BIAC BUZZ

May 2025

Making visible the invisible since 1982

Community Forum on Concussions

A Bilingual Event / Un Evento Bilingüe

Para ver el Volante del evento en español, utilice este enlace.

Bike for Thought Virtual Ride

Gather your friends and family, dust off those bikes, and get ready to ride for a great cause! Join us for the 16th Annual Bike for Thought, happening virtually from May 31 – June 15.

Ride anytime, anywhere, and show your support for the Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut. Whether you're biking around your neighborhood or hitting the trails, every mile helps us raise awareness and funds for brain injury support and prevention.

Questions? Contact Michelle DeSouza-Moreno at mdesouza@biact.org

May is Bicycle Safety Month

BIAC observes Bicycle Safety Month each May to raise awareness about preventing bike-related brain injuries.

Bicycle crashes are a leading, yet preventable, cause of brain injury. This month, BIAC encourages riders of all ages to stay safe with these tips:

Always wear a properly fitted helmet that meets recognized safety standards
Check brakes, tires, and equipment before every ride
Use lights, reflectors, and wear bright or reflective clothing
Follow traffic laws and ride with the flow of traffic
Stay alert—avoid headphones and distractions

These simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of injury. BIAC is committed to promoting safety, awareness, and education across Connecticut.

Explore further information:

CDC.bicycle safety

NHTSA.fitting bike helmet

Spotlighting Stroke and Brain Tumor

Awareness Month

Strokes and brain tumors, like traumatic brain injuries (TBI), can affect anyone at any age. Recognizing the signs and understanding the risks can save lives and improve outcomes.

Use the FAST acronym to identify stroke symptoms:

F – Face drooping

A – Arm weakness

S – Speech difficulty

T – Time to call 911

Learn more at: www.stroke.org

Brain Tumor Awareness Month also highlights the 1 million Americans living with a brain tumor. Whether malignant or not, brain tumors can cause lasting physical, cognitive, and emotional effects.

Learn more at: www.braintumor.org

If you or someone you know has a brain injury from a stroke, tumor, or TBI, BIAC is here to help. Call (860) 219-0291 or visit BIAC’s free HelpLine

In the News

Did you miss any of these great articles? Be sure to check them out!

A Nasal Spray for Concussions Shows Early Promise

In a new study on mice,

an experimental antibody treatment reduced the lingering after-effects of head injuries.

$2.17 million Grant to Study Non-Evasive Treatments for Brain Injury Symptoms

Researchers at Virginia Tech are exploring a non-invasive method to ease brain injury symptoms, offering hope for improved recovery. Learn more about this groundbreaking study!

25 Years of Brain Awareness at the National Museum of Health and Medicine

The National Museum of Health and Medicine highlights the past, present, and future of brain research. Learn more about this milestone!

to stay current on the latest newsworthy articles about brain injury.

Join BIAC's Army of Support

Are you a brain injury survivor, family member, or professional?

The Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut (BIAC) invites you to be part of our growing support network. Together, we can raise an Army of Awareness and ensure no one faces brain injury alone.

Survivors and families can join local support groups to connect, share, and heal. If you’re a professional, consider helping lead a group in your community to support others on their journey.

Let’s build stronger, more connected communities across Connecticut.

To find the support group that best fits your needs, please visit the

Support Groups page on our website.

Interested in starting a group? Contact Victor Darr at: vdarr@biact.org

New Podcast Episode: Featuring BIAC's Victor Darr

“Making Visible the Invisible”: Brain Injury, Self-Identity & Communication

Now streaming on LingQuery, featuring BIAC’s Senior Brain Injury Specialist, Victor Darr.

LingQuery is a podcast exploring the intersections of language, communication, and human experience. In this episode, hosts Aiden Laliberte and Emily Touhey sit down with Victor Darr to discuss how brain injury can affect not just speech and cognition, but a person’s core sense of identity.

Victor shares his professional experience and personal insights into the hidden struggles many survivors face—and how support, understanding, and connection can make a life-changing difference. This thoughtful conversation brings visibility to issues that are often misunderstood or overlooked.

An interesting listen for survivors, caregivers, professionals, educators, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of brain injury and communication.

Listen on Spotify: Click HERE

Need support? Contact BIAC at (860) 219-0291 or visit www.biact.org

Fun in the Sun Picnic