Awareness
March is Brain Injury Awareness month. I bet most of you didn’t know that. Even if you know someone who has had a brain injury, you probably don’t talk about it or even think about it. The majority of brain injuries are invisible, and so, not really discussed.
Just last week I spoke, with a few of my fellow authors from Trauma to Triumph: Stories of TBI Survivors and the Vital Role of Post-Acute Care, and our HobbleJog Board, at the Brain Injury Association of Maryland’s annual conference. Our presentation was a round table discussion on the importance of and where to find post-acute resources - for survivors and caregivers - as well as ways to give back.
Our audience was a mix of TBI survivors (in different levels of recovery), non-medical caregivers, and medical/rehabilitation staff. I love that BIAMD includes all of those impacted by brain injuries because so many others are impacted when an individual has a brain injury. We had laughter and tears during that hour. It was a beautiful experience. Making those connections means so much to me.
During the general session, the Executive Director, Bryan Pugh, was talking about love. The organization was built out of love and remains successful because of love. They show love and compassion for anyone who calls in with a question or needing a resource, whether that is the survivor or the caregiver, and they’ve been doing this for 40 years.
Oh how I wish I had known about this resource early in my recovery. I had no idea they existed. Our medical systems are insurance driven and broken. Medical and rehab staff are limited in their ability to care and provide resources by the number of sessions an insurance company deems necessary. I know that I am incredibly fortunate to have had access to great doctors and rehab facilities, but what about those that are not as privileged. Do they even get information on where to turn for help? Since in all my access, no one ever mentioned the Brain Injury Association of MD, I’m guessing those with less access weren’t told either.
BIAMD is a wonderful resource filled with hard working, loving, compassionate people. They have real information and access to partners that can help in a variety of situations. And most importantly, they have a deep desire to help TBI survivors. They want more people to know about them. And, the only way for that to happen is for those with access to share this resource with those that don’t.
It is my desire to talk about traumatic brain injuries (TBI). I want people to know that I am a traumatic brain injury survivor. Yes, I am doing well, and I will be recovering for my lifetime. Unless we make this visible through talking about it, those with injuries like mine will miss out on a lot of helpful resources and stories of others with similar experiences. And it is in stories we find hope.
TBI survivors often feel so alone in their injury and in their recovery. No one should be without connection. I wrote Trauma is a Catalyst with the goal of providing at least a spark hope and a sense of connection, for all trauma survivors. Thriving only happens in community. I want us all to thrive!
BIAMD is Maryland’s chapter of BIAA. They are a wealth of knowledge and resources. If you have questions, reach out today.
Trauma to Triumph: Stories of TBI Survivors and the Vital Role of Post-Acute Care is available on Amazon today. In it you can find a large list of resources for survivors and caregivers, as well as stories of hope and triumph.
HobbleJog Foundation is an organization that provides grants to organizations focused on post-acute care for TBI Survivors.
Trauma is a Catalyst will be out in June 2023. In it is my story - the ups and downs, the humor and frustration, and a spark of hope and sense of connection for anyone who reads it.
No one should suffer alone. Reach out.
