'Resilient minds': Akron dancer, traumatic brain injury survivor personifies power of arts

Being able to return to his dance career at full strength after suffering a traumatic brain injury in 2022 is a gift that professional dancer Brian Murphy does not take for granted.

Ever since a bike accident caused a bleed inside his head that required neurosurgery to save his life, he's been spreading a message about hope in recovery and raising awareness about traumatic brain injuries.

Murphy's passion for and commitment to dance was a big part of his rapid recovery from the traumatic injury, which medical professionals said was astonishingly quick.

Now, the Akron ballet dancer, who's worked in his field for 30 years, is playing a key part in the event "Resilient Minds: Artistry after Injury" in Akron March 22 at Highland Universal Gathering Place (HUG), 133 Merriman Road. The event, which includes workshops and a fundraiser, is organized by the Brain Injury Association of Ohio to shine a spotlight on brain injury awareness and celebrate survivor resilience.

'Truly a miracle': Akron dancer overcomes traumatic brain injury, shares story of hope

Free artistry workshops March 22

Murphy and several dance friends will be giving a creative movement dance workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. March 22 as one of four free artistry workshops at the event. The workshops also will include a "Beauty in ALL Seasons" painting workshop by Christine Bailey, a therapist at Cleveland Clinic/Edwin Shaw; an "Art Is: Creative Coping Experience" workshop by creative expression support group leader Sharetta Howze; and a yoga/meditation workshop by certified brain injury specialist Jerica Hoffman.

Amid the Brain Injury Association of Ohio's services is its Creative Expressions traumatic brain injury (TBI) support group, which uses expressive arts at Summa Rehab Hospital in Akron to support survivors mentally, spiritually and emotionally.

Murphy, who knows firsthand how the performing arts are therapeutic after a brain injury, is excited to be a part of Friday's event at HUG that brings awareness to how the arts can help survivors.

"I felt that maybe part of my recovery and why I recovered so fast is because I'm a dancer and a performer," he said. "To me, it makes sense that art is a great way to recovery."

Brain injury survivors, caregivers and others are invited to the free workshops. To register, see biaoh.givecloud.co/resilient-minds-artistry-after-injury.

Looking back on Murphy's TBI journey

Murphy has a lot to celebrate when it comes to resilience and recovery.

Just 1½ years ago, the bleed he suffered, called an epidural hematoma, began pushing on his brain, leaving him comatose and requiring him to be intubated. Doctors initially said his survival chance was low. The quick timing of his surgery was critical.

After neurosurgery, Murphy's hospital recovery was expected to be two weeks, followed by traumatic brain rehab for six weeks to six months. He defied those timetables and was released from the hospital in four days.

The dancer was walking by the second day, doing leg exercises in bed and soon practicing ballet barre in the hospital hallway.

The freelance dancer and choreographer, who's also a Pilates instructor, managed his own rehab at his home studio to regain his muscular ability and recover from a broken clavicle. Through sheer perseverance, hard work and listening to his body, within 7½ weeks he was back to dancing with others and executing difficult lifts with his ballet partner.

Now, Murphy has created a three-episode podcast series to educate the public about traumatic brain injuries and spread the word about the Brain Injury Association of Ohio event at HUG.

In his podcasts, Murphy talks to advocate Rachel Ramirez about brain injury from domestic violence; Dr. DeAnna Frye about brain injury resources; and Lauren Holly of Akron, executive director of the Brain Injury Association of Ohio, about services the organization provides. Hear his podcast at the-murphs-talk.blubrry.net.

Performances at 'Resilient Minds'

Murphy has planned most of the performances for the event's fundraiser, which will be from 6 to 9 p.m. The fundraiser will benefit the Brain Injury Association of Ohio's support and advocacy for those affected by brain injuries.

The performing artists he's brought in have a tie to brain injury, including his niece, actress Laura Rauh, who was part of his own family support system and will do a monologue.

Murphy will perform a dance duet with his partner Christina Lindhout. The routine she created is related to what Murphy went through with his TBI. Her boyfriend, Ian Waddell, composed original music for the duet.

Murphy will also perform "Journey," a duet he and Lieneke Matte created that's an intimate work reflecting their friendship, starting with Matte behind Murphy with her hands on his head and shoulder, with Murphy holding her hand on his head. At one point, Murphy falls back on Matte and she supports his weight. In the end, both are holding the napes of each other's necks.

Other performers will be musician Will Cardina, who's a TBI survivor; dancer and choreographer Morgan Walker; and Howze, who will recite poetry.

The evening event, which costs $50, includes an art gallery of paintings and photographs created by local brain injury survivors, caregivers and artists, along with appetizers, cocktails and the performance. For reservations, see biaoh.givecloud.co/resilient-minds-artistry-after-injury.

One in four Ohioans suffer TBI

According to the Brain Injury Association of Ohio, one in four Ohio residents has suffered at least one traumatic brain injury in their lifetime. The organization's mission is to improve support and services to Ohioans with brain injury and their families. The nonprofit also promotes prevention and advocates for advances in research, legislation and program development.

"More people are affected by this event than we think," said Murphy, who just learned about the Brain Injury Association of Ohio when Holly reached out to him about working on the Akron event.

After a brain injury, patients may get so much information, they don't know what to do with it, the dancer said. At the other extreme, information may be lacking.

The Brain Injury Association of Ohio, whose helpline is 833-783-1495, bridges that gap.

"When you have a brain injury, you should know that they're there," Murphy said. "If you get a brain injury, that's who you can contact as a resource."

Arts and restaurant writer Kerry Clawson may be reached at 330-996-3527 or kclawson@thebeaconjournal.com.

'Resilient Minds: Artistry After Injury'

Artistry workshops: 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, March 22. Workshops are free. Registration is required.

Evening gathering and performance: 6 p.m. Friday, March 22. Cost is $50.

Where: HUG Place, 133 Merriman Road, Akron

Registration and reservations: biaoh.givecloud.co/resilient-minds-artistry-after-injury

Information: www.biaoh.org or 614-481-7100

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron dancer Brian Murphy helps lead TBI workshop Resilient Minds