For Navy veteran Ritaann Schultz, each mile pedaled on her bicycle carries deep meaning. As a survivor of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), she recently completed a 100-mile bike ride to raise awareness about brain injury care and the ongoing challenges faced by veterans like herself. Her story, marked by resilience and advocacy, unfolded during Brain Injury Awareness Month and underscores the urgent need for better support systems for those living with invisible wounds.

Schultz’s journey into advocacy began with a life-altering accident in 2015. While riding her bike in Havana, Florida, she collided at high speed with another cyclist. Despite wearing a helmet, she sustained a subarachnoid hemorrhage — a serious and potentially fatal brain injury. The physical injuries eventually healed, but the internal effects of the trauma lingered. Over the next decade, Schultz faced a series of debilitating challenges, including persistent pain, cognitive difficulties, and a long period of misdiagnosis.

Brain injury awareness is more than a cause for Schultz; it is a personal mission. She has experienced firsthand the complexities and frustrations of navigating recovery, especially within the veteran healthcare system. According to the report from WCTV, she continues to deal with cognitive, speech, and vision issues — symptoms that are often invisible to others but deeply impact daily life. Her recent 100-mile ride was not just a physical feat, but a statement of determination and a call to action on behalf of other veterans struggling with similar conditions.

The ride took place over two days, beginning on the Withlacoochee Trail and ending at the Suncoast Trail. From there, Schultz drove to Tampa, where she participated in a brain injury awareness fair hosted by the VA Poly-Trauma Clinic. The following day, she joined a walk-a-thon to further amplify her message. These events were designed to bring attention to the needs of brain injury survivors and to encourage dialogue around the quality of care veterans receive.

I found this detail striking: Schultz chose to return to cycling — the very activity linked to her injury — as a means of advocacy and healing. That decision speaks volumes about her courage and commitment. Rather than retreat from the source of her trauma, she embraced it as a platform for awareness, turning a painful chapter into a purpose-driven mission.

Traumatic brain injuries among veterans are a serious and often underrecognized issue. While protective gear like helmets can reduce risk, they do not eliminate it entirely. Schultz’s experience highlights how even with precautions in place, the consequences of an accident can be profound and long-lasting. Her story also sheds light on the ongoing challenges many veterans face when trying to access appropriate care and support for brain injuries that may not be immediately visible.

Throughout her recovery, Schultz has remained steadfast in her advocacy. She emphasizes that she will be in recovery for the rest of her life, a reality for many TBI survivors. The complexity of brain injuries often results in a lifetime of adjustments, requiring not only medical support but also community understanding and policy attention. Her 100-mile ride serves as a powerful reminder that healing is not linear and that each step — or in this case, each mile — represents a victory over adversity.

The awareness events in Tampa provided a platform for Schultz and others to share their experiences and to educate the public about the realities of living with a brain injury. The VA Poly-Trauma Clinic’s involvement underscores the importance of specialized care in addressing the multifaceted needs of TBI patients. Events like the walk-a-thon further help to build community around survivors, offering both visibility and solidarity.

Schultz’s story is one of perseverance, but it also raises important questions about how society supports veterans with invisible injuries. Her efforts draw attention to the gaps in care and the need for sustained advocacy. By getting back on her bike, she not only reclaims a part of her life but also gives voice to many others who may feel unseen or unheard in their own recovery journeys.

As Brain Injury Awareness Month continues to shine a light on these issues, Schultz’s ride stands out as a vivid example of resilience and purpose. Her message is clear: every mile counts, not just for her own healing, but for the broader fight to ensure that veterans with brain injuries receive the quality care they deserve. In a world where invisible wounds are too often overlooked, her efforts remind us of the power of visibility, advocacy, and community.

Read more at wctv.tv