A young woman has recounted the terrifying moment she woke up with no memory of the last five years of her life, following a horrific fall down a flight of stairs.
Chloe Hammond, 26, suffered a catastrophic brain injury that effectively wiped her memory clean from the age of 21. She awoke believing she was still a university student, with no recollection of graduating, moving cities, or even the global COVID-19 pandemic.
A Life Erased in an Instant
"I thought I was 21," Chloe explained. "I had no idea who my boyfriend was when he came to the hospital. I didn't recognise my own home. It was like waking up in someone else's life."
The mental blank meant Chloe had to painfully rediscover her own history, re-meet friends, and re-learn skills she had acquired in her early twenties. The emotional toll of catching up on five years of missed personal and world events has been immense.
The Long Road to Recovery
Chloe's journey to piece her life back together has been a long and arduous process involving extensive neurological therapy and the unwavering support of her family. Her story is a powerful testament to the fragility of memory and the resilience of the human spirit.
She now hopes her experience will raise awareness about the devastating impact of brain injuries and inspire others facing similar challenges.
