At Alta, we believe that rock climbing is more than just a sport—it’s a test of resilience, strength, and determination. Every climber faces obstacles, but it’s how we push through that defines us. This National Brain Injury Awareness Month, we’re honored to partner with Bob, an Alta regular and founder of Beanies On Brains, to raise awareness for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and share his inspiring story of recovery.
Bob’s journey is one of unimaginable hardship, perseverance, and ultimately, hope. His life changed in an instant after a near-fatal workplace accident, but through sheer willpower, family support, and years of dedicated rehabilitation, he built a new life—one focused on helping others navigate the challenges of TBI.
Bob’s Story: A Life-Changing Moment
Nov. 2010 – Age 29
On November 16, 2010, Bob was doing what he had done countless times before—working as a third-generation ironworker in Chicago. Then, in a split second, everything changed.
“The floor (metal deck) collapsed beneath me, and I fell nearly 30 feet to the concrete below, landing primarily on my head and left side,” Bob recalls.
While the accident wasn’t his fault or the fault of his company, the impact was devastating. He suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), specifically a diffuse axonal injury (DAI)—a condition where widespread damage occurs in the brain’s white matter. In addition, Bob sustained several broken facial bones, broken ribs, and a shattered wrist.
Thankfully, his partner on the job, Russ Henson, was a former Marine Corps medic. Russ immediately rushed to Bob’s side and made critical decisions that helped save his life. “Had Russ not been there on that day, things could have turned out much differently,” Bob says. “Russ helped save my life, and I am forever grateful for him.”
Paramedics transported Bob to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a severe TBI. To control brain swelling, doctors inserted a brain shunt and placed him in a medically induced coma. His wife, Katie, remembers the chilling uncertainty of those early days.
“One doctor told me, ‘He could wake up and be the same person he was before, or he could remain like this (in a coma) indefinitely,’” she recalls. “That’s when the injury and the unknown became even more real and more scary.”
The Long Road to Recovery
After nearly two weeks in a coma, Bob woke up—on Thanksgiving Day. But the man who opened his eyes wasn’t the same one who had left for work that morning two weeks prior.
“I was very incoherent. I didn’t know what year it was, and my friends later told me I spoke differently, like a child,” Bob shares.
His journey was just beginning. After spending another 10 days in the ICU, he was transferred to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (now Shirley Ryan Ability Lab) for an intensive two-week rehab program. Bob was eager to return home for Christmas, but doctors made it clear—if he wanted to regain his independence, recovery had to be his full-time job.
For the next 6.5 months, Bob attended outpatient brain rehab five days a week, eight hours a day. His daily routine centered around rest, cognitive therapy, and regaining motor function. “Adequate rest as well as working my brain early in my recovery was extremely important,” Bob says. “I slept at least 12 hours each night, with a 2-3 hour nap most afternoons. My brain desperately needed rest.”
The process wasn’t just physically exhausting—it was emotionally and mentally draining. “I had headaches and couldn’t handle much stimuli for the first two years—things like television, noisy environments, crowds, and even being in traffic were overwhelming,” Bob explains. “I couldn’t drive because my brain wasn’t able to process all of the information coming in simultaneously.”
He also struggled with emotional regulation. “I became emotional and overreacted at times toward my parents and loved ones,” he admits. “I would recognize this after and apologize, often finding myself in tears. Regardless of the confusion and difficulty, I never lost sight of making my recovery my number one priority.”
Rebuilding and Finding a New Purpose
Bob slowly regained independence, taking small but significant steps—enrolling in a history class at a local community college, driving short distances, and reintroducing exercise into his routine. In 2016, he and his then-girlfriend (now wife) moved to Arizona, where he began building a new life.
“I believe that TBI wasn’t the end of my life, but a new beginning,” Bob says.
He and his father started a real estate investment company, and Bob and Katie launched their nonprofit, Beanies On Brains, Inc. Their mission? To promote brain injury awareness and education while offering encouragement to survivors and their families.
The Meaning Behind the Beanies
During Bob’s rehab, he was always cold in the hospital, so he wore his favorite gray beanie for warmth and comfort. It quickly became part of his identity.
“The nurses and doctors would smile and say, ‘There’s Bob, wearing his beanie again!’” he remembers.
Today, the beanie is more than just a piece of clothing—it’s a symbol of strength, resilience, and hope. Beanies On Brains encourages survivors to wear their beanies as a reminder of their journey and the tools they need to fight through recovery.
“Traumatic brain injury may change your entire body and challenge your mind, but it won’t change your soul,” Bob says.
How You Can Support This March
This National Brain Injury Awareness Month, Alta is proud to stand with Bob and Beanies On Brains to spread awareness and support survivors.
Rock a Beanie – Show your support by purchasing a beanie at beaniesonbrains.org. Every beanie sold helps fund brain injury awareness and education initiatives. 100% of all proceeds supports Beanies On Brains mission: to promote brain injury education and awareness and encourage brain injury survivors and their families.
Spread Awareness – Share Bob’s story, start conversations about brain injury recovery, and educate yourself and others about TBI.
Climb with us on March 28 – Join us on March 28th to climb for a cause and raise awareness during National Brain Injury Awareness Month. Climbing is a test of resilience, strength, and determination—just like the journey of recovery. All proceeds go toward supporting Beanies on Brains and its mission!
Bob’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of community, and the idea that—even after life-altering events—a good life is still possible. His story reminds us that recovery, much like climbing, is about taking it one step at a time, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.
This March, let’s climb together in honor of survivors, fighters, and those who never give up.
See you on the wall!
