Season 3 | Ep. 38
In this powerful episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, Erika Brouillette sits down with Dr. Kay Reyna, a first responder wife/accountant turned researcher whose family’s life changed in an instant when her husband, a North Carolina Highway Patrol Master Trooper, was catastrophically injured on duty. What followed wasn’t just the trauma of a severe traumatic brain injury, but a long, exhausting fight to get his brain injury recognized and treated, as workers’ compensation minimized his symptoms, delayed care for years, and pushed the narrative that he was simply “uncooperative.”
Dr. Reyna shares what it was like to raise three children while advocating for a husband who couldn’t advocate for himself, navigating surveillance, court battles, and the crushing weight of being dismissed when you know something is deeply wrong. And then, she shares the part you don’t hear often: how they rebuilt a life through adaptive sports, community, and the kind of hope that shows up even when the system doesn’t. Her journey from finance to earning multiple degrees, including a doctorate, is a testament to what can happen when pain becomes purpose.
Today, Dr. Reyna is using her voice and her research to fight for survivors, caregivers, and children living in homes impacted by brain injury. She’s inviting the TBI community to participate in current studies so these lived experiences stop being “anecdotal” and start driving real change. This conversation is honest, emotional, and packed with validation for every caregiver who’s ever been told, “There’s nothing we can do.”
If you are a caregiver or family member of a TBI survivor, please fill out this survey and help with the research and to make a change in the support we receive
Check out more great links highlighting Dr. Reyna's work:
https://www.wral.com/story/after-injury-trooper-forced-to-fight-for-care/14610962/
https://youtu.be/TakSqw1yJd8?si=-dw85Nx8esdaA4_C
https://www.challengedathletes.org/blogs/humberto-reyna/
https://www.electric.coop/ride-2-recovery-electric-cooperative-bond
Connect with Dr. Reyna at the following:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-patricia-kay-reyna-333703136/ https://cbirt.org/about/people/patricia-kay-reyna operationhomelandhonor.org
Popular Podcasts
Hey Jonas!
Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.
Betrayal Weekly
Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.