In this gripping episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette sits down with Kathleen Skeins, who recounts the unimaginable moment her husband suffered a severe traumatic brain injury while vacationing in Aruba. What began as a dream getaway spiraled into a life-altering medical crisis, forcing Kathleen into the roles of caregiver, medical advocate, and emergency planner—all in a matter of hours.

Kathleen takes listeners through the frantic early days, the emotional toll of navigating international medical evacuation, and the journey from Aruba to Miami and ultimately back home to Michigan. Her story shines a light on the importance of travel protection, the reality of sudden trauma, and the relentless strength it takes to fight for a loved one’s care in unfamiliar systems.

For any wife facing the chaos of a TBI diagnosis, this episode is packed with insight, warning, and wisdom from someone who has lived through the unthinkable and come out stronger.