As we near the end of Brain Injury Awareness Month, Kim and Simon will discuss how we best “Spring Ahead” with the cards we’ve been dealt with brain Injury. Our attitudes, tools to adapt, support, and knowledge (among other things), will remind us with the season, that we are NOT invisible. We are still very much here, and want to move ahead, not stay stuck or go backwards.
Against the Odds and Message of Hope
My guest tonight is Barbara Castlow. She enjoyed a busy life, which included a desire to expand her education. Her Mom used to call her a “Professional Student!” Her desire was to continue into the field of Clinical Psychology, and then the unthinkable changed her plans.
Never Give Up…Prove Them Wrong were words that constantly went through my head while in the hospital and in rehab. She had been in a coma for three months, spent time in a Rehab with an unrecognizable life, and now she needed to adapt moving forward. To that end, Barbara carries a compelling message of hope in her tragic story, to illustrate that not much is impossible if you work a different way toward it. In this Brain Injury Awareness Month or any time, Barb’s story will certainly raise awareness. Join Us.
Beautifully Broken -Through Eyes of Caregiver
Rebecca Kozowyk says, “I believe that the loved ones of TBI survivors are survivors too because TBI affects not only the survivor but those who love that person as well. And there is not one aspect of our lives that it does not have an impact on.
It is important for the TBI survivor and loved ones to grieve what was lost. I lost count of how many people said to me, “You should just be glad your son is alive.” Of course I was glad my son was alive, but I still had the right to grieve what had been lost. My son needed to grieve too.
I’ve also learned that we must become strong advocates for our loved ones with TBI. Unfortunately, there are ignorant and even cruel people who say and do very hurtful things. Many times my gut reaction was to become angry and defensive. Over time I realized that the best way to handle these situations is with patience and understanding. We must try to help educate others about the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury. It is truly impossible to understand unless one has experienced it.”
Join us for an incredible test of caregiving exposure, that will leave you with a whole new perspective.
Games that Heal? Aurelius on Recovery Now
My guest tonight is Oliver Ellison. His team is building a team to launch research and development of a prototype diagnostic tool, Aurelius, composed of various brain games to help measure an array of cognitive skills. This application uses deep learning, neural networks and other artificial intelligence technology to tailor each user experience and reward participation.
This optimal tool will provide a high quantity of quality data. This vital data will improve symptom identification, diagnosis, treatments and tailored therapies for those recovering from brain injuries. See: aiGRID.org