Overview

In Where Did i Go? a Memoir Plus by Francene Gillis, the author tells her story of the arduous years and months that followed a tragic accident--a slip and fall on black ice on her way to work as a high school English teacher that caused a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), the symptoms of which lasted many years. Francene shares her story of the uphill battle that ensued in the hunt for the right treatments and providers at a time when the simplest task was nearly impossible due to the 'hidden' injury she suffered. Her symptoms were very real, from severe balance issues and brain fog, to speech impairment and more. Along with being a teacher, Francene was also a regular columnist for her local paper, both of which came to a halt following her injury. As she slowly regained the ability to focus for short periods of time, she began writing her story in the hope that she could help those with TBI and other 'hidden' injuries by sharing her research and others' stories of resilience and perseverance. The book holds seven stories plus hers to help people fighting a battle in relation to health, injury, or loss, and while raw and difficult to read at times it shows how mindset, support, and the right treatment is imperative to recovery. Watch for the arrival of Where Did i Go? coming this June 2025 (Brain Injury Awareness Month). More on the book and people within in the next few months.

Full Product Details

9781989833520

Table of Contents

Reviews

""It is important work, and I commend you for putting in the effort, all while living with the effects of brain injury every day. Where did i Go? offers insight into the effects brain injury can have on all aspects of a person's life. It is an excellent read for both brain injury survivors and professionals who may serve this community. It is so important to consider and listen to the lived experience(s) of brain injury survivors, as is highlighted through Francene's own words."" -Marlee Smith, Navigator, Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia. ""Francene, in awe of your spirit, your passions; love your honesty and integrity!"" -Counsellor, Carmen Burnaby, BC. ""You have done a remarkable job researching this topic! I was extremely impressed. A brain injury (even so-called 'mild' concussions) can be devastating to sufferers. Untreated Post Trauma Vision Syndrome (PTVS) can make life miserable. This book leads you through the symptoms of PTVS and how to find help. If you have a TBI, you owe it to yourself to read!"" -Dr. Toby Mandelman ""Francene, you've really showed me that there is much to learn from every client who walks through my door. Thank you for your dedication, honesty, vulnerability, and sense of humour. This book is a great read for any clinician who wants to better understand how to practice patient-centred care. Francene puts into words how and why we need to listen to our clients and learn about their individual experiences. Only from there can we see the entire picture and work together towards our client's goals."" -Marlee Mousek, Speech Pathologist ""Francene Gillis taught thousands of children throughout the school system in the Strait Region. She is a determined, focused, committed role model, and I found it very tough to see such a very well-spoken and educated individual struggle to pull together a complete sentence without stuttering, to stand without a weighted vest to correct her balance, and to wear specialty prism eyeglasses to correct her vision. However, we believe with all that stands in front of her, she will come through in a positive light."" -Damian MacInnis, former student ""Just finished reading Where Did i Go? It is an amazing blend of informative facts, insights, and practical lists to help those concussed move through the quagmire of getting the help they need and deserve. What shone through for me was Francene's sincere vulnerability in relating the rawness of her own experiences during the eight years since that life changing moment on February 1, 2016. Because of this book, I am far more aware of the hidden tragedy that exists for so many of these people not seen or heard as they suffer, often in silence. A must read for everyone including health care educators and providers."" -Anna Conner

Author Information

The daughter of Mary (White) and Frank Jessome, Francene Gillis grew up in Port Hood on the coast of Cape Breton, NS. She has been a writer her whole life, starting at the age of five with a writing contest created by her teacher at Port Hood Consolidated, Mother St. Magdalene. Fifty years later, she is still writing in multiple genres, both fiction and nonfiction for a variety of audiences. She devoured books in the school library and putting words to paper became therapeutic when life's tragedies hit. She discovered that her writing could speak for those in pain. Experiencing the devastating loss of loved ones, much of her first writings involved themes of inspiration, loss, overcoming adversity, and sharing her feelings with others so they would not feel alone. She started writing poetry as a teen and giving it to grieving friends, or as tributes to community members. She majored in English at St. Francis Xavier University, continued with a BEd, and obtained a master's in education in Multiculturalism, Administration & Leadership. A community activist, she writes advocacy pieces, such as those gathered in her book, A Rose in November and in her regular column for the Inverness Oran.Her latest book, Where Did i Go? A Memoir Plus, will launch June 2025, partner published by OC Publishing. It was written after her career as a high school English teacher came to an unexpected, painful end in 2016 due to a slip and fall on black ice on her way to work that caused mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). It's a story related to post concussion, post traumatic stress disorder, and what can happen when the unexpected crashes in and life takes you on a sliding, downward trajectory. The book holds seven stories plus hers to inspire those fighting battles relating to health, injury, or loss, and while raw and difficult to read at times it shows how mindset, support, and the right treatment is imperative to recovery.

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