About Silver Linings:

If you’re a survivor, if you have a loved one who’s a survivor, or you work with survivors, you know. It can be a journey full of fear, pain, or regret.

“I created Silver Linings because each survivor’s story may be the one to make the difference for the next journey, beginning now—another survivor’s hope changed mine.”

After my accident, I couldn't distinguish wakefulness from dreaming. Struggling with memory, walking, and pain, I existed in fear of my future. Then, at rehabilitation, a resident physician with my doctor (now mentor) shared he survived a traumatic brain injury "just like mine" but Dr. lan turned injury into his source of strength. His story sparked hope, fight, and perseverance within me, to dedicate every day towards recovery. If he could do it, I sure as heck I could too. Hope is a powerful thing.

Completing rehabilitation, I'm now in college to become a doctor, like him, for the next scared kid like me. lan's story changed everything. I think that’s our most important job, it’s our duty to pay it forward on the other side.

- Maksym (creator of Silver Linings)

A Small But Mighty Team

Maksym Kuropas - Founder

Wrapping up his sophomore year in the ECU Honors College, Maksym’s family and friends mean everything to him. He channels his creativity through his own painting and the art therapy lessons he leads, Maksym does neurodegenerative disease research and works in clinics across rural Eastern North Carolina. He loves to collect Star Wars Legos. Maksym just applied to medical school.

Nick Bisbee

Nick is an artist with an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in ceramics and glass from ECU. His work is all about medicine and advertising, and he loves his dog.

Gabriella Galvan

John Mills

Extending a special thanks to:

  • Ms. Elizabeth McAllister, for her invaluable help securing initial funding for Silver Linings, making it all possible, and her meaningful advising and continuous support since.

  • Andrew Beacham, for stepping up when he didn’t have to, taking on additional responsibility outside of his graduate studies to ensure funding accessibility.

  • Mr. Joe & Ms. Brigid, for being the first support group to welcome a Silver Linings workshop—without them, Silver Linings would not have been possible.

  • Jeb Hedgecock, for the incredible work he’s done to guide Silver Lining’s displays creation at ECU’s Woodshop in the Jenkin’s Art Building.

  • Tyler King, for donating his time and professional skills to help create the Silver Lining’s website.

  • Dr. Andrew Morehead, for his advising and support, catching the details no one else had to ensure Silver Lining’s success.