ABI Recovery Magazine - Winter Issue 2018 by ABI Recovery Magazine (ARM)

ABI RECOVERY MAGAZINE Volume 2 Issue 1

Winter Quarterly 2018 Serving and Supporting the Brain Injury and Stroke Community of Canada

... e d i s In

You are not

Self Love After Brain Injury See page 12

By Crystal Willms of The Crystal Factor

Alone

VOLUME

ISSUE

PAGE

. . . e u s s I s i h In T

Starting at Zero - Half Way Through …Pg. 6 By Wendy Station, Encephalitis Global, Inc.

Cetacean Advocacy: Brain Injury in Ocean Mammals………………………………...Pg. 8 By Heidi Lerner, Gray Matters 4 U

Post-Crash Psychological Injuries….....Pg. 10 By David Dunne, Insight Driving Solutions Inc

Self Love After Brain Injury………….. Pg. 12 By Crystal Willms, The Crystal Factor

Deconstructing the Old Views of Valentine’s Day…………….………...……………. Pg. 16 By Michelle McDonald, Brain Injury Canada

GBIA: Preventing the Preventable - The Mission……………………………..…. Pg. 20 By Scott Collier, Global Brain Injury Association

Visit Our Supporters Strive Living……...…..…….……....Pg. 2, 11 Neuromotion Physiotherapy.………...Pg. 7 Community Therapists….………..…...Pg. 9 The Crystal Factor…………..……......Pg. 13 Kimberly Burnham………..…………..Pg. 13 HealthTech Connex……………….....Pg. 13 March of Dimes………………………..Pg. 14 Courage Canada ………………..…….Pg, 15 BRAINx 2018 Symposium………...….Pg. 18 Brain Injury Resource Group...............Pg. 19 Sharing Our Recovery ……….……….Pg. 19 BIRG.org……………......……………..Pg.. 22 Encephalitis Group………………...…Pg. 23

ABI Recovery Magazine abirecoverymagazine@gmail.com Pssst… It is Free! (Pass it on)

Touched by the Extraordinary…….....Pg. 27 ARM….Partner With Me……...……...Pg. 29 Care Givers Guide For Canadians……Pg. 30

Publisher and Editor

Serving The Brain Injury Community of Canada Coast to Coast

Deborah St. Jean ABI Recovery Magazine (ARM) is published quarterly eZine. Deborah is a survivor of a mild closed brain injury sustained in a car accident on June 4, 2012. As Executive Administrator of British Columbia Brain Injury Association (BCBIA 2010 to 2014), she developed respect for survivors of brain injury and stroke. There, she published Gray Matters Quarterly newsletter, managed the brain injury 1-800 hotline, and oversaw membership. BCBIA, having merged with another Society, when Deborah left in 2014, the new board opted to closed the newsletter and hotline work Deborah started and go in other directions. In Fall 2016, she began ARM to advocate, support and enhance communication in the Brain Injury Community across the Cdn. provinces ‘coast to coast’. ARM welcomes letters and relevant, original articles for publication, and we reserve the right to edit any accepted submissions for clarity and length. Contact Deborah St. Jean for copy deadlines or

Website - Visit us online Write: 7436 Stave Lake Street, Ste. #103, Mission, BC V2V 5B9 Magazine & Subscription Information ABI Recovery Magazine (ARM) is an online ezine published quarterly. A full colour magazine (8 1/2” x 11”) that addresses a wide range of topics for survivors with acquired traumatic brain injury, their families, caregivers and professionals who provide services. ARM is published four times a year starting In February each year with the ‘Winter Issue’.

Disclaimer ARM’s Publisher, Editor and other principal parties take no responsibility for, nor do we necessarily agree with opinions contained in contributors’ articles, letters, advertising composed and contracted by second and third parties, nor do we guarantee the accuracy of such information nor medical claims contained in articles and other content submitted by outside parties. Your discretion is advised. Health & Medical Disclaimers The information herein is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained in ARM is for general information purposes only. ARM makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information in this issue. ABI Recovery Magazine is designed for informational purposes only, and is not intended to serve as medical advice. The information provided within articles provided by 3rd parties should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or injury of any kind. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical issue, you should consult your health care provider. Immediately.

A.R.M

eSubscribe Free Click here to eSubscribe for a digital subscription to ABI Recovery Magazine. Thank you for your interest in ABI Recovery Magazine and for your support. eSUBSCRIBER CHANGE OF ADDRESS? If you have moved, please send change of contact to: abirecoverymagazine@gmail.com Please put ‘ARM Subscriber’ in subject line of email and send us your new email address to continue receiving your issues of ABI Recovery Magazine.

Winter Issue

Magazine Advertising Rates 2018 Winter (February) and Spring (May) Issues Pre-paid *SPECIAL* 15% Off Display Advertising Booked (any size) ‘Only Until July 31st

Keynote Speaker Listing $22.50

(Approx. Bus. Card size)

1/4 Page $90

1/2 Page $170

Full Page $310

Dble Page Spread $595

Front Cover $865 Inside

Back Cover1 $425 Inside

Back Cover2 $600 Outside

1/6 Page $45

*Covers Special* 25% OFF - Full Page until July 31st

Contact us Call between 10 am - 10 pm (pst) Mon. - Sat. Deborah St. Jean 604-788-7221 Email ABI Recovery Magazine abirecoverymagazine@gmail.com Classified Event Listings & Provincial Link Contributions Announcements and Community Non-Profit News, Press release Submissions Have a question?...Ask us.

ARM is Volunteer Run and Operated ARM welcomes new Sponsors and partners to join with us in our mission. Thanks for your help in getting ARM into the hands of every survivor, their families and out to all those in the BI Community across Canada coast to coast.

ARM is a Not-For-Profit based labor of love enterprise‘

Thank you!’...Contributors, for your support, sponsoring and working with us in spreading the word about our new publication (eZine).

VOLUME

ISSUE

PAGE

Starting at Zero - Halfway Through By Wendy Station: President, Encephalitis Global, Inc. A survivor of encephalitis: an acquired brain injury. April 1999. I am honoured to share my story, my thoughts and reflections here in ABI Recovery Magazine, to allow survivors and caregivers of brain injury to know that they are NOT alone.

One of the most interesting aspects the brain injury is viewing how different people deal with the issue in different ways. Of course, it’s only interesting when you’re reading about this… as you’re doing right now. When you’re a survivor dealing with how your own friends and family handle the issue, it can be tough. I was assisted in the first steps of my own recovery mainly by my husband and my father. My husband would encourage me to accompany him to walk our dog around the block every evening after dinner. Twice a week, my father would park his car out front of our house and we would go walking to a nearby coffee shop. He would offer to buy me lunch, but I was never hungry. So, he would order us each a cup of soup. Delicious, healthy, homemade soup. I would only eat half of it... then we'd walk home again. Total distance, there and back... half a mile. Did I enjoy these walks? No. I would have much preferred to stay indoors. These walks pulled me out of my shell… out of the safety zone of my own home, and I would have MUCH rather preferred to stay in! But, my husband and my father were two people in my life who I sincerely loved and respected, so I’d paint a smile on my face and accompany them. Friendships didn’t always continue to succeed. Here are three different examples of my own experience with friendships post acquired brain injury. Before encephalitis, I played penny poker every Thursday evening with a couple of girlfriends. Eight weeks post encephalitis, my poker-playing friend encouraged me to return to playing. I was not permitted to drive, so she would pick me up each Thursday night. As we sat around one woman’s dining room table, I just couldn’t keep up. When women were talking, AND playing cards, AND smoking,

Healing With Self-Love

AND drinking wine AND snacking. Simultaneously. I could hardly believe I had EVER had the ability to multitask in that fashion! After trying for four weeks, I had to phone my friend one day and tell her, “no more.” It didn’t bother me that I was constantly losing at pennypoker. It was that I just couldn’t keep up with all the interacting! To this day it concerns me that I hurt my friend deeply, as she ceased responding to my calls and emails, and we no longer socialize. In early days post-encephalitis, a high-school friend who I had not seen for many years heard about my illness. Melanie contacted my husband and pledged to visit me every Thursday. At first, she would bring muffins and fruit and we would sit in my kitchen and have lunch. After a few months, she began taking me out to a local coffee shop so that I would have the opportunity to do any small bits of shopping needed for the house. Eighteen years later, Melanie and I still “do lunch” - but now I am able to drive to her house. One day post encephalitis I was walking home from shopping, another woman was walking down the street in the same direction. I’m not certain what caused each of us to say, “Hello” and start a conversation, but we did. It turned out that she had just moved in around the corner and three doors down from me. June and I started out walking together once a week, then moved on to meeting for tea or lunch every week. There were some weeks at first when my self-confidence was low, and I’d have MUCH preferred to stay home, but having made a date with June, I would push myself to get out and socialize. June of course never met the “old Wendy”, and often says that she sees absolutely nothing wrong with me. June and I are still best friends, and meet weekly. This friendship which was born post-encephalitis has been so very empowering! A friend who is an encephalitis survivor once shared his philosophy with me, saying, “I have moved on from blissful ignorance of my disability, through overwhelming anxiety, resentment and anger to gratitude for what I have left, what I can do, and what may grow fuller in time. I can get better.” It was these words that first taught me to look ahead… not behind… in my recovery. A young family member recently called me “Wendy 2.0”. I am not the same as the original Wendy, but my current life is an excellent one. Looking ahead with a positive attitude is beneficial to all of us! *

VOLUME

ISSUE

PAGE

Cetacean Advocacy - Brain Injury in Ocean Mammals By Heidi Lerner - Brain Injury Advocate USA Sonar Causes Brain Injury to Sea Mammals I would like to take the time to express something that really troubled me; thank you for listening. I have been a kayaker for about 20 years. Three years ago, I went on a paddle with two fellow sea-kayakers. We put in at La Jolla Shores and paddled out past the caves. A whale surfaced about 30 feet from my boat. It was a baby. It was alone. It swam right up next to my boat. I could see the barnacles on its back. S/he stayed relatively close, giving us some time to admire her. Yet her mother was nowhere around. What could possibly cause a mother whale to separate from her young? In San Diego, a major cause of piercing noise in the water, is sonar used by the Navy, to detect underwater submarines and underwater navigation. Sonar has been used in local San Diego waters by Navy boats, for many years. Sonar uses very powerful sound waves that can damage whale and dolphin’s hearing and brains. Injury to the brain is my area of expertise. Sonar has been known to cause whales to hemorrhage around their ears. For marine mammals, hearing is essential for their survival; when their hearing goes, they are mortally disabled. Their hearing being blasted by sonar, threatens their survival; mothers get separated from their babies!

Loud Sounds Hurt I am sharing this because locally, here in San Diego, we like to stay conscious of the marine life. I believe All of humanity needs to know about the condition of the ocean environment - home of sea mammals. They are traumatized by screeching loud noise under the water (plus ambient noise). The baby whale was double traumatized – brain injury from noise and no momma. Poor thing was totally disoriented. Many people with brain injuries know disorientation; it is known as a symptom of injury. . When the baby whale seemed to have left, we paddled on for about half an hour around the cove and then paddled back (one hour total) and when we returned, the whale was still there! It was still alone and notably DISORIENTED!!! Noise pollution adds up. I am bringing an awareness to it’s damaging effects on marine mammals. For more information about the effects of noise and its impact under water, see http://ocr.org/. I am hoping to awaken people to care. I advocate for the whales, dolphins, sea lions and all the other under water creatures! Let us take care of those that can’t take care of themselves.

The Ocean Matters! For information visit: www.graymatters4u.com and http://ocr.org

VOLUME

ISSUE

Post-Crash Psychological Injuries By David Dunne - “Injury and psychological distress are public health priorities because of their high occurrence in the Population”

Symptoms of psychological distress like anxiety, depression and stress have long been recognized as common following a motor vehicle crash. It’s the body’s natural response to an unexpected event. As common as it is, the psychological ‘injuries’ from a motor vehicle crash are often not addressed appropriately or effectively. This article outlines the prevalence of psychological distress, the problems with the current practice and strategies that can help better support survivors of motor vehicle crashes.. What we know Trauma-related motor vehicle crash injuries are associated with elevated psychological distress that can continue for years after the injury. Prevalence The prevalence of psychological distress following a motor vehicle crash is well documented in the research and widely known amongst those working with crash survivors. It is estimated that up to 50% of motor vehicle crash survivors develop significant psychological distress within 6 months of the crash. In addition, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of PTSD with an estimated 48% of survivors in rehabilitation reporting moderate to severe symptoms. Another finding in recent studies is that the length of time psychological distress remains elevated is longer than previously recognized: At least 2 to 3 years for those with injuries.

PAGE

VOLUME

ISSUE

PAGE

VOLUME

ISSUE

PAGE

Self Love After Brain Injury will become habitual. Make copies of these statements and put them in handy places so you can reference them. Put the list in the notes section of your smart phone. You can even write them on a mirror in your bathroom or elsewhere in your home. Add to the list or update the statements over time if there are new messages you connect with. Don’t be embarrassed. It can inspire others to do the same. This is personal development at its best. Self-reflection. By Crystal Willms: Brain Injury Specialist Saskatoon, Sask. A loss of self-love is one of the most common issues reported by my brain injured coaching clients. This may have been a challenge before the injury, but a negative change in cognitive, emotional and/or physical functioning can be the final nail in the coffin. So many people feel hopeless and believe that this shift in their life is a permanent, awful state of being. One way to restore hope and strength is to reconnect with your inner self. Harness the power of positive thinking and selfreflection. It takes a lot of work, but the effort is worth it. You have more control over your quality of life than you realize. Allow your heart to take over and let it retrain your brain to love you again. Here are some tools to help you strengthen your self-love: Positive thinking 1. Write down all of the negative thoughts that continually repeat themselves in your mind. Examples: “My memory sucks.”; “I can’t concentrate on anything.”; “I just want to be my old self again.” 2. Write down one or more positive statements that will replace each negative thought. “My memory sucks” may become “I love my brain and will nurture it to support my memory. I have enough. I know enough. I am enough.” “I can’t concentrate on anything” may become “I am capable of focusing and learning. I feel strong, energized and alive each day.” “I just want to be my old self again” may become “I love and accept myself just as I am. I forgive the past and I embrace my life fully.” 3. Every time the common negative thought comes to you, recall the replacement positive statement(s) and repeat it several times. This

1. List positive characteristics that you like about yourself. Describe each one. 2. List the reasons you like having each of these characteristics and the positive feelings you experience as a result of having these characteristics. 3. List the ways you benefit from having these characteristics. 4. List the ways others benefit from you having these characteristics. 5. How/where did you learn each of these characteristics? If you’re not convinced that these strategies are helpful or you just don’t want to acknowledge the struggles you’re having with your inner self, do some reading about the effects of adrenaline and cortisol in your body as a result of chronic stress. Maybe that will kick start some new positive self-care practices. You have the power to experience daily joy and self-love. Take advantage of your support system and professionals like myself to help you if you believe it will enhance your success. If you practice the strategies and fall off the wagon, it’s okay. Find the strength within you to get back on. It’s exciting to know that one day you may be educating someone else with a brain injury about best practices for self-love because you are a reflection of success. * Brain Injury Management Coach and Specialist Contact Crystal: Referrals and New Enquires Welcome 1.306.954.1435 crystal@thecrystalfactor.com Visit The Crystal Factor website for full services and other information

VOLUME

ISSUE

PAGE

Be Your Brainy Best! Do you have acquired brain injury symptoms? Do you have life stressors that impact your daily functioning? Are you interested in improving your cognitive skills? Crystal Willms - Certified Power Coach® Reiki Master Practitioner, Saskatoon, Sask. ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Coaching and consultation for brain injury management   

Brain Gym® strategies for improved cognitive wellness, athletic and academic skills Reiki sessions to promote physical healing, relaxation and improved mental clarity Whole-life coaching to assist with improved skills in problem-solving, planning and follow-through (for individuals with or without injuries)

TheCrystalFactor.com crystal@headwaycoachingintl.com

VOLUME

ISSUE

PAGE

Love Hope Healing

Get Your Message Out... ADVERTISE to the Canadian brain injury Community, quarterly with an A.R.M. display ad

15 - 35% Off display ads for Spring Issue â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;18 Call 604-788-7221 or email

abirecoverymagazine@gmail.com

VOLUME

ISSUE

PAGE

We need each other... We are family.

BOOK TICKETS NOW

MAY 2018

Photo Credit: NABIS

ALBERTA

VOLUME

ISSUE

PAGE

Deconstructing the Old Views of Valentine’s Day By Michelle McDonald — Brain Injury Canada You can’t miss the fact that Valentine’s Day is looming. Pink and red hearts everywhere. Store shelves over flowing with chocolate and stuffed animals toting messages of love. Even pink Frappuccino’s with pink sprinkles on top now symbolizes love. Why can’t February and Valentine’s day be about celebrating love in all forms? There have been a few animated movies recently where “true love” has not been between the prince and princess, but between sisters or parents and their children. How refreshing is that? There are an estimated 1.5 million Canadians living with the effects of acquired brain injury. This number does not take into account the family members, caregivers and close friends that are also affected by brain injury. Conservatively we could place that number at 5 people for every individual with a brain injury. That is 7.5 million people affected by brain injury. That is also 7.5 million people who support, help and love through injury, adversity and recovery. Many of the survivors that I have talk to over the years have said through their recovery, the people that stood by them were their family. That is love in its finest form. Friends came and went, but family was the constant: sleeping in the chair by their beside; coaching them through their rehab; helping with the transition at home; and learning to become fierce advocates to fight for services and changes to the system. We should be celebrating this kind of love as well. We can’t talk about love without talking about the importance of self-love. One of the biggest challenges for those living with brain injury is loving oneself. Selflove does not mean liking yourself when you lose a few pounds or get a promotion at work; it means appreciating and accepting yourself, flaws and all. Living with the “new normal” takes time and acceptance. Here are a few tips to help you love yourself:  Take the time to appreciate you. We are all so

quick to point out our faults, but really have difficulty saying what we love about ourselves. Also count down from 10 the next time you get angry and set reminders in your phone or use post-it notes. The important thing is you learn from it and then let it go.  Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep. Don’t overdo it and know your limits. Eat healthy. Drink enough water. Have positive social interactions every day, even if it is over the phone or skype. Share a laugh with someone .  Accept that it is ok to have negative feelings, but how you deal with them is important. What was the root cause of the feeling? Frustrated and angry with your loved one and feel you have a short fuse. Maybe the lack of sleep last night is playing a role, or your back pain is acting up. How can you work through this? Time alone, a bath or just listening to calming music for a few minutes allows you to focus internally.  Surround yourself with people who support you and make you feel good. Contact your community brain injury associations to see what events or programs are happening. There are so many amazing programs happening in communities across Canada. You can find a list of associations across Canada by clicking here: https://www.braininjurycanada.ca/ acquired-brain-injury/provincial-associations-andcare-services/  Respect yourself for who you are and recognize you have value just as much as the next person. This is key to everything. Celebrate all those you love and those who love you, including yourself. Doesn’t have to be with chocolate and flowers, but appreciation and acknowledgement. ~ Brain Injury Canada is a national non-profit whose mission is to improve the quality of life for those living with a brain injury and their families/ caregivers. We work in collaboration with provincial and community associations across Canada in the areas of education, awareness, advocacy and research. Visit: www.braininjurycanada.ca

VOLUME

ISSUE

“One of the greatest gifts one person can give another in time of trouble is support”...

PAGE

VOLUME

ISSUE

PAGE

Symposium for Brain Injury By Magda Kapp - Director of Communications, BrainTrust Canada Doctors. Scientists. Advocates. Athletes. Changemakers.

These are the video and live speakers who will gather at BrainTrust Canada’s BRAINx Brain Injury Symposium generously supported by Title Sponsor Pushor Mitchell LLP. The event will take place at the Ramada in Kelowna on June 7, 2018 and in the style of TEDx, will include short powerful insights into brain injury on a variety of topics. The event draws a wide audience including individuals with brain injury and their caregivers, and those in the health field whose work touches those with brain injury such as rehabilitation professionals, doctors, lawyers, insurance agents and more. The opening keynote on a very current topic is “Concussion – An Honest Discussion” with former NHL players Kerry Goulet and Keith Primeau. Other BrainX presenters include:  Dr. Harry Miller, Interior Health – A Neuropsychology approach to Brain Injury  Dr. Kyleen Myrah & Martin Bell, Co-Chairs Journey Home – Ending Homelessness in Kelowna  Janelle Breese Biagioni, Author/Grief Loss Counsellor – Caregiver Fatigue – An Empty Cup

       

Patti Flaherty, Connect Communities – Life Redesign – Real Life Stories their Human Value Maria Reed, Westbank First Nation – Aboriginal Culture and Brain Injury Paul van Donkelaar, UBCO Okanagan & Karen Mason, Kelowna Women’s Shelter – Traumatic Brain Injury and Intimate Partner Violence Melissa Fedderson, Foundry Kelowna – Mental Health and Brain Injury for Youth Matt Canzer, Pushor Mitchell LLP – We See You: Measuring the Invisible in Personal Injury Litigation Sue McKinnon, March of Dimes – Employment and Acquired Brain Injury Dr. Shawn Mitton, WorkSafe BC – Brain Injury Prevention in the Workplace Shanda Hill, Athlete – 4500 km and Beyond – A Story of Survival and Beyond

Registration is Open Early Bird Rate prior to March 31st $139 Regular Rate from April 1st $179 BrainTrust is also seeking support of sponsors or exhibitors. Contact Magda Kapp: mkapp@braintrustcanada.com for further information

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sharing Our Recoveryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;... is a free quarterly newsletter created for survivors of motor vehicle collisions.

The purpose of our newsletter is to keep survivors and victims of motor vehicle collisions up to date and informed. Our content includes several informative pieces that has been specifically created for survivors, victims, caregivers and loves ones of motor vehicle collisions. Sign up today its free!

VOLUME

ISSUE

PAGE

GBIA: Preventing the Preventable - The Mission

By Scott Collier – Survivor, President of Global Brain Injury Association, Founder of DundalkTV - Maryland, USA

On New Year’s Eve 2017, we celebrated the Global Brain Injury Association's (GBIA’s) first year of bringing awareness to Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), Invisible Illnesses, as well as, to the needs of the Special Needs Community. There were lots of successes to celebrate, which had fueled our DundalkTV (DTV) YouTube channel’s growth. Last year and now in 2018, GBIA and DTV continue to be just as passionate about sharing important information on many other health-related conditions and Veteran’s issues. We have become a ‘Disability and Health Advocacy Education’ Group, whose #1 goal is to bring an undeniable awareness to acquired Traumatic Brain Injury (TBIs). GBIA focus’ on helping millions of innocent individuals and their loved ones from unnecessarily enduring the pain and suffering that's perpetuated globally by the gross and willful negligence of many indifferent healthcare professionals. Sadly, lots of Politicians allow this injustice to continue by refusing to take action on health-related issues even when being repeatedly encouraged to do so by the people they represent and let's not forget the media's culpability in this big giant mess! GBIA believes that together survivors, caregivers, advocates and kind hearted people everywhere can STOP THE GLOBAL TBI EPIDEMIC. Our members are proud of our successes so far, and look forward to accomplishing so much more this year. We continue to reach out to individuals everywhere who understand the importance of working together and the incredible power of utilizing today's technology to win this fight for the betterment of mankind! Now, here are a few accomplishments from 2017 intertwined with acknowledgements from GBIA and myself, Scott Collier, to individuals and Advocates who have contributed to DTV’s vision and successes: Adam Reuter has been a tremendous ally of mine and the cause for the past five years. He aided me and others in the launching of GBIA on January 1, 2017.

Adam kindly photographed our second meeting with Governor Larry Hogan's office. His generosity continued when Adam shot and edited DundalkTVs Inter view with Governor Hogan and Lt. Governor Rutherford of the State of Maryland. Fortunately we met a videographer, Derek Stroman, and received his support last year as well, especially at DundalkTV's 4th TBI Awareness Picnic. DTV and friends produced numerous videos on a wide range of afflictions with survivors: O.J. Brigance, Dr. Margaret Arenda, Mycle Brandy, James Bono, Adam Mate, Mel Riebe Jr. and Dusten Gritz. We appeared on Lisa Dryer's and Shannon Marie Hibert's Brain Injury Radio Programs, as well as being a special guest on the Speak Your Mind Show. We spoke with Requiem For a Running Back filmmakers, and received approval to help promote their movie. In late 2017, we received an invitation from Deborah St. Jean, founder of ABI Recovery Magazine to publish our heartfelt mission in their first edition of 2018. Thanks Deborah! GBIA greatly appreciates your friendship as well, and the wonderful opportunity to get our message out to ABI Recovery Magazine’s friends and associates. DundalkTV was also delighted to receive an invitation to shoot videos in coordination with TV Free Baltimore at their studio. In early January 2018, when we were writing this article we were so fortunate to be introduced to a very dynamic TBI survivor/advocate named Catherine Carter, who is making tremendous strides in bringing treatment and awareness to TBIs. Catherine's pushing bills before Congress, as well as the Maryland General Assembly. GBIA is delighted to be supporting her efforts. GBIA is all about teamwork. Below I have shared what some team members have said about us. Here is a comment from a ‘Speak Your Mind Show’ post from a friend: “It was a great show Scott!! In my humble opinion you have done more for TBI than anyone else and that includes our Federal Government, the Surgeons General, as well as, the AMA!!!! Keep up the GREAT Work my friend. “ My response: “Thanks for your friendship and support, not to mention your wonderful comment that is greatly appreciated. Fortunately, some advocates do just as well as we are doing at bringing awareness and some do

VOLUME

ISSUE

better. Hopefully, one day soon everyone will start working as a team to end this horrific {TBI} epidemic!!!” Dr. Margaret Aranda kindly posted this message: “Amazing leadership, energy, and professionalism! Let's get going on brain injury and bring along all the rest, too: DI, dysautonomia, gastroparesis, disability, patient problems, and upscale our social media to MAX OUT on patient empowerment! Scott Collier and I have fought for TBI for years - I support your Global efforts for Brain Injury! It's just the beginning!.” Annie Ricketts, who started the Global Brain Injury Picnic a few years ago, left this message: “Let's do this! :) Together we can change the world!” Here are two comments from a GBIA and DTV supporter and friend, Marcie Lewandowski, who did so much to help DundalkTV prior to suffering a traumatic brain injury. (Tragically, Marcie passed on two months later.) “Scott works with great intensity and determination. He wants everything he produces to be as perfect as possible, which is a good thing. Scott ensures that all team members receive credit for their work and inspires them to do their best!”, and…. “I met Scott Collier about six weeks ago. Today is August 12, 2014. I was surprised when he told me about his accident, because there is no physical or mental evidence of such. During these six weeks, I have found him to be a kind, giving individual, willing to help anyone, including his community, improve. Based on this video, he has made significant improvements in all areas. Scott is doing an incredible job running for State Senate in District 6 (Maryland). He has the determination and inspiration to win. You can tell that by how far he has come in life!” As a TBI Survivor myself, I wish to share with you an email I wrote to a high profiled attorney I have reached out to for help regarding my own decade old battle with Workers' Compensation. My Story is indicative of so many others everywhere. “Mr. Luckasevic: I'd like to express my most heartfelt appreciation to you for offering me the opportunity to retain your legal services. I say ‘my most heartfelt appreciation’ because my life's become a nightmare following the work related accident that caused me to suffer life altering injuries to my neck and back, in addition to suffering the hellacious effects of Traumatic Brain Injury. Unbelievably, the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission has denied me the ability to receive treatment for the TBI I sustained

PAGE

over a decade ago in a freak accident, while preforming my duties at the Glen Meadows Retirement Community. The Commission acknowledged I sustained neck and back injuries which they provided some treatment for, but absolutely no TBI treatment to date. As far as I'm concerned, this grave injustice that's been forced upon me by WC, and by so many others in the professional sector of our Society, is nothing less than a crime against humanity. As the years passed, I realized the greater injustice taking place globally. As I watched *League of Denial, it was as if I was watching my own legal nightmare unfold. In my opinion, YOU ARE THE BEST TBI LAWYER IN AMERICA. I would very much like to discuss the possibility of you looking into my case and helping me end my nightmare experience, while shedding some much needed light on the greater problem that exist globally! Whatever the outcome of our discussion, you will always have my greatest respect for all you have done to help so many others who have neurological disabilities.” SEE: *PBS Frontline Documentary 2013 ‘League of Denial’ Recommendation: Attorney Jason Luckasevic litigates automobile accidents, slip and fall, personal injury, wrongful death and medical malpractice cases and brought concussions in sports to international attention. Contact: jluckasevic@gpwlaw.com Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. (Partner) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA Thank you. Global Brain Injury Association - “Links” : You are invited to ‘Like’ us on Facebook & LinkedIn pages Everyone, please support our humanitarian mission by subscribing to DundalkTV channel on YouTube THE MISSION: REQUESTED ACTION FROM GBIA PLEASE ADVOCATE AND HELP SPREAD TBI AWARENESS AND PREVENT PREVENTABLE TBIs WITH GBIA! I AM 100% SURE PREVENTION IS THE #1 CURE FOR TBI AND KNOWLEDGE IS THE KEY!!

~ Scott Collier, GBIA

VOLUME

ISSUE

Thank Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;! Pls Visit Our Sponsor

June 7th - GO TO EVENT for info

PAGE

FACES 2018 ENCEPHALITIS CONFERENCE Seattle, Washington May 11 - 13, 2018 Encephalitis Global is very pleased to share the details of their 14th annual FACES Encephalitis Conference. The FACES Conference is an opportunity for encephalitis survivors and caregivers to meet and share information and support. Attendees learn from our professional presenters as well as at our “break out” sessions, where survivors and caregivers divide into separate groups. At our 2017 FACES Conference, 30% of the attendees were FACES Alumni, having previously attended one or more FACES. One review from a FACES attendee said, “It was an amazing experience to be in a room with so many other people who have either had encephalitis or are caregivers for someone suffering encephalopathy.” A review of our traditional (and memorable!) FACES closing reads, “I like it better each year -- one great thing it does is it makes us all feel part of the family.” Encephalitis Global is a registered non-profit organization in the USA. Its Canadian founder/president, Wendy Station, lives in Vancouver BC. Click FACES 2018 Encephalitis Conference for more information, or click contact Encephalitis Global to send us an email. Hope to meet you at FACES!

Conference and Community News May 3rd & 4th - 0ntario, Canada

September 26 to 28th - Belfast, N. Ireland

Promoting well-being in children and young people with ABI and their families Belfast, Northern Ireland

Submit events, news listings to: abirecoverymagazine@gmail.com

Conference and Community News November 15th & 16th - 0ntario, Canada

Conference: Toronto ABI Network 2018 When: Where:

Thursday, November 15th & Friday, November 16th, 2018 Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel in Toronto, ON.

Call for abstracts is NOW OPEN!

Join leaders and colleagues from across the ABI community for one of Canada's leading ABI conferences. If you are a healthcare or community service provider, a legal representative, an individual living with the effects of an ABI or their caregiver, you won't want to miss it.

Scheduled Events - Province Specific

Events Video Go To: Rock For Dimes

Province & Territories: Association Listings - Links

VOLUME

ISSUE

PAGE

Alberta

British Columbia

First Nations BI Services

Manitoba

BI Information, Events and Resource Access by Province

VOLUME

ISSUE

New Foundland & Labrador

Northwest Territories

Nova Scotia

Ontario

Province & Territories: Association Listings - Links

New Brunswick

PAGE

BI Information, Events and Resource Access by Province

Province & Territories: Association Listings - Links

VOLUME

ISSUE

PAGE

Nunavet

Prince Edward Island

Quebec

Saskatchewan

Yukon BI Information, Events and Resource Access by Prov-

Financial Partners Sought Each Issue of ARM accrues epublishing and other web expenses of up to $600 per quarter out of pocket. ARM is welcoming financial partners who believe in this publication, its benefits for the BI and Stroke community, and its future growth to help meet expenses and keep ARM publishing by gifting $20, $30, $40, $50 or $100 monthly. What will ARM do for you and your business?... Financial partners receive ‘Free Advertising’, ‘Logo Recognition/Web Linking’ in every issue, ‘Mentions’ on any print materials, mail outs, electronic promotions, and materials displayed at conference fairs attending. Please contact Deborah: abirecoverymagazine@gmail.com ARM is a not-for-profit venture and labour of love. ARM has no employees, only volunteer(s) giving of their spare time.

Credit : Susan Barbara Apollon

Visit: Touched By the Extraordinary.

VOLUME

ISSUE

PAGE