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Navigating The End Of The Pandemic With Brain Injury

As more people get vaccinated and governments lift COVID restrictions, there is pressure to race back to “normal” life. But given brain injury survivors’ fatigue and overstimulation it’s important to re-build in a way that meets their needs and values. In this episode of Brain Injury Today, Deborah Crawley speaks with therapist Lori Weisman about “conscious re-entry,” how to identify and prioritize your values, and becoming comfortable with saying “no” when it’s time to take care of yourself.

Your COVID Vaccine Questions Answered

In this episode of Brain Injury Today, Deborah Crawley speaks with Jeanne Hoffman, UW professor of Psychology and Rehabilitation Medicine and Director of UW’s TBI Model System, who answers the most commonly asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination from our community.

Laughing With The Lystedts: The First Family of Brain Injury Prevention

Here at the Brain Injury Alliance, we call Zackery, Victor and Mercedes Lystedt the “first family of prevention.” Back in 2006 Zack suffered a preventable brain injury playing football. It was a long road to recovery, which is still Zack’s full time job, but the family is stronger than ever and has always shared their story to help others. In fact, their advocacy has helped pass sports safety laws in all fifty states. In this episode of Brain Injury Today, Deborah Crawley speaks with Zack, his dad Victor and his mom Mercedes about their journey with brain injury and how laughter has helped get them through the toughest moments.

Keeping Kids Safe Playing The Sports They Love!

Safety and participation should go hand-in-hand when it comes to sports and exercise in general. In this episode of Brain Injury Today, BIAWA Executive Director Deborah Crawley speaks with Darin Harris and Dr. Stan Herring about why it’s important to keep kids active, while also avoiding preventable injuries by building a culture of safety. Darin Harris speaks from his perspective as a former UW football player who suffered a brain injury but continues to coach youth football. And Stan Herring shares his insights as a leading sports medicine doctor who has helped pass state laws to make sports safer and continues to promote safety as the co-founder of the Sports Institute at UW Medicine.

Parenting a Child with a TBI: Advocacy, Grief, and the Power of Peer Support

Karen Kaizuka’s son suffered a sports-related brain injury about ten years ago, and, like many parents, she stood by his side during each step of his recovery. She also became deeply involved in the brain injury community through her work in healthcare and as the current Chairperson of Washington’s Traumatic Brain Injury Council. In this episode of Brain Injury Today, Karen speaks with BIAWA Executive Director Deborah Crawley about the unique process parents go through, finding hope amongst those who had been in her shoes, learning advocacy, and her ongoing quest to improve the support systems available to brain injury survivors and their families.

How Brain Injury Survivors Can Use New Telemedicine Opportunities

Laura Jantos is a two-time brain injury survivor who has spent her entire career working to improve healthcare through technology. In this episode of Brain Injury Today, Laura talks about how regulatory changes have expanded access to telemedicine and what it means for individuals with brain injuries and those who support them. With her unique perspective as both a patient and healthcare consultant, Laura shares her tips for having a successful telemedicine visit and more.

Reflecting On 2020: You Are Not Alone. We Are Here.

Wow, what a year it has been. Even in the midst of all the challenges that 2020 has brought, the brain injury community has grown stronger. As we approach a new year, we’re taking some time to reflect on past episodes and how this podcast has become an integral part of how we share the stories of brain injury survivors, offer hope and knowledge, and stay connected even when we can’t be together in-person.

Jason & Mo: The Story Behind BIAWA’s Brain Ride

Jason Donaldson lost his mom, Mo, to a traumatic brain injury ten years ago. Before Mo passed, Jason experienced what something many families go through: he felt like there was no information at a time when he desperately needed answers. In this episode of Brain Injury Today, Jason speaks with Deborah Crawley about how he got connected to the Brain Injury Alliance of Washington and used his passion for bike riding to raise awareness about brain injury around the state and keep Mo’s memory alive.

Growing Up With A Brain Injury: A Caregiver And Her Niece Share Their Stories

Valarie Cooper was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus around age two. But despite all the challenges that come with brain injury, Valarie has been able to graduate high school and moved onto college with support from family members like her aunt, Tammy Woodrich. Listen to this episode to hear each of their perspectives on navigating life with a brain injury.

Brandon Blake Explains the Beauty of “Bonus Time”

Brandon Blake is many things. He’s a teacher, a cyclist, musician, and more. And he is also a traumatic brain injury survivor. In this episode of Brain Injury Today, Brandon speaks with host Deborah Crawley about how he has used music to practice mindfulness and stop rumination, and why he loves to share the concept of “bonus time” with fellow survivors.