My son, Tony, has traumatic brain injuries from a near fatal car accident in which a drunk driver broadsided him 20 years ago at the age of 16. 

His largest frustration is that his doctors are telling him he cannot drive, not an easy thing to accept at 36 years old.  There are other deficits 

which my son is still learning to deal with, no short term memory, cognitive impairment to name just a couple. 

 

He started working with LIfe Coach, Rick Boiardi, about a year ago.  My son knew Rick as he was a father of one of his childhood friends.  

He always enjoyed visits to the Boiardi’s home when he was younger, so when I learned that Rick had become a life coach I figured having a life coach 

could benefit him.   

 

My son struggles with how his deficits affect his life, he attends counseling, he has tried group homes, has been involved in day programs,  the last of 

which he was thrown out for his behaviour caused by anxiety.  Not everyone can understand the impacts of a traumatic brain injury especially if they 

haven’t had someone they love have one.  

 

Rick gradually learned the depths of Tony’s deficits after a few weeks from beginning with him. Tony is not his “usual” type of client.  Homework

assignments go undone, with each session many points need to be gone over again.  Rick’s patience and understanding working with Tony 

are helping Tony acknowledge  his deficits without letting them define him.  Rick creates a safe place for Tony to explore his challenges and set 

attainable goals. My son is learning through reframing his injury not as a limitation but as part of his unique journey and growth. I feel 

after his sessions my son feels more empowered. 

 

I’m so grateful for the role Rick plays in my son’s life.  The fact that my son continues to go to sessions, as prepared or unprepared,  give me hope 

and some peace of mind.  I know my son has a ways to go in his journey of acceptance but I believe he feels a bit more confident and can

see a brighter future with the support of Rick.