Luminary of the Year

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) held our inaugural Luminary of the Year celebration on November 15, 2024, during which 250 members of the brain injury community came together to honor Marilyn Price Spivack, BIAA’s co-founder and first-ever Luminary of the Year honoree.

The event, held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., raised more than $460,000 to benefit the Brain Injury Association of America’s programs, research initiatives, and advocacy efforts. It was also an opportunity for the community to celebrate Marilyn, who was described by Dr. Mel B. Glenn of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School as “the most influential person in the history of brain injury rehabilitation.

A Letter from our Inaugural Luminary of the Year

I was so humbled and incredibly honored to be chosen to be the Brain Injury Association of America’s Inaugural Luminary of the Year awardee.

The evening was a joyous reunion for those of us who have dedicated ourselves to making a difference in the lives of people with brain injury. Many of the attendees were pioneers and creators of the numerous accomplishments in the early years, all of whom became dear friends and amazing supporters whenever I made a request of them – which was often!

For those who could not attend, a sincere thank you for your donations and support. In particular, to those who could not be in attendance due to age or illness, and for those who have passed away: you are never forgotten. They taught and mentored those of us who are still here, and if you have heard them lecture or read their work, then count yourselves fortunate. They were generous to me and to our community’s efforts. They helped give credence and support to a fledgling organization as they recognized its value in the long run.

My only regret is that Martin L. Spivack, MD, PhD – Marty, my husband, soulmate, and partner – and my daughter, Deborah Lee Price, who inspired the brain injury movement, were not there to share that evening.

To the rest of my family: I am forever grateful that you were there to share in my honor and my joy.

I would be remiss if I didn’t call out two events from this year that have made me incredibly happy: one, that BIAA and the US Brain Injury Alliance have come back together again as one voice, and that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced that traumatic brain injury is being recognized as a chronic health condition. These are amazing accomplishments for the brain injury community.

My best to all,

Marilyn