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Taken from a CET Fund Raising Speech at Bridgehaven.

My name is Aaron Bale and I’m 33 years old. I’m a native Louisvillian and graduated from St. Xavier Prep School in 2001 then went to UofL to study Neuroscience. In 2003, after five semesters, a ’76 Buick came into my life, my body and my head. I was just 19.

I was at a stop when I was hit from behind by a lady with two small children in the front seat, none of whom were wearing seatbelts btw. They were all transported by ambulance to the hospital but for some reason EMS didn’t even check me out. I went straight back to work that day and spent the next week working on insurance issues but within six months, I lost everything for reasons I couldn’t - at the time - fully understand: my job, my insurance, my school… my fraternity, my home, my girlfriend …and most importantly, my health.

Prior to the accident, I had been diagnosed with narcolepsy, which causes extreme daytime sleepiness, and cataplexy, which is physical body paralysis triggered by emotion. After the accident, my doctor and I also knew something else was happening, but I went a long time without a correct diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury. Having experienced eight years of living hell and having everything taken away, finally, my attorney won my disability, giving me stable insurance for the first time since the wreck. I hadn’t been able to see doctors regularly nor receive the appropriate medication up until then. I got a referral to Frasier Neuro Rehab, where we finally made the connection between the accident and my pain, grief, and confusion, the last of which was probably the worst. There’s an additional level of pain to lose everything and not have any idea why. I was told I was crazy or lazy.

Knowing I had a TBI, I could find the right therapy to FIX it. Frasier treated me on and off for two years, until a wise case manager took me to Bridgehaven. I had a lot of anger and initiation deficit, which were symptomatic of the TBI, but manifested as psychiatric issues. They’re very different, but have a lot of overlap. I took every class I could. An overachiever, I worked as hard as possible, and still was struggling.

Until CET.

Cognitive Enhancement Therapy is like no other. Let me explain what CET is by first explaining what it is not. When somebody gets such and goes to the doctor, two things are often recommended: medications and talk therapies. CET has no risks of side effects or inefficacy which the others can. As a matter of fact, I believe CET is SO safe and effective that it will become the gold standard in treating brain injuries and mental illnesses.

CET breaks down your brain and rebuilds it, much like physical exercise. Or joining the Marines, right Grandpa? Your brain actually feels physically sore, a sensation that is verrry curious. After several hours of CET on Thursday afternoons, I used to go straight home and go to bed early, exhausted.

But it worked.

The pacing, the process is important. That’s why the commitment is for a year. Our trainers emphasized structured social norms, like not interrupting and being supportive without being judgemental. We would exercise our brains on the targeted computer "games" then learn a lesson. My workers described being able to “watch our gears turn.” Homework came next, and later I’d talk to my therapist about how the lessons applied to my life. At group the next week, we got feedback from our groupmates. It was a complete process. It’s been a boot camp that exhausts my brain to make me a stronger person.

My life has been forever changed by Bridgehaven and Cognitive Enhancement Therapy. I always feel surprised by the way people say I have improved, but I know it’s true. CET changed how I think, my behavior, and my communication skills. It’s also increased my motivation and distress tolerance - things you need to function in life.

Bridgehaven has also taught me what emotional safety means. It’s been an absolute leader in advocacy. Bridgehaven has combatted stigma, helped protect me from it and empowered me to protect others likewise.

That's the reason I am up here speaking - something I really don’t enjoy - because Bridgehaven has inspired me to stand up for the vulnerable. The community allowed me to be part of their lives and see all their perspectives. It’s been a personal and cultural eye opener for me. I want future members to gain from their experience here what I have gained, and the key to it all is doing the right theraputic work.

People are smart enough to know what does and doesn’t work. Bridgehaven and CET do work, and whatever you’re going through emotionally, this place and this therapy can be an answer. Thanks for the opportunity to get on my big soapbox. I appreciate you all for listening.