Brain Injury Awareness on Capitol Hill

On March 5-6, hundreds of brain injury advocates came together on Capitol Hill for Brain Injury Awareness Day. More than 300 attendees from 38 states held more than 215 meetings with their Senators, Congressional representatives, and their staff to advocate for more services, more research, and more funding for brain injury, particularly through reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act. In addition to facilitating congressional appointments, the event included an orientation and training session, a survivors’ meet and greet, and a Brain Injury Awareness Fair.

Sharing Their Stories

Since launching My Brain Injury Journey, our new awareness campaign, earlier this year, dozens of survivors and caregivers have shared their stories about how their brain injury has had an impact on the trajectory of their life:

“‘Hope’ is the operative word in my life. Never give up hope for recovery… baby steps, sometimes few are far between! I’m not even supposed to be here, realistically. Any gain is a gift.”– Howard

“I have days where I think I can do this and days when I feel I just can’t stand the constant pain. The most upsetting thing is people don’t understand unless they have gone through it themselves. Traumatic brain injury is an invisible condition, and the struggle is daily.” – Diane

“It’s not been easy. My brain doesn’t work like it used to. I could never be an executive again, even if I wanted to do so. I mix up words and numbers. I need a long nap each day. I get killer headaches. I can’t remember details. I cannot multitask AT ALL. Don’t ask me a question while I’m trying to divide a salad or write down a number. It won’t happen. I can’t do two things at once. But what I’ve found is I have great peace.” – Mary Kay

“If I had to think of one word to describe my journey, from the very start to present day, it would be perseverance. Whether it was my parents, my siblings, my rehab therapist, or my friends, I always had encouragement to keep pushing forward and advance in my healing journey.” – Elijah

“With the newness of brain injury also came the reality no one knew we needed support and friendship when we got home. It was so very lonely adjusting.” – Donia

“My Brain Injury Journey is the most difficult challenge I have ever experienced, but also a blessing. While I have not been able to recall the night that changed my life, I focus on the journey moving forward.” – Erik

Read more stories of perseverance, resilience, frustration, and hope here.

My Brain Injury Journey Campaign Goes Live in DC

During the events for Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill, brain injury survivors, caregivers, and advocates described their brain injury journeys to us, sharing what they have learned about themselves and what they wish others knew about brain injury. Watch the video and hear their stories, and share your own story here.