Episode 300: A Head Full of Hope

Zoo Logic

A fun day of snowboarding for 18-year-old Forrest Allen ended in a life-threatening traumatic brain injury, which forever altered his life and that of his family and friends. Neurologists told his well-known parents, veterinarians, Kent Allen and Rae Stone, cofounder of Dolphin Quest, that he would likely not survive the night. Despite that dire warning, Forrest did indeed survive but not without surgeons having to remove 1/3 of his skull which resulted in its own set of complications and life threats. Throughout years of surgeries, setbacks, and rehabilitation therapies the family has been open about the highs and frightening lows of their journey including the vital role of supportive friends and colleagues within the zoological community, music therapy, and a wonderful service dog that helped Forrest regain his speech. Much of Forrest's recovery through music was documented in the 2020 award winning film "Music Got Me Here." Now, at 31, Forrest is rebuilding his life working summers with the Dolphin Quest teams, getting his driver's license, and serving as an inspiration to other families with loved ones experiencing terrible, debilitating brain injuries.

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