Marla enjoys spending some time with Donna Fell and daughter Carrie, at a party with several of the many who helped put on Marla's benefit dinner in March, 2003. Carrie is a fellow TBI (traumatic brain injury) survivor.

Marla Gettman, with Marla Miller, her husband Chadd, and their cute kids. Marla and Chadd are good friends from high school, who worked tirelessly on Marla's benefit dinner.

Marla enjoying the holiday atmosphere at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs. Mary's PEO sorority holds an annual "Elegant Auction" fund-raiser, auctioning beautiful handmade crafts, benefitting PEO women's scholarships.

The whole family enjoys Christmas dinner together at the home of grandparents Howard and Mary Williams in Montrose, Colorado. Cousin Nicole and husband Nick flew in from Louisiana, and Aunt Margaret and Uncle Marty from Los Angeles. Lots to be thankful for this holiday season!

Marla sings out a Christmas carol! When singing familiar songs, she is able to remember and voice the words correctly--exercising a different part of the brain.

The holidays are all about family, as everyone gives thanks for the strength and joy that being together offers.

Kerri Zapala, a friend of Marla's from New York, shares a hug as she came to see Marla during her Christmas visit to Colorado.

December Photo Gallery / Decorating the Tree 12/07/2003

December Photo Gallery / Santa? 12/26/2003

A sweet hug from Neil and Lynn Goluba's daughter.

Marla and Mary surrounded by the students of Marty Mazzota's 5th Grade class at Sopris Elementary School in Glenwood Springs. The class practiced doing everyday tasks like putting on coats, hats and gloves, and tying shoes with non-dominant hands, similar to what Marla has had to learn. They created flash cards with pictures of common items to help Marla regain her vocabulary, and invited her to join their class for a visit. The students wrote letters to Marla and read them to her during her visit. It was a great learning experience for everyone involved, and the class continues to communicate with Marla and encourage her recovery."

Missy and Steffie, fellow teachers at Glacier Peak, came up to Glenwood Springs for a weekend of fun with Marla, right before Christmas. Highlights included a ride up the gondola to Exclamation Point, Christmas shopping, and a soak in the Hot Springs.

Marla is starting to practice writing and drawing with her injured right arm. It is very hard work and slow going, but an exciting development in her progress!

Marla and Mary enjoying some holiday cheer with cousin Nicole.

A cold winter day at Sunlight Ski Resort found Marla dropping in for lunch with cousin Nicole, her husband Nick (far left), and brother Mark, during a day of skiing.

Nicole gives Marla a squeeze. These two cousins have been like sisters through the years.