Chicago, IL
If you have been following me for a while, you should be familiar with my love of music and movement. I’ve told this story before, but it’s my parent’s fault: when my mother was pregnant with me, she would hold a pair of 1980s Panasonic adjustable over-the-ear headphones on top of her belly – the outline of my tiny feet, kicked to each synth bass loop.
After my arrival in ’88, dad had nothing but 8-tracks on repeat. R&B, funk, reggae, and pop-rock hits from the era and times past, flooded our home.
Every so often, my sister and I accompanied my parents to small, local outdoor music events as one of the few children in the crowd. Dad gave his shoulders to climb on for a better view of the show.
With the band and my parents’ permission, the lead let us run on stage for a song or two to dance. I knew early on that movin’ and groovin’ swam through my DNA.
I share this common thread with another survivor who happens to live a little closer to home. Based in Chicago, she, like many others in our community, finds comfort in knowing that there are people who share this unique experience.
Nikki Mammano, a 26-year-old MBA student and dance instructor, thoroughly appreciates the art.
“Dance has always been a creative outlet for me. What I can’t express in my writing, I dance it out. It’s my escape and meditation- a way to shut off my busy mind and just be in the moment. Movement is literally medicine; I couldn’t be productive without it.”
Back in 2019, Nikki suffered an unfortunate TBI (traumatic brain injury) after being hit by a truck carrying an amusement park ride. Sadly, her partner who sat in the backseat with her, did not survive.
Beyond the obvious shock of it all, she suffered impacts to the right side of her brain, leading to temporary paralysis to the left side of her body. Nikki developed post-traumatic amnesia – remnants of the first three weeks are gone.
Despite the fact that she occasionally deals with vertigo and tension headaches, her condition has become significantly better over time. I personally remember my own struggle of feeling off-balance after returning to my 9-to-5; vertigo would come on suddenly, disrupting my work day.
“Physical Therapy helped a lot with this. Turning was tough at first, but honestly, dancing and moving my body again helped heal me. I was walking in just a little over two months and back on my yoga mat in three. At five months, I went back to work – the dance studio after six.”
In the aftermath of any sort of brain injury, the way you function throughout the world will most certainly change; the control center of your body has been damaged. Her and I both understand all too well, navigating your new normal.
“Mental effort is now strenuous. Everything takes me a lot longer. I am slower to learn, read, finish tasks, problem-solve and so on. I use different tools like Speechify so I can listen at the same time as reading – it helps me to concentrate and focus. I am always making lists and writing things down right away or will forget things.”
My decision to become more involved in adult dance, pushed the recovery process forward. Repetitive movement, muscle memory, release of tension in the body and general exercise all helped in bringing back my balance.
“I got this mug when I was in acute rehab. My mama got it for me because hot chocolate is my comfort drink. It’s really, really special to me.”
Last summer, Nikki was presented the opportunity to make her first professional appearance since the accident at a studio in DC.
“I remember the night before the showcase during our last practice, I broke down in tears. I told my coach, Abraham, that I felt like the accident put me behind in my dancing. I was reminded who was coming to see me - the most important people in my life. My mom, dad, and grandpa didn’t know if I’d even be able to walk again after my injuries, let alone dance. During that performance, I felt so much gratitude for all of the healing my body has endured. Gratitude to be alive.”
For Nikki, dance calms her anxiety and ultimately soothes her soul. It delivers a purpose that keeps her moving every day.
“Your medically defined symptoms are not just textbook definitions - they are a part of you. A beautiful part of you. Whatever it is you may struggle with - focus, problem-solving, emotional dysregulation - your symptoms do not define you. They are a part of you and are what makes you human. It’s okay to be different and there’s nothing wrong with having to use different tools and strategies to help you. Your uniqueness is what makes you beautiful.”
You can keep up with Nikki and follow her story on Instagram @nikki.mammano.
Fast5 Facts:
Define Success: Flourishing
Coffee or Tea of Choice: Green Tea
Who/What Is Your Motivator: My Mama
What Balances You: Movement
Favorite Color: Light Blue
Mood Music: Not a Victim – David Francisco