Columbia Man's Recovery Inspires Those with Traumatic Brain Injuries

Anthony Johnson shares his story to help others dealing with TBI

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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March is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month, and a Columbia, Maryland man named Anthony Johnson is sharing his remarkable recovery story in hopes of inspiring and helping others who have suffered similar injuries. Johnson was severely injured in a 2020 car accident, requiring multiple surgeries and a prosthetic skull, but has made significant progress in relearning basic functions like talking and walking.

Why it matters

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a major public health issue, with over 600,000 Marylanders having sustained a brain injury according to the Brain Injury Association of Maryland. Johnson's story highlights the challenges of recovering from a TBI, but also the progress that is possible with determination and access to the right resources and support.

The details

In November 2020, Anthony Johnson was hit by a Ryder truck while on his way to work, suffering multiple facial, rib, and skull fractures that required two brain surgeries. The left side of his skull was replaced with a 3D-printed prosthetic. Johnson had to relearn basic functions like talking, walking, and using his right hand. While his recovery has been remarkable, he still deals with some lingering effects like anxiety, right-side motor skill issues, and speech difficulties.

  • In November 2020, Johnson was involved in a car accident that caused his traumatic brain injury.
  • March 2026 is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month, when Johnson is sharing his story.

The players

Anthony Johnson

A Columbia, Maryland resident who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in a 2020 car accident and has made a remarkable recovery, sharing his story to inspire others.

Caitlin Starr

The executive director of the Brain Injury Association of Maryland, a nonprofit organization that works to connect TBI patients with resources and support.

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What they’re saying

“The left side of my skull that was damaged in the accident got replaced by a prosthetic skull that was created through a 3-D printer. That was measured to be symmetrical to the right-side skull.”

— Anthony Johnson (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“I had to learn how to talk. I had to learn how to walk. I had to be fed. It was the most vulnerable experience because even at times I had to be changed.”

— Anthony Johnson (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“Because the damage is on the left side of my brain, it affected my motor skills on my right side. So now I had to learn how to use my left hand. Write with my left hand. Drink and eat with my left hand.”

— Anthony Johnson (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“Even if you do all the right things like wearing a helmet or wearing your seat belt, you could still potentially get a brain injury, and so if you do sustain a brain injury or a concussion even if you think it's mild, always make sure you go to get it checked out because those symptoms could potentially get worse.”

— Caitlin Starr, Executive Director, Brain Injury Association of Maryland (WBAL-TV 11 News)

What’s next

The Brain Injury Association of Maryland continues to work to connect TBI patients like Anthony Johnson with the resources and support they need to aid in their recovery.

The takeaway

Anthony Johnson's remarkable recovery from a severe traumatic brain injury shows the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of access to proper medical care and rehabilitation services. His story serves as an inspiration for others dealing with the challenges of TBI.