Freddie Maggard explains how the V.A. in Lexington saved his life

March is the month of basketball, but March is also Brain Injury Awareness Month, and this year, it means a lot more around KSR. Back in December, our QB1, Freddie Maggard, stepped away from his many roles, both on-air and off, to focus on his health after he was diagnosed with cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and aphasia. You should read his “I Wouldn’t Change A Thing” if you haven’t already.

These days, Freddie, a veteran, spends much of his time at the Lexington V.A. Medical Center, where an incredible team of caretakers works with him on everything from his speech to his balance, hearing and processing, and even treatments using tai chi and virtual reality.

Last week, Freddie invited us to the V.A. to meet his team and see what he does every week to manage, improve, or prevent the symptoms of TBI. The invitation came with one request: that we make a video to raise awareness because Freddie hopes to help at least one veteran out there struggling with similar issues. As Freddie explains in the video, he tried to fight TBI with only a bottle of Ibuprofen and a rosary until a meeting with Dr. Nancy Mullen saved his life. Now, Freddie wants to pay it forward and help the next person by opening up about his experiences and how helpful his care team has been through it all.

You will meet several members of his care team in the video. We thank them and the many who weren’t on camera but are taking great care of Freddie and other veterans. If you know anyone this video may help, please share.

Contact the Lexington VA Health Care System at (859) 233-4511 or find any V.A. location here.
ext. 4988 to enroll
ext. 4949 to schedule an appointment with your Primary Care Manager