Dana Jacks

Actor. Writer. Storyteller. 

SOLO PIECE - FALL RISK

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On June 11, 2011, I was walking in Prospect Park when a speeding bicyclist hit me and knocked me unconscious.  I suffered a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and for three weeks I was a patient at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn where my doctors, family, and friends waited to see if there was permanent damage.   I wondered if there would be permanent damage, too. My relationship to my body and mind was suddenly and radically altered.

The name of the piece refers to the bracelet I wore in the hospital. I've performed the piece for residents and hospital staff at NYU Langone's RUSK Rehabilitation Center, survivors of TBI and their caregivers,  and theaters in NYC and New Jersey.  People have approached me after a performance and shared their stories me.  They taught me that we are all fall risks.  Every day we wake up, start our day, and live our lives.  Along the way, we fall.   Who shows up when you need someone the most?

The Brain Injury Association of New York State awarded me the inaugural Penny Marshall Award for using my humor and stories to bring awareness and care to the brain injury community. Currently, I am adapting it to a screenplay.  I am happy to talk about the project so feel free to reach out to me with inquiries or questions.