BIAC BUZZ

May 2024

Making visible the invisible since 1982

How We Help

Lynell was experiencing pronounced, lingering effects of post-concussion syndrome and was not able to return to work. While she felt she was receiving good professional care and treatment, she was also experiencing a great deal of loneliness and isolation. She reached out to the BIAC Helpline and explained that she needed to feel more connected. The BIAC Brain Injury Specialist sent her a list of support groups, and Lynell began attending regularly. After a few months of involvement, Lynell realized that one of the most satisfying rewards was sharing her story with the group and helping others in a similar situation. Lynell decided to “step it up” and is now the co-facilitator of the Manchester Support Group!

If you need help, please call the BIAC Helpline at (860) 219-0291, or visit the Helpline page on our website.

ABI Conference

Free In-Person

ABI Conference for Survivors & Family/Caregivers

May 20, 2024

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Doubletree Hotel

42 Century Dr, Bristol, CT 06010 Breakfast & Lunch Provided

Co-sponsored by DMHAS ABI, BIAC, & The Women’s Consortium.

Survivor, Family, Caregiver Conference

Questions? Please call 203-909-6888 x 10

15^th Annual BIAC Bike for Thought

Virtual Event

June 1 - June 16, 2024

BIAC Board Members Greg Bubnash and Lisa Wheeler and their families extend a warm invitation to join them, and cyclists from all across the state, for this virtual event. Ride WHEREVER you want, WHENEVER you want between June 1 – June 16 in support of BIAC!

As parents of brain injury survivors, Greg and Lisa are intimately familiar with the challenges and triumphs of navigating life after such a traumatic event. Their personal experiences and desire to support others facing similar journeys fuel their commitment to this event and to BIAC.

Your participation will directly contribute to providing critical assistance and resources to brain injury survivors in Connecticut, ensuring BIAC remains just a phone call away for anyone who needs our services:

To get involved, visit our Bike for Thought fundraising site here for more information, to register for the event and create your own fundraising page.

In just 4 easy steps, you can make a difference in the lives of brain injury survivors in CT:

1. Register today by visiting our Bike for Thought fundraising site here

2. Form a Team – a Virtual Team or an In-person Team, or ride solo!

3. Raise Funds between now and June 16th

4. Enjoy your ride!

Fun fact: Did you know Connecticut has over 2,000 miles of bike paths and multi-use trails crisscrossing some of our state’s most picturesque areas? There is bound to be a trail near you!

Questions? Please contact Michelle DeSouza at mdesouza@biact.org or

860-219-0291 ext 310.

DONATE OR REGISTER FOR BIKE FOR THOUGHT HERE

Support Groups

Support Groups – The Key to Finding the Right Group for You:

BIAC sponsors a large network of support groups throughout Connecticut, giving individuals with brain injuries and their caregivers the opportunity to connect and share their stories. These groups have a variety of formats. The key to finding the right format for you is in understanding how these formats differ:

Virtual - Virtual platforms are our most common form of groups giving much wider access and convenience.
In Person - Some people may prefer face-to-face contact for a deeper level of connection & interaction. Others may not feel comfortable with technology or do not have a computer.
Hybrid -This can be a great way to get the best of both the Virtual and In-person formats. This is a group where attendees will be comprised of both in-person and virtual members.

Our groups also have various structures and themes to them. Here are some examples:

Expressive Arts
Social Communication
Family Caregiver
Partner / Spouse

Visit our website for more details on all of BIAC Support Group options.

Stroke & Brain Tumor Awareness Month

May is National Stroke Awareness Month.

Just like a TBI, strokes can happen to anyone at any age. Know the signs/symptoms of a stroke and know how to minimize your risk for a second stroke!

The acronym FAST serves as a mnemonic to help recognize and respond promptly:

F: Face drooping

A: Arm weakness

S: Speech difficulty

T: Time to call 911

Learn more about Strokes here.

May is also Brain Tumor Awareness Month – a month dedicated to education, raising awareness and shining a light on this population that is often overlooked.

The need for new and innovative ways to treat brain tumor patients has never been more critical. The National Brain Tumor Society notes that 1 million Americans are living with a brain tumor – and that more than any other type of cancer, tumors can have “lasting and life-altering impact on a person’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being”. While not all tumors are malignant, it is important to know the facts. Learn more about brain tumors here: National Brain Tumor Society

If you or someone you know has acquired a brain injury due to a stroke, brain tumor, or TBI call BIAC at (860) 219-0291, and ask to speak with a Brain Injury Specialist. We are here to listen and to help guide you through your unique challenges. Visit our Helpline page on our website for more information!

Fun In The Sun Annual Picnic

June 20, 2024

11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Camp Harkness

Waterford, CT

Another great opportunity to come together to see friends, enjoy music, great food, and enjoy the waterfront! Don’t delay – registration open!

or call 860-377-8864

This event is free, and is co-sponsored by BIAC and Project Genesis.

Spring Social: THANK YOU

We had snow in the morning but spring vibes in the evening! Enormous thanks to Trinity College Neuroscience Club and Sarah Raskin for hosting an amazing Spring Social in West Hartford on April 4th! From pizza and bingo to dancing with The Flyy Movement, it was an evening of pure joy and connection. Thank you to all who attended, and to our many volunteers who received special recognition at the event.