Moving Forward presents a very personal and sobering account of snowboarder Danny Toumarkine’s experience with traumatic brain injury.
Danny Toumarkine and his brother Conor, originally from North Conway NH, have been shredding winters in Tahoe since 2007. After a few seasons chasing powder, and a number of park comp podiums, Danny and his brother set their sights on transforming “the dream” into a lifestyle. They started the website and production company Shreddy Times and began churning out banger edits. One that I’m sure you’ve seen is the Mike Wilson Rope Swing Video.
Shreddy Times had set to work last year producing their first feature length snowboarding video and were in the process of filming in Montana when a routine jump changed everything.
Danny suffered a life threatening injury, a skull fracture and sheer injury resulting in hemorrhaging and swelling of the brain. After numerous surgeries and two weeks in an induced coma, Danny was just beginning his long road to recovery. “Moving Forward” documents the process first hand.
I’ve been amazed watching Danny over the last year. In the weeks following the injury there was serious question as to whether or not he would survive, and even then, concern still as to the extent he could be expected to regain all of the capacities, talents, and being that make him the incredible person that he is. As you’ll see in the film, Danny was there the whole time, determined, fighting through every step of the way with unyielding courage and optimism.
If you talk to him about about his injury, Danny reflects on the event with a somber yet constructive perspective. When I asked him if there was anything he wanted me to add to this post he just said make sure to remind everyone to “wear a helmet,” and “always be aware of the risks involved when you’re out doing what you love to do.” He’s not one to tell people to hold back by any means, but I think he would agree that it pays to be mindful, he did encourage me to make note of the fact that his accident could possibly have been prevented.
The better you get to know him, the less surprising it is that he has come through such an ordeal the way that he has. He has an infectious spirit and a clever way about him. A kind natured and collected person with the keen eye and sharp wit of a seasoned satirist.
I was lucky enough to make a few laps with Danny on January 3rd, one year to the day from his injury. It’s good to have you back buddy.