Letter from our Executive Director

Dear Friends,



As summer begins, many of us look forward to spending more time doing outdoor activities like biking, riding scooters, and enjoying Connecticut’s parks and neighborhoods with family and friends. While these activities bring fun and connection, they also remind us of the importance of safety.

At the Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut, we encourage everyone to make helmet safety a priority. Wearing a properly fitted helmet can significantly reduce the risk of serious brain injury during recreational activities.

This season, we encourage families and caregivers to lead by example, talk openly about safety, and make wearing a helmet a normal part of every outdoor adventure.



Wishing you a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer.

Warmly,

Cynthia Bidorini

Executive Director

Petit Family Foundation Grant

We are thrilled to announce that the Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut (BIAC) is the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Petit Family Foundation. This funding helps ensure that brain injury survivors, family members and caregivers throughout Connecticut receive the critical resources and support they need through our HelpLine and support groups. Our heartfelt thanks to the Petit Family Foundation for their generosity! 

4th Annual United Steel Foundation Golf Tournament

On Monday, May 18, golfers gathered at the beautiful TPC River Highlands in Cromwell for another outstanding United Steel Foundation Golf Tournament benefiting BIAC. With beautiful weather, enthusiastic participants, and tremendous community support, the event was once again a memorable and meaningful day in support of individuals and families affected by brain injury.

We are incredibly grateful to United Steel CEO Keith Corneau, the Corneau family, and the United Steel Foundation for their continued partnership and commitment to BIAC’s mission. Their generosity and leadership have helped make this tournament one of BIAC’s most impactful annual fundraising events.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the many sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and supporters who made the day possible. Your support helps advance critical brain injury prevention, education, advocacy, and support services throughout Connecticut. We are deeply appreciative of your dedication and generosity.

2026 Bike for Thought  

Join us May 15th through July 15th for a fun and meaningful fundraising challenge! Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of brain injury survivors here in Connecticut by supporting essential programs, advocacy, and resources that help individuals and families navigate recovery and rebuild their lives. Whether you sign up as an individual rider, create a team with friends, family, or coworkers, or simply make a donation, every effort helps move our mission forward. Your participation brings hope, support, and stronger communities to those affected by brain injury. Register today and be part of Bike For Thought because every mile and every dollar makes an impact!

Join us for our annual Fun in the Sun Picnic! In collaboration with Project Genesis, the Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut invites brain injury survivors, their families, friends, and staff to our favorite outdoor social event of the year. Come enjoy a relaxing day outdoors with food, activities, and community.

July 10th @ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM / Camp Harkness 301 Great Neck Rd., Waterford, CT 06385 Fully handicapped accessible - Rain or shine.

RSVP by June 14th - Nisha Owens / qowens@projectgenesis.us 

Phone: 860-377-8864

Join us for Walk for Thought, BIAC’s flagship fundraising and community event. We invite brain injury survivors, families, friends, caregivers, and community supporters to come together for a meaningful day of awareness, recognition, and connection. Your participation through walking, rolling, donating, or sponsoring helps ensure BIAC can continue providing free services and access to critical supports for individuals and families affected by brain injury throughout Connecticut.

June is recognized as National Aphasia Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of aphasia, a communication disorder that affects a person’s ability to speak, understand language, read, or write. Aphasia is most often caused by stroke or traumatic brain injury, yet public awareness remains limited, leaving many individuals and families without the support they need.

This year, we are pleased to highlight a special community event organized by Laura Malis, focused on education, connection, and shared experience. The event will take place on June 16th at 4:00 PM at the Scranton Memorial Library in Madison. While the program centers on aphasia, many attendees may also have connections to brain injury, making it a meaningful opportunity for broader community engagement.

BIAC will be present, and we encourage anyone interested in communication recovery, peer support, or brain injury resources to attend. Together, we can raise awareness and strengthen community understanding.



Directions to the event

National Aphasia Association  

BIAC Support Groups - Offering a Variety of Support                                         

BIAC offers a variety of support groups designed to help survivors, family members, and caregivers connect with others who truly understand the challenges of living with a brain injury. Most groups meet virtually, making them accessible to individuals across the state, and each group provides a safe, welcoming space to share experiences, learn strategies, and build community.

Our survivor groups focus on peer connection, emotional support, and practical tools for daily living. Whether you’re newly injured or many years into your recovery, BIAC support groups can help you feel less alone and more empowered.



Learn more HERE.  

 

A Reality Check: Recovery After Brain Injury



After a life-changing brain injury, Amy Grant found strength in a simple truth from Vince Gill: take life one day at a time. Sometimes the biggest “reality check” is also the greatest source of healing. Check out this inspiring story

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/vince-gill-gave-amy-grant-reality-check-recovery-brain-injury

E-Bike and Scooter Crashes Are Leading to More Brain Injuries



A new study from NYU Langone Health highlights a growing public health concern: injuries from e-bikes and e-scooters are sending more people to the hospital with serious brain injuries. As these devices become more common in our communities, the findings underscore the importance of helmet use, safer street design, and increased awareness for all road users.

Read the full article here: https://nyulangone.org/news/e-bike-and-scooter-crashes-are-leading-more-brain-injuries

Woman, 27, Told She Had a Concussion After Ski Injury, Then Wakes Up the Next Day Unable to Talk, Walk or Eat



After a concussion from a ski injury, Jessica Stratton woke up with the unexpected: she woke up the next day unable to talk, walk or eat. “I’m grieving the person I was before the accident,” she says. Once highly active, she now faces the challenges of slowing down and starting over. 

Read more about her story here: https://people.com/woman-suffers-traumatic-brain-injury-after-ski-accident-exclusive-11917597

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Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut

200 Day Hill Road, Suite 250, Windsor, CT 06095 | 860-219-0291 | www.biact.org