out into the open. May you continue your recovery. God Bless.

By: Marta & Hugh Strong

Marta & Hugh Strong — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 22:55:02 +0000

To Bob Woodruff and family….Thank you and your family for sharing your story and especially for bringing attention to all those injured in this war and others. Your story touched our hearts as we watched your difficult struggle and recovery. Your documentary gave us a closer look at our soldiers and all they have sacrificed and continue to endure for us. Is there anything we, as individuals, can do (besides all the prayers) for those injured soldiers and their families. Would writing letters to the injured soldiers help? We feel we need to do something to help encourage those who are having difficult times. People do care and they need to hear that. Again, thank you and welcome back to ABC evening news.

By: Phyllis

Phyllis — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 22:34:35 +0000

Bob,
What a eye opening your program was to many of us. I greatly appreicate what you are doing to get the help for the veteran’s. Our government needs to stand beside our veteran’s not hide from them. The veteran’s did their job now we need to do our’s. I have a brother who was in Vietnam and he still has problems and still fights with the veteran hospital for his health care. God Bless you and your family and I think God knew that the veteran’s needed a Special person to talk for them and that person is you.