Local singer-songwriter Cristabelle Braden is using her creative talents to inspire and support people like her, writes Nick Iadonisi for 6abc.
The Allentown resident suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) when she was fourteen years old. In her early recovery, music offered Braden a way to express herself without speaking.
This period led Braden to writer her own music. Braden said, “In the early stages of my brain injury rehabilitation, songs just kind of started pouring out.”
Now, Braden leads a successful music career. She has recorded music in Nashville, and toured the United States to perform her music.
But her influence is not limited to her music. She leads the nonprofit organization Hope Survives, which provides support and resources to TBI survivors and their families.
Braden personally hosts virtual support groups and bible study sessions to connect with fellow TBI survivors. Hope Survives also offers informational sessions as well as social hours, art workshops, and a podcast.
Braden shared the importance of community-building as a way for injury survivors to cope with the many emotions of recovery. About her experience and the community, the singer said, “There’s definitely sadness and grief. But on the flip side, there is hope and strength and resilience…If I can make a difference and help somebody else feel less alone, then it kind of makes it feel like it was worth it.”
Read more about Cristabelle Braden and the singer-songwriter’s nonprofit Hope Survives in 6abc.
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