Our Blog
No two brain injuries are alike…no two stories are alike. We hear stories of miracles, courage, resilience, humor, kindness, and hope every day; we thought you should too. Life is a series of stories, and we hope you find a meaningful one here.
Our blog offers inspiration from a variety of perspectives - people living with a brain injury, caregivers, professionals, students, and members of the community who want to help.
Have your own story to share? Submit a blog by clicking on the button below.
Advocacy Member Spotlight: Virginia Supportive Housing
Stephanie Arnold is the Program Manager of the Brain Injury Program at Virginia Supportive Housing (VSH). She has been at VSH since its inception in 2005 and has spent the majority of her professional career working with people with brain injuries. Stephanie and VSH are one of BIAV’s organizational Advocacy Members. When we asked Stephanie…
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Concussions in Auto Accidents
Guest Blog by Breit Cantor Grana Buckner, 2020 Mission Partner of BIAV While there are a number of different types of injuries someone can sustain in a car crash, some of the most severe are those which impact the brain. These injuries can occur even when the driver and his or her passengers are wearing…
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We Need Each Other
Written by Laura Bennett, Director of Programs Picture it. Harrisburg. The year 2000. Fresh out of grad school at the age of 22, and I would take the first job I was offered – working for a nonprofit association whose members provided services to people with intellectual disability and autism throughout the (very large) state…
Read MoreOur members did big things this year… Be part of it in 2020!
BIAV Membership brings together people from all areas, experiences, and walks of life to form a supportive, meaningful community. We value genuine connections and building lasting relationships; and our members do, too. These relationships are how we support each other and create real change for Virginians impacted by brain injury. Looking back on 2019, our…
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It’s the Giving Season; And We’re Giving Thanks
As a new year quickly approaches, we’re reflecting on the many accomplishments, learning moments, and gratitude we have for the work we do and the people we serve here at BIAV. In the spirit of giving thanks, some of our staff took a moment to share exactly what they’re thankful for this year. Christine, our…
Read MoreOne Foot in Front of the Other
More than 6 years ago, Anne’s life changed as the result of a brain injury. Through her recovery, she learned how difficult, yet important it is to put one foot in front of the other… In her own words, here is Anne’s story: Before my injury, I owned my own business for 30 years called…
Read MoreTraining Mental Health Workers to Respond More Effectively to Those with Brain Injury
Thanks to Mary Begor, the Crisis Intervention Community Support Specialist for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and Donna Cantrell at the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, the Program Specialist for Virginia’s Federal Traumatic Brain Injury Act Grant, BIAV was given an amazing opportunity. Since January of this year (2019),…
Read MoreCheryl Dean – Resilient Brain
One fateful day in 2017 changed Cheryl’s life forever. In her own words, here is Cheryl’s story: It started as a typical day. On January 31, 2017, I was walking across the street when I was hit by a truck. After being flown to the hospital, I was placed in a coma on life support…
Read MoreMillennials in Today’s Workforce
Millennials in Today’s Workforce Samantha Carmack Samantha is a BIAV young professionals member, former BIAV intern, and counselor for Camp Bruce McCoy. In May, Samantha graduated from Mary Baldwin University with her Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree. Thank you for contributing to our blog! Often times the ambition, drive, and confidence of the millennial generation…
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