Beverly tells her story...
"In 1993 just before my 50th birthday my life was altered in a
matter of seconds. Next came a stay at St. Barnabas Burn Center.
It happened in a children’s clothing store where I was
employed. Ironically, a neon sign spelling the word “Layette”, to me a symbol of
life beginning – instantly started my journey to a very dark place.
Without warning, I came in contact with an improperly wired sign,
receiving in a flash an electrical shock of 6000 volts.
What happened to me is called a slow burn, which traveled
through my brain and nervous system. It is compared to having a frontal lobe
stroke and a mental breakdown all at once. As a result of this accident I lost
feelings in my stomach – have constant tingling in my arms and hands –
experience short-term memory loss and confusion in how I process information.
I spent a year in Kessler Institute’s Head Trauma Unit,
receiving “re-training” to be able to perform simple everyday tasks through a
system of pathing or rote.
Since the accident I continue to experience Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder and as a result I am being treated by a Trauma Psychiatrist – am
taking many drugs – have made many trips to St. Barnabas’ emergency room and
stays in its psychiatric ward.
An Epileptic Neurologist oversees my problems with
seizures, blackouts, and disorientation in loud and new environments.
Medically, the most frustrating part has been how little
doctors know about the ongoing effects of this type of electrocution.
Most people do not survive.
My outward appearance has remained the same. All my injuries and disabilities
are internal.
Art has always been a major part of my life.
After receiving a degree from Parsons School of Design, I enjoyed
undertaking special projects such as designing centerpieces for parties,
teaching nursery school and involvement in many volunteer activities. Now
however, a lot of things I was able to accomplish in the past are no longer
possible.
I started doing artwork again to help keep my mind off the
physical and mental challenges of everyday life.
At the 2007 Arts at the Oval sponsored by the Arts Council
of Livingston, I won a prize in the Paper Crafts category."
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