LOUISVILLE, Ky. – For the third year, UofL Health – UofL Hospital and the J. David Richardson Trauma Center recognized and celebrated survivors of trauma through a sentimental exhibit that shares their stories of triumph. The event, titled Live Beyond: A Celebration of Trauma Survivors, tells the story of 11 trauma survivors through photography, artwork and the written word.
The chosen survivors, identified by members of the J. David Richardson Trauma Center, have injuries ranging from gunshot wounds to burns to car wrecks and more. Photographer Scotty Perry, writer Conner Mackowiak and art therapist Amy Mattingly have spent time with survivors capturing these stories, which were displayed at the Speed Art Museum.
The theme for this year’s event was post-traumatic growth, a process of overcoming adversity and personal transformation. Growth and suffering often exist side by side and positive changes are not without negative impacts. Greenery adorned the art projects and exhibit as an acknowledgement of post-traumatic growth and further highlighted each trauma survivor’s unique story of strength, perseverance and resilience.
The exhibit was showcased on National Trauma Survivors Day and during National Trauma Awareness Month, dedicated to supporting survivors of traumatic injuries and their caretakers. The hope is that sharing and reflecting on their stories will not only help in their own healing journey but inspire others too.
UofL Hospital’s Trauma Center is the only Level I trauma center in the region and is part of the Trauma Survivor Network (TSN), which was developed in 2008 by the American Trauma Society (ATS) to help trauma centers provide the support and services patients and their families need during their recovery from serious injury.
