Washington County brain injury survivor finds art as a way to cope with injury
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — Spanky Bentz was once someone who lived an active lifestyle and was always ready for any physical challenge.
But, when he was suddenly involved in a bicycle crash, he had no idea of what kind of physical fight he would have to endure after.
“I was on a quick bike ride right before going to go meet my grandmother to eat at a local restaurant for dinner and a car head-on struck me,” Bentz said.
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He said he went into a coma and suffered extensive damage to his brain. While recovering, Bentz had to relearn basic skills.
“I tell people I was like a little kid,” Bentz said. “I learned how to walk again, talk again, feed myself again, go to the bathroom. I just relearned it all.”
After Bentz returned home he joined a support group where other people with brain injuries could connect. Through the group, Bentz found a passion for art.
“He got back into it and realized that it reignited the passion, you could do it and then that inspired him and others within the group to sort of take their artistic endeavors and try to try and find something different,” Executive Director of the Brian Injury Association of Maryland, Brian Pugh, explained.
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Took my left index finger and held my right hand and I was able to draw stuff,” Bentz said. “Still boggles my mind and it’s a gift from god.”
Bentz was able to improve his art while also using it to be an advocate for people with brain injuries.
“Now I feel like after 25 years, I feel like I’ve gained the ability to speak into people’s lives,” Bentz said.
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