Lorie’s Story: A Cry for Change

My name is Loreal Lloyd, and on May 30, 2025, my life changed forever.

That morning, I was walking home from my part-time job — just a couple of blocks from my apartment — when two cars collided. One vehicle jumped the sidewalk and struck me, sending my body airborne. I landed face-first in a parking lot.

Thank God the DeKalb Police Department was nearby. They reacted quickly and saved my life. Without them, I might not be here today.

Fighting to Survive

I sustained a traumatic brain injury and underwent several brain surgeries.

I suffered life-threatening injuries that left doctors unsure if I would make it.

I had multiple fractures to my face and eye.

One surgery required doctors to remove a portion of my skull just to save my life.

The doctors told my family the outcome didn’t look good.

But God had a different plan for me.

Living With TBI

Today, I live with the effects of TBI. I now require 24-hour care because I’m unable to do the basic daily tasks that were once second nature: bathing, brushing my teeth, eating, and walking without fear of falling.

I was a very independent woman, and now I rely on my mother, who left her job to take care of me full-time.

This has been one of the hardest parts for me — going from total independence to full dependence.

The System Failed Me

I had insurance through my job. I paid hundreds of dollars a month for coverage. Yet most of the services and treatments I need are not covered.

The driver responsible for this was driving illegally with no insurance. He walked away healthy. He will likely never remember me.

But what about me?

What about my life?

Don’t I matter?

Sometimes the system makes me feel like I don’t. But God says yes, because I’m still here.

The Cry for Change

My story isn’t just about me — it’s about every family left behind by a broken system.

The driver who caused this accident had no insurance, and the system allows people to drive illegally with little consequence. Both drivers walked away unharmed. Meanwhile, my life will never be the same.

Why am I the only one whose life is affected?

I was just walking on a sidewalk, minding my own business — and I’m the only one who didn’t get to walk away.

That’s not justice.

This is why my campaign is called A Cry for Change. Because we need:

• Stronger laws that hold drivers accountable when they get behind the wheel without insurance
• Fairer protections for victims of catastrophic accidents
• Better access to rehabilitation and long-term support for people living with traumatic brain injuries

Until these changes are made, people like me will continue to suffer in silence while those responsible move on with their lives. And that’s why I am raising my voice.

Why I’m Speaking Out

Due to my brain injury, I’m unable to work right now — but I refuse to let this be my end. I want to get the help I need, to get better, to regain my independence, and to fulfill the purpose God still has for my life.

I want to focus on healing through intensive therapy, but it’s very difficult with bills piling up. My mom is paying both her bills and mine while caring for me full-time. Her sacrifice humbles me every day.

I know there’s something BIG I’m meant to do in this world. And I believe this is part of it: sharing my story, fighting for change, and helping others like me.

How You Can Help

I’m launching this campaign to:

• Fund the therapy, care, and equipment I need to recover
• Relieve the financial strain on my mother so she can keep caring for me
• Shine a light on TBI survivors who are suffering in silence
• Advocate for change — stronger insurance laws and better support for families like ours

And from whatever is raised, I want to give back. A portion of what’s raised will go to programs and organizations that help others with TBI — because too many are forgotten, isolated, and without support.