By Todd Taylor; Photos by Jackie Hart
Two powerful stories of perseverance took center stage Wednesday evening at an MBI Insights event called “The Resilient Brain: Patient Journeys & Neuroplasticity,” which explored real-world impacts of rehabilitation science and the brain’s ability to change and adapt, known as neuroplasticity.
Suzanne Weitzel shared her son Joshua’s story of resilience. Born with a significant brain disability, he achieved remarkable improvements and lived until the age of 24, far exceeding medical expectations. Carly Pfeiffer recounted her own inspirational path to healing after a series of childhood concussions led to debilitating symptoms.
“Carly and Suzanne — your stories are a powerful reminder of why we do this work,” MBI Director and UF Neuroscience Chair Jennifer Bizon, Ph.D., said before an audience of over 100 researchers, trainees, students, staff and family members of the patients. “You’ve brought the science to life in a way that’s both deeply personal and meaningful.”
The discussion was led by MBI Science Writer Michelle Jaffee, and the conversation continued with an engaging Q&A session guided by UF BRAIN Center Director and UF Neurology Chair Michael Jaffee, M.D., who leads Pfeiffer’s multidisciplinary care team at UF Health, and UF BREATHE Center Director and MBI Deputy Director Gordon Mitchell, Ph.D., a neuroplasticity expert.
Together, the panel offered valuable insights for MBI researchers exploring neural recovery, patient-centered care and translational neuroscience.
To learn how to support the MBI’s research efforts, contact Senior Director of Development Caitie Deranek Stewart at stewartc1@ufl.edu or click here.
