In the spring of 2024, Alicia Claytor found herself driving home when she stumbled upon a distressing scene: a severe motorcycle crash. The shocking realisation soon dawned on her that her husband, Corey Claytor, a firefighter and paramedic, was one of the victims. This incident marked the beginning of a profound transformation for both Alicia, 35, and Corey, 37, whose lives were irrevocably altered following Corey’s traumatic brain injury.
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Corey’s accident resulted in a grade 2/3 diffuse axonal injury, a particularly severe type of traumatic brain injury wherein brain fibers are torn apart due to the violent shearing force of the crash. In addition, he suffered from a fractured femur. Following the incident, Alicia recounted how Corey spent months in hospital, navigating the arduous journey of relearning basic skills like walking and speaking. His recovery demanded extensive rehabilitation including physical, occupational, and speech-language therapies, the last of which is necessary due to dysarthria—an impairment affecting the muscles responsible for speech.
As the primary caregiver, Alicia has devoted herself to supporting Corey through his rehabilitation. However, she takes issue with the label of “caregiver”, believing it undermines their relationship as partners. “We are not a caregiver and a patient. We are still a team,” she stated. Though she took on responsibilities like managing appointments and encouraging Corey’s therapies, it took her nearly two years to fully accept the caregiver title, feeling that it oversimplifies their shared journey.
The financial implications of Corey’s injury have been overwhelming for the couple, who are also parents to two young children. Alicia highlighted the strain of accumulating medical bills amidst the loss of Corey’s income, stating, “Corey was our breadwinner. Overnight, we lost that income on top of everything else.” Compounding their struggles, they faced challenges in securing disability benefits, with their application being denied twice already. “Most people don’t realise that about two-thirds of first-time disability applications get denied,” Alicia explained, illustrating the systemic difficulties families like hers face during such crises.
In light of the circumstances, Alicia has leaned heavily on her support network. She credits friends and family for their crucial assistance, which has been vital in preventing them from losing their home amid bill payments and other pressing financial concerns. “If they hadn’t stepped up, I truly believe we would have lost everything,” she admitted.
Despite the challenges they have encountered, Alicia remains hopeful about Corey’s progress. “He’s walking, he’s present, and he’s parenting alongside me every single day,” she shared. Acknowledging the impact of his injuries, Alicia noted that while Corey’s ability to communicate has altered, his determination to improve is commendable. “He works on that consistently and with more patience than most people could manage,” she said.
The couple is now gearing up for another round in the pursuit of disability benefits, hoping for a more favourable outcome in their next hearing. Alongside these preparations, they are also focused on defining a new normal for their family. Alicia reflected on their journey with humour, stating that “sometimes the thing you’re going through is so bad it’s funny.” This light-hearted approach has been essential for maintaining positivity throughout their ordeal.
In sharing their experiences online, Alicia has found a supportive community that resonates with their challenges. Through platforms like TikTok, she has connected with other caregivers and survivors, discovering that they are not alone in their struggles. “So many people have gone on to live incredible lives after a TBI,” Alicia remarked, emphasising the power of shared narratives to foster hope and resilience.
Through her journey, Alicia aims to raise awareness not just for the survivors of traumatic brain injuries but also for the caregivers who often go unrecognised. She wants to highlight that their grief and struggles are equally valid, even when the person they care for is still present. “If you are in that role, your feelings are valid. You are allowed to fall apart and still keep going,” she affirmed, offering support to those navigating similar paths.
Alicia Claytor’s story is a powerful testament to resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. While they continue to confront the realities of their situation, she firmly believes in the importance of community and understanding, both for herself and for others who may feel isolated in their struggles.