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A state affliate of the Brain Injury Association of America
HEADLINES WINTER 2003/04
Resource Facilitation expands
Violence in Infants,
Children and Youth: By Tom Gode, Executive • Offer information about
An Epidemiologic Director TBI and referral to
perspective appropriate resources
inside on page 5 Many of you have • Offer ongoing
participated or observed the individual assistance via
development of Resource telephone by facilitating
Una pareja se Facilitation over the past informed decision-
juntaron después de five years. From a concept making and self-
LCT to reality, this project was advocacy
va a la página 7 developed through grants • Collect demographic
from the federal Health information to ensure
Resources and Services relevant/appropriate
People In Progress: Administration, the referrals
The Faces of Brain Minnesota Department of • Identify barriers to
Injury - three stories Human Services, the services, duplication of
inside on page 6 Minnesota Department of services, and unmet
Health, the Brain Injury needs
Family rocks and Association of Minnesota • Determine outcomes.
walks their way to the (BIA-MN) and a number of
Walk for Thought local foundations. Preliminary outcomes
inside on page 8 Thanks to the efforts of include:
hundreds of citizen • Increased rate of return
advocates and legislators to work.
Legislative Corner: who became advocates, the • Increased likelihood
2003 funding for Resource children receive 2003 Walk for Thought participants begin their walk
Are you a victim of around Lake Phalen in St. Paul
the Bystander Effect Facilitation was established. appropriate educational
inside on page 11 Today I’m pleased to say supports.
that the Brain Injury • Increased family ability
Association of Minnesota, in to understand/support
partnership with the the individual.
Walk for Thought sees growth
Messages from the
board: read columns Minnesota Department of • Reduced family crisis.
from Board Chair Health, is gearing up to • Reduced long-term Staff Report - The Brain and participants, this a
nancy Carlson and greatly expand Resource dependence on public Injury Association of tremendous success!
board member Mike Facilitation services. assistance. Minnesota held its second For the second year in a
Strand The foundation of • Reduced risk of annual Walk for Thought on row, Team Nichole was the
inside on page 3 Resource Facilitation is institutionalization. Saturday September 27, top fundraiser, bringing in
longitudinal telephone As part of the Resource 2003 Phalen Park in St. over $5,000. Members from
follow-up. Service, support, Facilitation expansion, the Paul. This year’s Walk for Team Nichole organized a
and educational needs for Association is moving office Thought raised over separate, independent
UPCOMING EVENTS persons with TBI and their locations to accommodate $57,000 and brought fundraiser in Black Duck,
families often exist well our growing staff. The new together over 600 walkers Minn. The primary
Brain Injury Basics beyond the time of hospital address is 34 13th Ave NE, for a celebration of life, hope organizer of the event was
Course discharge. In an effort to Minneapolis, Minn., 55413, and healing. Shirley Deno, a teacher who
February 17 better bridge the gap with a target move-in date of The walk saw a 12 percent worked together with her
between hospital, home, and mid January 2004. increase in revenue and a 50 Family, Career and
Day at the Capitol return to work or school, Please watch the percent increase in Community Leaders of
March 3 discharge planners in Association’s web site, participants over last year’s
targeted hospitals, with www.braininjurymn.org, walk. In a year where WALK
19th Annual proper consent, provide the and future newsletters for nonprofit events are seeing go to page 8
Statewide Association with patient updates on our progress. decreases in both donations
Conference on contact information.
The BIA-MN Resource Non-profit Organization
Brain Injury U.S. Postage
April 2 & 3 Facilitation program was
PAID
see page 4 for designed to begin weaving Minneapolis, MN
details a network of support for Permit #163
persons with brain injury by 43 Main Street SE, Suite 135
mailing tailored educational Minneapolis, MN 55414
materials at time of referral. Time Dated Material
At 6 weeks and 6, 12, 18, Address Service Requested
Brain Injury and 24 months Resource
Association of Facilitators conduct
Minnesota helpline: telephone follow-up to:
1-800-669-6442 • Offer meetings/
assistance at the acute
www.braininjurymn.org care setting
• Offer assistance to Non-
English speaking
individuals
HEADLINES WINTER 2003/04
page 2
Get on the List! CALENDAR of EVENTS
Brain Injury Basics: Day at the Capitol:
Staff Report - The Minnesota State screening process because they are February 17 March 3
Legislature limited the amount of aware that there is an extremely
Traumatic Brain Injury Waivers limited number of people they can Confusion. Frustration. The Brain Injury
available in Minnesota through enroll. The Association encourages Sorrow. Anger. Fear. Isola- Association of Minnesota is
Medical Assistance to 150 new people you to get on the waiting list. The tion. These are some emo- co-sponsoring a the Day at
accepted per year. Minnesota State Legislature needs to tions a person with brain in- the Capitol on March 3,
Each Year in Minnesota we see that there is still a high demand jury may feel after injury. 2004, at the Best Western
hospitalize 3,500 children and adults for the Waiver. Families, friends & loved Kelly Inn State Capitol, on
with traumatic brain injury, and see Through the waiting lists, the ones may feel this way, too. I-94 & Marion Street in St.
an estimated 15,467 more in Association and Citizen Advocates To learn about the impact Paul.
emergency rooms. across Minnesota will have better and of brain injuries caused by The event will focus on
The Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver more powerful tools to work with the concussion, traumas such as Citizen Advocacy and
(TBIW) is an essential and highly legislature to remove the limits on the crashes or falls, stroke, an- legislative priorities for the
effective program for those who waiver program to ensure that the eurysm & coma, please join session. Please watch ENews
qualify. The TBI Waiver helps keep critical help and supports are there us at a Brain Injury Basics for additional information on
people out of institutions and living when you need them. class. this event or contact Shannon
in the least restrictive environment Application for the TBI Waiver can You’ll learn about what Robins at 612-378-2742 for
possible. be made at your local county social brain injury is; the common more information.
Because of the limitation put on the service agency. The administration of side effects of brain injury;
compensation techniques; Annual Conference
number allocated to each county, the TBI Waiver is through the
many persons who would benefit Disability Services Division of the and tips about how to relate on Brain Injury:
from the TBI Waiver will no longer Minnesota Department of Human to people who have sus- April 2nd & 3rd
have access to the program. Services. tained brain injury.
In order for the Brain Injury For more information about TBI Class begins at 6:00 p.m. Turn to page 4 for com-
Association of Minnesota to advocate waivers, eligibility guidelines and a and runs until 8:30 p.m. plete details.
for the “cap” to be lifted to ensure that listing of services covered by the The class will be held in the
people who need the services will waiver, visit the Minnesota conference room at the Member of
have access to the TBI Waiver, the Department of Human Services page Association’s new office at
Association needs your help. on TBI Waivers at: http:// 34 13th Ave NE, in Minne-
Many counties are discouraging www.dhs.state.mn.us/Contcare/ apolis. To register, call
people from going through the initial disability/tbiwaiver.htm 1.800.669.6442 or
612.378.2742.
Mike Strand book released in January
Staff Report - HEADLINES
columnist Mike Strand is
34 13th Ave NE, Suite B001, Minneapolis, MN 55413
publishing his first book, a 612.378.2742 or 800.669.6442 fax: 612.378.2789
collection of essays entitled www.braininjurymn.org
Meditations, published by Email: info@braininjurymn.org
Zottola Publishing Inc. Mission
Many of the essays included The mission of the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota is to
create a better future through brain injury prevention, research,
in the book have appeared in education and advocacy.
past issues of HEADLINES.
In 1989, Mike suffered a Board of Directors
Nancy Carlson, Chair
Traumatic Brain Injury Otto Bang Richard Bloom
(TBI) that changed him, his Barb Fulton Tom Gode
life and his family’s lives Robin Landy Sue Lepore
Craig Martinson Sue Meserow
forever. His ongoing journey Sarah Moeller Russ Philstrom
back has been long, filled Jon Roessler Chuck Ryan
with confusion, frustration Elizabeth Skinner Sandra Smith
and hope. This series of Mike Strand Terri Traudt
Pat Winick Meredith Zallar
essays, written for people
with TBI as well as their Association Staff
families, friends, co-workers Brad Donaldson, Business Director
Tom Gode, Executive Director
and health care providers, Mark Hahn, Administrative Assistant
gives insight in to the Jennifer Houston, Program Specialist/Community Organizer
growth, learning and self- for Chicano/Latino communities
Willis Johnson, Database Specialist
discovery of the journey. Katy O’Brien, Program Specialist for Adults
Post TBI rediscovery is an Shannon Robins, Community Organizer
intricate puzzle that can be Sharon Rolenc, Public Awareness Director
essays are a valuable tool for Christina Saby, Program Specialist/CommunityOrganizer for
difficult to understand for Dreamhaven at 612-823- Children
those on the outside. Mike’s understanding your own 6161. The retail price is Ardis Sandstrom, Associate Director
clear and concise writing journey. $9.95, plus shipping and
style is open and easy to Meditations is due out Editorial Policy
handling. For wholesale, Headlines is published quarterly by the Brain Injury Association
understand, helping the January 2004, and will be institutional pricing for bulk of Minnesota. The Editor reserves the right to edit submitted ma-
reader to comprehend how available through orders, contact Zottola terials for style and space. The Association does not endorse,
the brain functions post TBI. Dreamhaven Books in Publishing, Inc. at 763-533- support, or recommend any specific method, facility, treatment,
program, or support group for persons with brain injury and their
If you or someone you know Minneapolis, Minn. To 3744 or email a request to families. Please call for advertising rates.
has suffered a TBI, these preorder the book, call zottolaj@comcast.net.
WINTER 2003/04 HEADLINES
page 3
PERSPECTIVE Message from the Board of Directors
Stress-free holidays First think attitudes, then goals
Ho, ho, ho. Hum, hum, hold your breath still for a Brain injury has a way of the easiest one and try that deer in the head lights of an
hum. The holidays are count of 6, and exhale fixing us in the moment. We first. Adopt the attitude that oncoming car). To overcome
supposed to be a time of joy through your mouth for a often cannot remember the who you are is the person all that I take a deep breath
and peace. So, why are they count of 7. Do this 3 to 4 past and we often cannot who handles that item in a before I speak and I picture
so stressful? Why do many times in a row. anticipate the future. So here successful manner. At every myself as the consummate
of us become we are stuck in the middle, moment imagine yourself as public speaker. This allows
more grouchy
a n d
From the Chair Eat Well the During
frozen in an everlasting now.
Does this mean we are
me to remain in control and
I find that I really enjoy it,
depressed? Nancy holidays you doomed to repeat the past? Here & Now its fun to do what you are
Many of us will need the Does this mean we will for- good at.
try to do too Carlson right nutrition ever stagger down a dark Start small and easy, let
much around more than ever. hallway that is the future? It
Mike changing your attitude work
the holidays and pay too You deserve premium “gas” certainly could mean that, Strand for you. Success breeds suc-
little attention to our own in your tank, so try to stay but it doesn’t have to, and I cess. Eventually you will
needs. Sound familiar? If away from the junk food and for one choose not to accept find self-improvement that
so, please read on for some fast food. it that way. that person. When that be- even others can notice. This
helpful hints to keep stress We cannot change the comes an automatic part of constant improvement is the
under control. Watch What You Are past, it has already hap- who you are, you are ready essence of a life well lived.
Thinking pened. We cannot change to choose the next easiest To summarize and focus
Change Traditions Attitude is 90%. Wake up the future, it hasn’t hap- item on your list. think: Attitudes not goals,
Don’t overdo it. Now is each morning saying pened yet. As we narrow Maybe making a list isn’t select the attitudes you wish
the time to cut back and positive things about down to the “now” we real- the way you operate. I just to cultivate and ask yourself,
change a tradition or two yourself and to yourself. Try ize that it doesn’t really ex- pick out the thing I most “am I being that way?”
that are the most stressful. to stay focused on today and ist per se. Things have either want to improve or change
Instead of cooking dinner notice the positive in each
for everyone, have others moment. Being optimistic is
yet to occur or they have al-
ready occurred. Yet, here we
about myself and take it
from there. If I want to go to
Letters to the
bring something. Instead of a great way to combat stress. are, trapped in that razor thin my Bikram’s yoga five Editor
buying every a present, how margin called the present, nights a week then I’ll just Readers are encour-
about drawing names? Separate What You Can moving through time at the picture myself as the kind of aged to submit elec-
Changing traditions can also Control From What You Can speed of light (Einstein’s guy who does that. If I find tronic letters to the edi-
be fun! Not Control theory of relativity). my enthusiasm flagging on tor for consideration of
If you can’t control it, why But wait, we can navigate any particular night I just tell publication in the next
Learn to Relax try? It is much better to this. When you change your myself, “other folks would edition of Headlines.
This is your body’s focus our energy on what we heading on a voyage it is re- just stay home and watch Letters to the Editor
opposite of stress and can control as each of us has ferred to as changing your TV, but I go to yoga.” I think should be limited to
relaxation can create a sense a limited supply of energy. attitude. We can change our that every chance I get. All 300 words. Letters may
of calm and well being. Asking, “Can I control attitude. We can take some day long I know I’m going be edited for spelling,
Take time out each day to this?” is a great start in quality we would like to pos- to yoga, when the time grammar and length. In
unwind. Spend time with a separating these things out. sess and call it ours. At the comes I just go, I don’t farm order for letters to be
pet, go for a walk, or take a speed of light we can head it out, I don’t think of ex- considered, please in-
relaxing bath. Find Get a Good Night’s Sleep off in a new direction. cuses, I just go. clude your name, ad-
something that is calming You body needs sleep to Rather than think “I was bet- This is how I got through dress and phone num-
and pleasurable. restore itself for the next day. ter” or “I will be better,” ber of the author.
my yoga teacher’s training.
Try to get a good night’s switch to “I am being bet- After that, it is how I got The Association re-
Breathe sleep each and every night ter.” over my anger management serves the right to
When under stress, we and this can help protect you We want to be a calm issues. I said to myself, “I’m refuse letters for publi-
tend take shallow breaths. from the negative effects of even-tempered person. Fine, a yoga instructor now, what cation. Submission of
Try this exercise multiple stress. at every moment we practice would my students think if material does not guar-
times each day. Sit in a May you enjoy the that attitude. At every mo- they saw me losing my tem- antee publication.
comfortable position. holidays. Peace to you and ment we see ourselves as the per?” Sometimes you have Opinions expressed
Breathe in gently through your family. cool headed relaxed person got to move on. I didn’t want in Letters to the Editor
your nose for a count of 4, we are. The more we prac- to see myself as they guy are solely those of the
tice the easier it becomes who always loses his tem- author and do not rep-
Suppor t Groups
Support until we are that way. When per; I wanted to see myself resent the opinions or
Brain injury support mined peer groups and something happens that as the Yogi who always had positions of the Asso-
groups can help you find are independent of the would normally set us off or that inner calm. ciation.
others with similar expe- Association. stress us out we just remind I’m terrified of public Headlines is a quar-
riences, useful informa- For meeting times, lo- ourselves that is not who we terly publication of the
speaking. I’m always wor-
tion about brain injury, cation, and a contact per- Brain Injury Associa-
are. We are calm, cool, and ried that I’ll forget what I am
and solutions to prob- son for a specific support tion of Minnesota.
collected. talking about and then I’ll
lems. group, or for information
Start out small and build lose my composure and start Please send letters
The Brain Injury As- about how to start your
your confidence. Make a list slurring my words. I’m wor- to: Headlines, c/o
sociation of Minnesota own group, call the Brain
Injury Association of of qualities you would like ried that it will all snowball Brain Injury Associa-
makes referrals to sup-
Minnesota at to have, habits you would and I’ll start flooding (that’s tion of Minnesota, 43
port groups throughout
612.378.2742 or like to break, or tasks you where a million thoughts are Main Street SE, Suite
the state.
800.669.6442. would like to be more suc- racing around your head and 135, Minneapolis,
These groups are au-
tonomous, self-deter- cessful at completing. Pick you just stand there like a Minn. 55414.
HEADLINES WINTER 2003/04
page 4
Recipe for Life: Get Cooking!
The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota’s 19th Annual Statewide Conference scheduled for April
Staff Report -The Brain talk will address how to providers in outpatient He is also co-owner of Test Accommodation Panel
Injury Association’s 19 th reconceptualize acceptance, settings. This breakout N e u r o s c i e n c e and he is an Adjunct
Annual Statewide balancing realism and session will explain Multispecialty Advisors, a Professor at Argosy
Conference on Brain Injury optimism. It will encourage important factors to consider group including neurology, University. He has served on
will be held April 2 & 3, people to take action to when seeking help and how physiatry, psychiatry, the Minnesota Department
2004 at the St. Cloud Civic achieve their goals and will to maximize the likelihood gerontology, and of Human Services
Center in St. Cloud, Minn. put in context inter-reliance. of receiving better care. neuropsychology providing Traumatic Brain Injury
The featured keynote Finally, it will provide Dr. Karol is the Program case consultation to lawyers Advisory Committee,
speakers this year are Dr. insight into how to handle Director of Brain Injury and insurance companies. Neuropsychological
Robert Karol and Rev. Nick disagreements about what is Services and Director of Karol co-founded the Services Ad-Hoc
Mezacapa possible. Neuropsychology/ Brain Injury Association of Committee, and Needs of
Dr. Karol will deliver “Getting Better Health Psychology at Bethesda Minnesota, serving on its Adults with Brain
Friday’s keynote geared Care from Professionals,” is Rehabilitation Hospital, in Board of Directors for 14 Impairment Committee.
towards professionals, Karol’s Saturday breakout St. Paul. He heads a group years and he is a past Rev. Nick Mezacapa
session geared towards private practice, Karol Chairman of the Board. He closes the weekend’s events
persons with brain injury Neuropsychological served for 6 years on the with his keynote address,
and their family members. Services & Consulting, in Board of Directors of
Too often persons with brain Minneapolis, specializing in Accessible Space, Inc. He is
injury are frustrated in their neuropsychological a member of the Supreme CONFERENCE
attempts to interact with evaluations and counseling Court of Minnesota’s Board go to page 9
professional health care for persons with brain injury. of Law Examiners’ Special
Dr. Robert Karol
“Neuropsychosocial
Intervention: The Advanced
Treatment of Severe
Behavioral Dyscontrol After
Acquired Brain Injury.”
Behavioral dyscontrol can
be a troubling result of
acquired brain injury, one
that requires attention since
it interferes with any other
help professionals may
provide for other symptoms
such as cognitive
difficulties. Yet, most
professionals are ill prepared
to address behavioral
problems. This keynote talk
will highlight approaches to
address this issue and
provide a sense of hope that
successful treatment is
possible.
He will also offer a Friday
breakout session on
“Handling Aggressive
Episodes after Acquired
Brain Injury.” This breakout
session will cover how to
prepare for episodes of
aggression. It will review
how to resolve them
successfully when they do
occur and how to keep safe
during them.
Karol opens Saturday’s
consumer day at the
conference with “Optimism
in the Face of Injury:
Personal and Professional
Roles.” Many persons with
brain injury struggle with
issues of self-esteem and
acceptance. This keynote
WINTER 2003/04 HEADLINES
page 5
Violence in Infants, Children, and Youth Youth Violence - What Can I Do?
By Jon Roesler syndrome), is a serious, but crashes) are the leading EVOLVE!
preventable, problem for cause of death in
During the late 90’s many infants. As of January Minnesota’s youth ages 15- Educate yourself and others. Get the
several of us at the 1st of this year, SIS became 24, suicide and homicide are facts about youth violence.
Minnesota Department of reportable to the Minnesota the second and third leading
Health (MDH), Children’s Traumatic Brain and Spinal causes, respectively. After
Volunteer your time, talents, and efforts to
Hospital, and Hennepin Cord Injury Registry. the unintentional injuries,
County Medical Center
preventing youth violence.
Working with the Midwest there are more deaths in this
engaged in an epidemiologic Children’s Resource Center age group from suicide and
investigation into (MCRC) in St. Paul, we homicide than all of the Offer your advice and voice your
hospitalized and fatal have initiated another remaining causes of death concerns.
pediatric TBI (0-19 years of epidemiologic investigation combined, including AIDS
age) that occurred in 1993, to better count all the casesand cancer! Learn new prosocial behaviors.
using the first group of of SIS and make sure that Most of the suicides and
almost 1,000 children and follow-up services are most of the homicides are Value parenthood and community.
youth to be entered into the available. committed with firearms.
Minnesota Traumatic Brain The good news is that SIS However, school-associated
and Spinal Cord Injury
Enlist the help of others in confronting
is preventable! MCRC has violent deaths represent less
Registry. Our purpose was been working with than one percent of all this very important issue.
to describe the Minnesota hospitals to homicides and suicides that
Info from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
epidemiology of pediatric educate parents ofoccur among school-aged National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
traumatic brain injury. newborns, while they’re stillchildren. For more information on youth violence prevention, visit:
As had been found in in the hospital, about what Preventing violence in this www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dvp/youth/canido.htm
previous studies by others, happens if you shake an age group is more difficult.
we found that unintentional infant. There are few, if any, each of us can be involved J on Roesler is a senior
falls and motor vehicle As our infants progress to scientifically proven with in preventing youth epidemiologist with the Injury
crashes (MVC) accounted childhood, for the most part strategies to prevent violence [see info above]. and Violence Prevention Unit
for most injuries. However, My favorite is “Volunteer at the Minnesota Department
we found that for two age School-associated violent deaths Your Time and Mentor a of Health in St. Paul,
groups, infants (less than youth”. I have been a “big Minnesota. He is the principal
one year of age) and youth represent less than one percent of all brother” now to 3 boys who
investigator for three current
CDC-funded investigations:
(15-19), violence was the homicides and suicides that occur among have grown to men. In Surveillance of TBI Treated in
second and third leading school-aged children. January of this year I started the Emergency Department,
causes, respectively. as a “big brother” again, to Surveillance of Intimate
Battering caused 19% of the a 13-year-old inner-city boy. Partner Violence, and
TBI cases in infants. For the they are safe from violence violence in youth. But that The joy of mentoring for Surveillance of Child
youth, 6% were caused by (child maltreatment being doesn’t mean that we stop me is that, while I may be Maltreatment. He is team
unarmed fights/brawls and/ the exception). However, as trying! Our youth are too providing a role model for leader for the Surveillance,
or by intentionally being our children progress to valuable to let them “just an at-risk youth, I am having Epidemiology, and Analysis
struck by an object. “youthhood”, the specter of grow up”. a great and rewarding time Subunit of the Injury and
So what does this mean? violence begins to appear, The Centers for Disease doing things that are fun! Violence Prevention Unit.
Roesler is also the
Child battering, in particular, often resulting in TBIs. Control and Prevention It’s not work, it’s play! We epidemiologist for the
shake infant syndrome (SIS, While unintentional injuries (CDC) has a web page go to movies, football Minnesota Trauma Data Bank,
also known as shaken baby (mostly motor vehicle describing six steps that games, museums, play the Minnesota Traumatic Brain
paintball, and even rake the and Spinal Cord Registry
yard. And I know that I’m Program, and the Crash
“Epidemics” and gun violence. doing my part to help Outcome Data Evaluation
prevent youth violence. System (CODES).
An “epidemic” usually refers to an the peak occurred in 1995 (when
excess of illness or injuries, beyond Minneapolis was dubbed “Murder-
Brain Injury in Your Practice Tool Kit
what would have been normally apolis”). At least 1.5 million people tool kit to improve clinical
expected. Beginning in the mid 80’s, Governor Arne Carlson recognized sustain traumatic brain diagnosis and management
the United States begin to experience that violence was more than a law- injuries in this country every of MTBI. Physicians can
a marked and steady increase in the and-order or criminal justice issue year. Of those, play a key role in helping to
number of deaths from firearms, as and convened the “Task Force on approximately 1.1 million, reduce the occurrence of
well as permanent traumatic brain Violence as a Public Health Issue”. or 75 percent, sustain a mild MTBI by educating patients
and spinal cord injuries from Many significant actions grew out of traumatic brain injury and the community about
firearms. the Task Force. (MTBI). Yet, many are not risks and injury prevention.
While firearms deaths in the Since then, gun violence, in hospitalized or receive no Heads Up: Brain Injury in
United States are caused primarily particular, the deaths from firearm medical care at all. An Your Practice, is now
by homicides and suicides (about homicides, has been decreasing. unknown proportion of available free of charge. The
half and half), almost all of the However, the last couple of years this those who are not kit contains practical, easy-
increase was coming in the area of trend has begun to level off. hospitalized may experience to-use clinical information,
gun homicides. In particular, Unfortunately, we have not returned long-term problems such as patient information in
African-American youth suffered to the lower levels of gun violence persistent headache, pain, English and Spanish,
significantly as a result of this seen in the early 80s. In Minnesota, fatigue, vision or hearing scientific literature, and a
increase. about 70% to 80% of the firearm problems, memory CD-ROM. To order a free
Deaths from gun violence peaked deaths are due to suicide. problems, confusion, sleep copy, complete the
nationally in 1993, when the number
disturbances, or mood publications order form at:
of firearm deaths threatened to Information compiled by Jon Roesler changes. http://webapp.cdc.gov/
exceed the number of deaths from and the Minnesota Department of The CDC, working with a IXPRESS/PUBSPROD/
motor vehicle crashes! In Minnesota Health number of partners, has N C I P C + B O O K /
developed a new physician NCIPC.DML
HEADLINES WINTER 2003/04
page 6
PEOPLEinPROGRESS
Stories from the perspective of persons with brain injury, their family members and professsionals
The Faces of Brain Injury
Stories and photographs injury is always unexpected,
by Sharon Rolenc it is always unwanted and it
Keeping Perspective with Evelyn Anderson
Every 21 seconds is always life-changing. A stolen car and ensuing supervisor’s solution was to The full-time job she was
someone sustains a Here are three stories of police chase ended in a life give her an entirely new job eventually hired for was
traumatic brain injury. 1.5 how people are navigating changing event for Evelyn position that involved new split in a time share between
million people in this life after brain injury. They Anderson. It was mid-day learning. Anderson’s Anderson and another
country sustain a brain are the faces behind the as Anderson was crossing applicant. “Even though I
injury each year. numbers, and their stories the street at corner of 7th and thought I wanted full-time
Brain injury does not are presented here to bring Marquette when the driver work, it’s a good thing I was
discriminate – young or old, hope, help and a voice to the of the stolen car struck her, hired at 50 percent time
black or white, rich or poor, 94,000 Minnesotans who sending her to the hospital. because it was more
male or female – it can live with a disability due to After several days of acute challenging and tiring than
happen to anyone. Brain brain injury. care, and several months of I would have guessed,” she
in-patient and out-patient said.
rehabilitation, Anderson Anderson moved
Bud’s Move Towards Mobility regained mobility and her positions a couple more
physical abilities, but times before landing in the
Treacherous road and wilderness activity,” sustained a moderate brain job she has today with the
conditions during a said Lord. injury. Minnesota Health
December 1999 snowstorm While he jokes that he is a Five months after her Evelyn Anderson Department’s Injury and
resulted in a severe granola-loving tree hugger, injury, Anderson was Violence Prevention Unit.
automobile accident that there’s seriousness to his anxious to get back to work. performance in the new job During her interview, she
sent Richard “Bud” Lord environmental passion. Most of her doctors gave her was not any better. was told that part of the
into a coma. “There’s so much energy in the go ahead, but her “In retrospect, had I Unit’s responsibilities
nature. For me it’s like neuropsychologist was known enough [about brain involved managing the
direct contact with God,” hesitant. “He said ‘I don’t injury], I could have said to Traumatic Brain Injury
said Lord. thing you are really angry them that I don’t think that Registry, a database that
With an undergraduate enough. I don’t think you’ve learning a whole new job is included Anderson’s TBI
degree in soil science, Lord really come to terms with what I should be doing. I information. “So now I get
was a scientist by trade this or see how this is going think instead we should be to write about the database
before his injury. When he to affect you.’ Although he working on that I’m in,” said Anderson.
wasn’t climbing or didn’t use these words, he accommodations to help me “And they like having
backpacking, he spent much thought I was in denial,” do the old job,” said someone on staff that had
of his free time gardening. said Anderson. Anderson. the personal experience of
“I feel like the greatest loss However, Anderson did She applied for long-term having a TBI.”
since the accident has been go back to work, to a disability and was accepted. There are clear advantages
my ability to walk, not my demanding, detail intensive “I was on disability for about to having Anderson in a
Richard “Bud” Lord memory deficits, although work environment. “I was three years, and really work position where she
that can sometimes prove to planning a writes about
“My family from be bothersome,” said Lord. l a r g e brain injury.
California came out and said Regaining his ability to education “When you have a brain injury, you don’t always The Health
their goodbyes to me walk without the use of a program and see your limitations. You think, oh, these are just Department
because the doctor said I cane or walker is Lord’s arranging little problems, I can handle this.” periodically
wasn’t going to live 48 hours main goal. He looks for classroom sends letters
after the accident,” said assistive devices that can space. I was to people in
Lord. He defied the odds help him do the outdoor figuring out times and dates missed working. I think this the TBI registry. Anderson
and later came out of a coma activities he loves so much. for about seventy different is why I have focused my revised the letters so that
that lasted for several “I did snow ski last year with classes a quarter, and I was interests in traumatic brain they are easier to
months. Courage Center, with the use making a lot of mistakes,” injury with how it relates to comprehend for persons
“I suffered a traumatic of proper supports. That’s said Anderson. returning to work and work with brain injury.
brain injury and my life has something I’m going to try She spent a lot of time on place accommodations, Anderson, in collaboration
never been the same since,” again this year – I’ll the job rationalizing her because work is so with staff from the Brain
said Lord, who in addition probably be better at it this mistakes. “When you have important to me.” Injury Association of
to a brain injury, has lost time.” a brain injury, you don’t Anderson was Minnesota, developed the
much of his mobility and Lord uses a daily print always see your limitations. discouraged from working handbook, “Getting Better
requires a cane or walker to planner and voice recorder You think, oh, these are just while on disability. “And after TBI.” Anderson’s
get around. to help with memory. little problems, I can handle financially, there were a lot perspective as a person with
This is particularly “People’s names are always this,” she said. of disincentives to work,” brain injury helped shape the
difficult challenge for Lord a challenge,” said Lord. He A few months after her she said. Regardless, material that went into the
to face, whose life prior to looks for distinguishing return to work she received Anderson’s will to return to handbook.
his injury was immersed in physical attributes to help the worst performance work led to two years of
outdoor activity. “I was an review of her career. temporary jobs until she ANDERSON
avid mountain climber in the BUD Not understanding the role decided to try permanent, go to page 11
Sierras, and a snow skier. I go to page 12 of brain injury in Anderson’s full-time work again.
was really into backpacking work performance, her
WINTER 2003/04 HEADLINES
page 7
PEOPLEinPROGRESS
Stories from the perspective of persons with brain injury, their family members and professsionals
Couple teams up after TBI Una pareja se juntaron
By Sharon Rolenc después de LCT
Translated by Jennifer
Houston Quintanilla Por Sharon Rolenc “Puedo hacer todo
Traducido por Jennifer [físicamente], pero no tengo
They came from different Houston Quintanilla ninguna memoria. Por
parts of the world to find a ejemplo, si hago un trabajo
better future for themselves. Ellos vinieron desde y lo termino, no recuerdo
They came to Minnesota diferentes partes del mundo qué lo hice. [Y] si no llego
because it offered a better para encontrar un futuro a los trabajos ahora mismo,
job market and quality of mejor para sí mismos. se me olvida”, dijo Nur.
life than other places in the Vinieron a Minnesota Mientras quería continuar
United States. As political porque brindaba un mejor trabajar, era imposible
refugees from Somalia, Nur mercado de trabajo y una asegurar que hacía sus citas,
Yusuf and his family fled to calidad superior de vida que o seguía los clientes.
Utah for asylum, and he otros lugares en los Estados Al final la Carolina dejó
photo by Sharon Rolenc
later moved on to Dorya Carolina and Nur Yusuf Unidos. Como refugiados sus dos trabajos y ahora la
Minnesota. Doryan políticos de Somalia, la pareja trabaja en conjunto en
Carolina Yusuf left Mexico continue working, it was know if it’s good to tell familia de Nur Yusuf huyó a su propio negocio de limpiar
to attend school in Canada impossible to ensure that he them,” said Carolina. Utah para el asilo, y se mudó alfrombras. Ellos
and ended up in Minnesota made his appointments, or Nur thinks its best to be a Minnesota después. complementan sus
on advice from a family followed up with clients. upfront, but Carolina has Doryan Carolina Yusuf dejó ganancias al cuidar una
friend. Eventually Carolina quit already seen clients take a México al asistir la escuela propiedad y trabajando
The two met at work and both her jobs and the couple advantage of his disability. en Canadá y terminaba en tiempo parcial en empresas
were married two years now works together in their “Sometimes we tell people, Minnesota sobre el consejo más grandes limpando
later. They looked forward own carpet cleaning but not all people are good,” de un amigo de la familia. alfombras.
to building their new family business. They supplement said Carolina. There have Los dos se conocieron en “No teníamos otra opción
in the country they now their income by caretaking been a few clients that know el lugar de trabajo y casaron porque no tengo familia
called home. Just two property and working part of his memory deficit and dos años después. aquí, y la familia que Nur
weeks into the marriage time for larger cleaning did not stop Nur from Esperaban con animo a tiene aquí son sus primos.
their lives changed forever. businesses. cleaning areas that he was desarrollar su nueva familia Todos están ocupados con
Nur was building his “We didn’t have any not paid to clean, which en el país que ahora sus propias vidas.
business as a professional choice because I don’t have resulted in loss of income for llamaron su hogar. Sólo dos Decidimos trabajar en
carpet cleaner. While Nur family here, and the family the Yusufs. semanas en el matrimonio conjunto, porque no era fácil
was on the job, his client he has here are cousins. Nur doesn’t want to stop sus vidas cambiaron para que él quedará solo todos los
unwittingly closed the They are all busy with their trusting people because of siempre. días y me esperaba a mí, y
garage doors, not realizing own lives. We decide to the few people who take Nur estaba construyendo no supe si estaba seguro en
that the chemicals he used work together, because it advantage. “I know that I su negocio como un la casa solo”, dijo la
for cleaning required was not easy for him to stay have a memory problem, but limpiador de alfombra Carolina
ventilation. Nur suffered home everyday and wait for I can’t always blame profesional. Mientras Nur “Antes del accidente me
carbon monoxide poisoning me, and I didn’t even know others.” estaba sobre el trabajo, su confiaba 100 por ciento y
and was found several hours if he was safe at home by The couple is coming up cliente cerró las puertas de ahora ella me confia 50 %,
later unconscious. After himself,” said Carolina with business strategies to garaje, no se dando cuenta porque no cree que estoy
three weeks in the hospital, “Before the accident she avoid potential problems in de que los químicos que usó bien”,dijo Nur.
and three more weeks of used to trust me 100 percent the future, like writing out para la limpieza requerían la “Es un poco difícil. Ahora
outpatient rehabilitation, and now she trust me 50 specific guidelines and ventilación. Nur sufrió el tenemos que estar juntos 24
Nur went home to face an percent, because she doesn’t contract agreements to envenenamiento de horas al día”, la Carolina
entirely new life. believe that I am okay,” said ensure that Nur gets paid for monóxido de carbono y lo dijo. “Antes, tenía mis
“This accident changed Nur. all the work he completes. encontraron inconsciente propios trabajos, teníamos
our lives one hundred “It’s a little hard. Now we They are also considering varias horas después. nuestro propio tiempo
percent,” said Carolina. have to be together 24 hours memory triggers like putting Después de las tres semanas [solos].”
While he had no ongoing a day,” said Carolina. carpenter’s tape down to en el hospital, y tres semanas La pareja está tratando de
physical problems, Nur was “Before, I had my own jobs, mark the areas Nur is paid más como paciente externo saber cómo la lesión
left with a severe short term we had our own time to clean. de rehabilitación, Nur se fue cerebral de Nur podría
memory loss, and his [apart].” Outside of work, the a casa para enfrentar una afectar futuros
physician said it was The couple is now trying Yusufs are still getting used vida completamente nueva. oportunidades del empleo, y
unlikely that he will be able to figure how Nur’s brain to each other as newlyweds, “Este accidente cambió cuales derechos y
to learn anything new. injury might effect future and are learning how to live nuestras vidas cien por responsabilidades tiene
“I can do everything employment opportunities, with a brain injury. ciento”, la Carolina dijo. hacia los empleadores
[physically], but I do not and what rights and “Without her, I can’t do Mientras no tenía ningún potenciales ahora. “No
have any memory. For responsibilities he has to anything,” said Nur, and a problema físico en curso, sabemos cuánto duro puede
example, if I do a job and potential employers. “We broad smile breaks across Nur se quedó con una ser conseguir un trabajo para
finish it, I don’t remember don’t know how hard it can pérdida de memoria a corto personas con una lesión
what I just did. [And] if I be for persons with disability plazo grave, y su médico
don’t get to the jobs right to get a job. We are worried YUSUFS YUSUFS
dijo que era improbable que
away, I forget,” said Nur. about whether to tell a new go to page 10 va a la página 12
podrá aprender algo nuevo.
While he wanted to company or not. We don’t
HEADLINES WINTER 2003/04
page 8
Family rocks and walks to Walk for Thought WALK Minnesota’s multiple
from page 1 services and programs that
By Sharon Rolenc serve persons with brain
America (FCCLA) students injury.
Tracy Winkel-Johnson, to put the event together. Thanks to our participants,
team leader of the Dragonfly They were supported by the sponsors, volunteers, staff,
Clan became involved with Blackduck Tri Sigma Study Walk Committee and board
the Brain Injury Association Club. Maxine Beck, was the of directors for their support
to honor her brother Steve group’s liaison to the Brain and commitment to bring
Winkel. Caught in the Injury Association of hope, help and a voice to the
wrong place at the wrong Minnesota. Their event 94,000 Minnesotans who
time, the truck that Steve raised an additional $6000 live with a disability due to
drove was struck by a police for the Association. brain injury.
car that was in pursuit of Three teams raised over The Walk would not have
another vehicle. His $2,500: The Dragonfly been as successful without
passenger and best friend Clan, TBI Residential and everyone’s involvement.
died instantly died. Steve The Dragon Fly Clan (from left to right) Sue and Jim Winkel, Region’s Hospital. Three The steps we took during the
died a week later in the Tracy Winkel-Johnson, Kelly Ryan and Chad Johnson
individuals raised over Walk for Thought will help
hospital. of their friends either died over $3,000 for the Walk for $1,500: Tammy Johnson of thousands of Minnesotans
Winkel-Johnson shared from or sustained brain Thought, and they are a TBI Residential, Tracy affected by brain injury
her memories of the days injuries. “I thought, well perfect testimony to how a Winkel-Johnson of the achieve even greater strides
leading up to her brother’s here’s three people in this lot of little donations can add Dragonfly Clan, and of their own.
death, and of the comfort her relatively small community up. While they were able to Brandon Skelton of Watch the Brain Injury
family received in the visits of rock musicians. How can get a few donations over Brandon’s Team. Association’s web site,
they had from Association we turn this into a benefit so $100 through family All proceeds from the www.braininjurymn.org, in
staff. we can get some more business contacts, most of walk will directly benefit the the coming months for
attention to [the issue of] their donations were around Brain Injury Association of details on next year’s walk.
brain injury,” she said. $5 to $10.
Winkel-Johnson “I sent out emails to
approached Triple Rock everybody. Then I kept
nightclub and was offered a badgering people until I got
Monday night slot for the a response,” said Winkel-
event. She and her husband Johnson. She kept her
Chad asked local musicians donation list from last year’s
for their participation in the walk, and asked the same
benefit. “We got a great people that gave before.
Steve Winkel response from the rock Many who had given before
community. Most said ‘sure gave more this year. “I think
“On the second day we we’ll do it’ and then [the the reason that most people
were at the hospital, a staff benefit] was born. This will we know are generous with
member from the hopefully be an annual us is because of my brother.”
Association came to talk to event.” Winkel-Johnson also went
us and she gave us a bunch The event brought in about to all the small businesses in
of information about what 60 people and raised her South Minneapolis For the second year in a row, Team Nichole was the top
we could anticipate when approximately $300, which neighborhood. Her efforts fundraiser with over $5,000. With almost 50 walkers, the
my brother came out of his is relatively good for a with neighborhood team was one of the largest at the Walk for Thought.
coma. We didn’t know at the Monday evening music businesses were more
time that he wouldn’t make event. Winkel-Johnson successful this year because
Walk for Thought 2003 Top Fundraisers
it. You guys were at the right hopes to get a weekend time she started several weeks
place when we needed slot next year to ensure a before the date of the walk.
support, despite the fact that greater turnout. She would She gave business owners an Teams over $5,000 are: Stampeding Turtles
we never ended up using the like to see increased information sheet about the Team Nichole Jesse Jones
services,” said Winkel- awareness of brain injury in Association and gave them
Johnson. the community in general, ample time to make a Teams over $2,500 are: Teams over $500:
The family has continued and more specifically, in the decision. Dragonfly Clan Walk-n-Rollers
to give annually in Steve’s younger rock crowd. “Basically, nobody is safe TBI Residential Department of Health
name, and has participated “It’s too bad that people from me,” she said. Winkel- Regions Hospital Barb Fulton
in the Walk for Thought for don’t mention [brain injury] Johnson also claims to have HCMC Trauma Trekkers
the last two years. more. It’s kind of scary. the donation from the Teams over $1,000 are: Lar’s Leader’s
This Fall, Winkel-Johnson One of my favorite DJs just greatest distance. “One of Brain Storm Sue Lepore
took the initiative to hold her died recently. He collapsed my buddies from London Craig’s Cracked Crania Giga Bumps
own fundraiser, and added and they took him to HCMC was in town and I told him TBI Metro Services Amy McVary
the proceeds to her Walk for and he died from a brain ‘I want the donation from Sparky’s Spitfires Mary T
Thought donations. She hemorrhage,” said Winkel- the farthest away, so give me Restart Hope is Positive
organized a punk rock Johnson. She watched a some money.’ He only had Brain Injury Strike Force Howry Honeydews
benefit aptly named “Rock close friend struggle with $5 on him, so he gave me his New Challenges Inc. Team Nickells 2003
for Thought” to honor the life after a brain injury, and last $5. Even people on tour Keeping Ahead Life is Therapy
memory of her brother and she got him connected with from out of town are not safe Brandon’s Team
local musicians from the the Association. “It really from me.”
punk rock community who surprises me that not more While Winkel-Johnson
people know about you
Special Thanks to our Sponsors:
have been effected by brain looks forward to
injury. guys. You’d think doctors participating in next year’s Sun Newspapers Expedite! Direct Mail &
She and her husband Chad would tell you about this walk, she said “the bad thing Tanaka Advertising Fulfillment
Johnson came up with the service,” she said. is that I’ve set the bar really Resolution Graphics Priority Envelope
idea when they noticed that Winkel-Johnson’s team, high for next year!” Scoville Press Medtronic
in a span of 18 months, three the Dragonfly Clan raised
WINTER 2003/04 HEADLINES
page 9
Winter Safety: Helmet Use and Snow Sports
Reprinted from the Brain Injury Association of America website: www.biausa.org
Growing up near a skier’s way to prevent such injuries Yet, helmet use among age of fifteen have shown to • Always stay in control
haven, Steamboat Springs, from occurring. snow sport participants be prevented or reduced by and be able to stop or
Colorado, Mike had spent Over 17,000 skiers and remains relatively over 50%. avoid other people or
countless winter hours on snowboarders suffered head uncommon and despite the Although research is new objects.
the slopes. An avid skier for injuries in 1997. In a study increasing evidence, some in the area of snow sport • People ahead of you
over 20 years, Mike was released in January 1999, are still questioning the helmets and therefore, fairly have the right of way.
well aware of the risks The U.S. Consumer Product value of a helmet used for limited, statistics to date • Stop in safe places for
involved last March 7th Safety Commission (CPSC) snow sports. have clearly shown a you and others.
when he ventured out for estimates that 7,700 of those Fear that helmets will helmet’s protective value. • Whenever starting
one more run before heading skiers and snowboarders provide skiers with a false downhill or merging,
home. He knew the could have prevented their sense of security, Conclusion look uphill and yield.
evening’s cool air would injury or reduced the encouraging more risky and Skiing and snowboarding • Use devices to help
have caused slippery ice severity had they been hazardous behaviors on the can be very fun with quick prevent runaway
patches to begin to cover the wearing a helmet at the time slopes, has led to many turns and high speeds, yet, equipment
morning leaders in the there is always an element • Observe all signs and
snow. He ski industry of danger involved. Snow warnings, and keep off
also knew Although not as common as other snow sport injuries to discourage sports require participants to closed trails.
t h e such as knee and ankle sprains and fractures, mandatory be constantly alert and • Know how to use the
increasing traumatic brain injuries remain the leading cause of snow helmet aware of their own talent and lifts safely.
fog would laws. Other ability. Many injuries occur
fatal snowboarding and skiing injuries.
greatly ski and to beginners unaware of the References:
reduce his snowboard varying terrains of the slopes Mike (last name withheld upon
visibility. of the incident. In addition, enthusiast believe at the and the level of skill request), personal
Yet, the slopes were the study showed that speeds skiers can reach necessary to safely communication, Dec. 2001.
tempting and Mike couldn’t helmet use could prevent (advanced skiers can reach maneuver about them.
resist one last run. Rounding about 11 skiing and speeds greater than 60mph), National Ski Areas Association
While no protective
(NSAA). National Safety
a familiar bend, Mike’s right snowboarding deaths helmets are futile in measure can substitute for Initiative, Ski and Snowboard
ski slipped on a patch of ice. annually. protecting against severe good judgment, helmets can Safety. Available at: http://
The devastating blow to his The CPSC statistics injury. Unfortunately, anti- reduce the injury risk www.nsaa.org
head caused a severe brain support previous reports snow helmet advocates are involved. CPSC
injury. from a Swedish study right in their claims that recommends skiers and US Consumer Product Safety
If he had been wearing a conducted during the 1985- helmets and other safety snowboarders wear helmets Skiing Helmets: An Evaluation
ski helmet, could Mike’s 1986 ski season. In Sweden, equipment cannot provide specifically designed for of the Potential to Reduce
injuries have been prevented skiers wearing helmets were one with a total means of these types of activities. Head Injury. Available at:
or the severity of his injuries 50% less likely to suffer protection. There are currently a h t t p : / / w w w. c p s c . g o v /
reduced? head injuries compared with The use of helmets should number of helmets available L I B R A RY / s k i h e l m . p d f .
skiers who did not wear never encourage a false Accessed November, 2000.
that meet the European
The 1999 Consumer helmets. sense of security among Standards Committee Resources:
Product Safety those who wear them while (comité European de Bicycle Helmet Safety
Commission Study The Other Side participating in any sport. normalisation or CE), Institute. Helmets for Many
Almost all major high- On the whole, brain Yet, the fact that helmets American Society of Testing Activities. Available at:
energy sports participants injuries represent 14% of all have been shown to prevent Materials (ASTM), or Snell www.bhsi.org/other.htm
wear protective helmets skiing and snowboarding or reduce many brain standard for snow sports. Center for Disease Control and
today, as it has become injuries. Although not as injuries suffered by skiers In addition to wearing Prevention. Winter Sports
increasingly well known common as other snow sport and snowboarders is a fact helmets specifically Injury Prevention. Available
among sports enthusiasts injuries such as knee and that cannot be ignored. designed for skiing or at: www.cdc.gov/safeusa/
that any activity involving ankle sprains and fractures, Over 40% of adult head snowboarding, it is wise to slopes.htm
fast speeds imposes risk of traumatic brain injuries injuries can be prevented or follow the National Ski
National Ski Patrol. Safety
death and permanent remain the leading cause of reduced in severity simply Areas Association’s Information. Available at:
disability. Helmets are fatal snowboarding and by wearing a helmet. Head “Responsibility Code.” www.nsp.org/safety/tips.asp
currently the most effective skiing injuries. injuries to children under the
CONFERENCE
from page 4 coach and worked in the Rochester/Bexley Hall/ to a wide variety of groups information at 612-378-
field for seven years. It was Crozer Divinity School in across the country, focusing 2742, or 1-800-669-6442 in
“Keeping It in Perspective.” Rochester, New York to on the subject of greater Minnesota.
This talk focuses on the receive his Master ’s in “Survivorship and Friday admission to the
shortness and uncertainty of Divinity Degree and Spirituality.” You will find conference is $80 for
human life and our subsequent ordination to the his perspective refreshing members of the Brain Injury
responsibility to live our priesthood. and inspiring! Association of Minnesota,
lives with that in mind. Mezacapa brings his Special thanks to St. Paul and $95 for nonmembers.
Mezacapa has served as experience as teacher, Rehabilitation Physicians, Saturday admission is $40
the rector of Calvary coach, priest, husband and our exclusive Diamond for members age 12-18, and
Episcopal Church, right father to his presentations Keynote Sponsor. Several $55 for members age 19 and
across the street from The with passion and conference sponsorship over; $50 for nonmembers
Mayo Clinic for the past 16 authenticity. His packages are still available. age 12-18, and $65 for
years. Before coming to experiences as a prostate The sponsorship sign-up nonmembers age 19 and
Minnesota he served cancer survivor, radio deadline is January 15 if you over. Watch your mail and
churches in Iowa, Michigan, personality and an active want recognition in the the Brain Injury Association
and New York. A graduate Rev. Nick A. Mezacapa thespian combine to conference registration of Minnesota web site at
of Heidelberg College in generate a style and urgency brochure and the program www.braininjurymn.org for
Tiffan, Ohio, he was trained after his teaching career that that is unique. He has booklet. Call Katy at the registration materials in late
as a teacher and athletics he attended Colgate/ delivered his presentations Association for more February.
HEADLINES WINTER 2003/04
page 10
SPONSORS Acknowledgement of Donations: August 14-October 31, 2003
DONORS Mr. Vincent Boyer FOUNDATIONS MEMORIALS In memory of Marion
Mr. James Hansen Schuller, continued
Dr. Nancy Carlson Mr. & Mrs. Edson Spencer In memory of Marion Lea Byboth
Ms. Tracy Hinkemeyer
Mrs. Dolores Hammel Minneapolis Foundation Schuller Maria Gillespie
Ms. Judy Kleven
Mr. David Lyman
Ms. Maryellen Leppink Patricia Schwarz
Mr. Jason Mans
Mr. John Mack
TRIBUTES Ivie Senum
Mrs. Leander Simon In Memory of Butch
Ms. Karen Middleton In honor of Sue Larsen Elizabeth & Cara Healy
Ms. Sandra Smith LeClaire
Ms. Elizabeth Skinner Ms. Sandra Hughes Maria & Robert Gadbois Mary Walter
Mr. Lawrence Walker
Definity Health Karen & John Gillespie
Mr. Glenn Tridgell In Honor of Dr. David
Doris Gritti
MEMBERS Ms. Carole Watkins Hirschman/staff HCMC
Lucia Karki In Memory of Helen
Ms. Stacey Antes Mr. Thomas West Pediatric Intensive Care Charewicz
Aurelia Shellenbarger
Ms. H.Terry Berg Ms. Meredith Zallar Ms. Jan Finnegan Jill Vanderhyde Suzanne Winkel
Donate Your Car!
And TurnYour Used Car Into Cash!
The car donation program for The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota has
been a successful fundraiser for the organization for over two years. If you are
interested in donating a vehicle to The Brain Injury Association please remember
a few things:
♦ The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota is contracted with a company out
of California, The Car Donation Program Inc., which handles vehicle donations
for nonprofit organizations nationwide. The Car Donation Program, Inc. makes
the final decision whether the car can be donated or not. Their decision is based
on things like; age of the vehicle, condition and if that type of vehicle is needed at
the present time. The Brain Injury Association is not involved in the final decision.
♦ The Brain Injury Association does not have the capability to physically take
possession of the vehicle. The Car Donation Program, Inc. arranges for towing.
If the vehicle is accepted for donation, a tow truck will be sent to your location to
pick the vehicle up, you will then be given a certificate for your taxes.
Name:
♦ If you would like to donate your vehicle there are several ways to do it:
Address:
City: You can go to www.braininjurymn.org and click on the cartoon car on the left
State, Zip Code: side of the screen. This will take you to a site where you can put in all the
Telephone: information about the vehicle. This process is the quickest.
Email:
You can email the information to markh@braininjurymn.org. Please be sure
❑ Individual: $35 ❑ Corporation: $500 to include you license number and vehicle ID number. No donation can be
❑ Limited income: $5-15 ❑ Non-profit organization: $250 processed without either.
❑ Household: $100 ❑ Individual Lifetime: $1,000
You can call Mark at 612-378-2742 or 800-669-6442. He will take all the
❑ Benefactor: $250 ❑ Other: $ information and fax it to the Car Donation Program.
I am (please check one):
♦ The donation process can take up to 2 weeks. If that is not quick enough,
❑ A person with brain injury please contact the Courage Center: 763-520-0520 or 888-8INTAKE and inquire
❑ Family member/friend about their car donation program.
❑ Professional
Thank you for your support of The Brain Injury Association of
Payment Method Minnesota. Your continued support of the organization will
❑ Check payable to Brain Injury Association of Minnesota insure that the over 94,000 Minnesotans who live with a
❑ Credit Card: ❑ Visa ❑ Mastercard disability due to brain injury will receive the help they need.
Card Number:
YUSUFS a workforce center,” said Nur’s advice to someone
Expiration Date:
from page 7 Carolina. “I try to be who is facing a new brain
Signature of Cardholder: positive and always have injury is to deal with life one
his face as he talks about hope that the future will be day at a time.
Carolina. better. Even though doctors “Don’t think about what
Complete form and send to: “We try our best. Also, we say they don’t know what to you don’t have, think about
Brain Injury Association of Minnesota have Jennifer [Houston from expect for him for what you do [have]. Do
34 13th Ave NE, Suite BOO1, Minneapolis, MN 55413 the Brain Injury improvement, I expect a what you can, relax and
Association] who sent us to lot.” think of good things.”
WINTER 2003/04 HEADLINES
page 11
Legislative Corner
Keeping up to date with public policy
Are You a Victim of the Bystander Effect?
By Shannon Robins You have heard time and Legislative Home Visits
Ask yourself this: “What concrete steps again about the importance are always held in a
In 1964, 38 people of Legislative Home Visits wheelchair accessible
witnessed a brutal murder have I taken to help spread public awareness
and the empowerment of location, usually on a main
and not one person called the and education about brain injury?” those who participate and road/street, are always free,
police or intervened the enormous capacity they if possible they are on public
although there was over 30 serve to educate the general bus routes, and include
minutes of opportunity to do Have you ever wondered may be a victim of the public about brain injury refreshments!
so. why one out of three people Bystander Effect! prevention, research, Legislative Home Visits
The majority of witnesses has never heard the term Brain Injury continues to information, problem are open and welcome to
later reported that they all brain injury (Harris Poll, grow and expand as one of solving, and advocacy. everyone, including
thought someone else 2000) when it is the leading the largest and most You have witnessed the children, friends,
reported the crime so no one cause of death and disability challenging health difference made by the professionals, and loved
did. If even one witness had for children and adults under epidemics today. people who have ones. The challenge is to get
picked up the phone to call the age of 34? Why is no one In order to increase the contributed their time and as many different
the police, the victim would addressing this need? likelihood that people with effort to strengthen and perspectives together in one
have been saved and the Ask yourself this: “What brain injury and our loved improve our communities group to show the varying
murderer caught. concrete steps have I taken ones have access to the with the passage of levels of impact that brain
Thus, the research began to help spread public services and supports we Resource Facilitation for injury has on our
into this strange awareness and education need, it is imperative that we persons with brain injury in communities.
phenomenon called the about brain injury?” are dedicated to getting the Minnesota. Even if you do not feel like
Bystander Effect. Have you let opportunities word out. Have you been a part of sharing your story or
The Bystander Effect is a slip by to share your A great place to start this effort? Or have you speaking in a group, please
social phenomenon in which knowledge about brain communicating knowledge become a victim of the show up at the home visit in
a person (or persons) is less injury because you were not and information regarding Bystander Effect? your area to show your
likely to offer help to another sure you could make the brain injury to the public is Legislative Home Visits support. By donating 90
person (or persons) when difference? with our Minnesota are key to building the minutes of your time, you
there are more people Did you think someone lawmakers. foundation for brain injury positively impact the 94,000
around who can also provide else would step to the plate The Brain Injury services and supports, and people who live in
assistance. The more people in your place? Did it seem Association of Minnesota is best of all they are easily Minnesota with a disability
there are who can help, the too difficult at the time? If committed to creating accessible to constituents due to brain injury and those
less likely each person is to you answered yes to the opportunities for you to be across Minnesota. who will sustain brain injury
offer help. (Alleydog.com) above questions, then you involved in this process. in the future.
ANDERSON puzzles. I never really was during work meetings
from page 6 “I have a better perspective now about what is before the accident, but they “Afterwards, if I can write it
While she can look back and isn’t important. I have been through have really made a huge in an email, then I’m fine.
now and see the progress problems and seen the depths in life, and am difference in gaining back But I find that I’m not as
that she made, Anderson more sensitive to others because of it.” my skills.” articulate anymore in those
admits that there were Personal drive played a kinds of impromptu settings.
definite low points during role in Anderson’s return to I need more time to really
her recovery. One turning fit for her. Unfortunately, enabled her to gain a broader work. “I really pushed process what people have
point came on her one year the group had no leader. The perspective of brain injury. myself to get back into said, and put my thoughts
anniversary after her injury. night Anderson found the While she has no lasting things. I realize that I’m together before I’m ready to
“I was in the hospital group happened to be the physical impairments, her certainly a whole lot better contribute.”
again, but this time because night that the nurse’s brain injury has caused off than people with more Anderson said the
I had a reaction to a pain daughter attended the ongoing cognitive deficits severe TBI, but I also see importance of keeping
medication I was taking. All meeting. including memory and how far I’ve come. I think perspective has been the
of a sudden I realized what “She didn’t know that her organizational challenges. that pushing the limits really biggest life lesson for her. “I
day it was, and I was really, mother had talked to me, and “A lot of these are things made a difference.” have a better perspective
really depressed. The nurse when she heard me talk that everyone experiences to Anderson finds that she now about what is and isn’t
saw that I was really about my experience in the some extent, but with a TBI still gets immersed in a important. I’m a better
depressed, and knew that I hospital, and the really nice it’s much more intense,” project, and forgets other listener, and maybe that
had a TBI. She told me that nurse, she called me the next said Anderson. things that need to get done. comes from working with a
her daughter also had a TBI day and said ‘that was my “I also have had problems “I don’t seem to be able to support group, but I’m much
and had found the Brain mother.’” As a result of this with word finding, and as a back up as easily as I used more interested in other
Injury Association of unique connection, the two writer, that’s very scary,” to, and really see the whole people and other people’s
Minnesota very helpful,” decided to take on said Anderson. She started picture.” experiences. I have been
said Anderson. facilitation of the support picking up crossword Verbal projects are also through problems and seen
Through the Association, group together. They took puzzles and word games to tough for her. She the depths in life, and am
Anderson met with a few turns facilitating the group, improve her vocabulary sometimes struggles to more sensitive to others
support groups until she and acting as participants, retention. “I’m still kind of collect her thoughts so that because of it.”
found one that was a good and Anderson said that addicted to crossword she can contribute ideas
HEADLINES WINTER 2003/04
page 12
YUSUFS
de la página 7
cerebral. Estamos
preocupados decir a una
nueva compañía o no. No
sabemos si es bueno
decirles”, la Carolina dijo.
Nur piensa que es bueno
ser sincero en el principio,
pero la Carolina ya ha visto
clientes aprovechar de su
discapacidad. “A veces
decimos a las personas, pero
no todas las personas son
buenas”, la Carolina dijo.
Ha habido algunos clientes
que sabían de su déficit de
memoria y no pararon a Nur
de limpiar áreas que no fue
pagados, lo que resultó era
la pérdida de ganancias para
los Yusufs.
Nur no quiere dejar de
confiar en las personas
debido a pocas personas que
toman ventaja de el. “Sé que
tengo un problema de
memoria, pero no siempre
puedo criticar a otros.”
La pareja está trabajando
en las estrategias negocias
para evitar los problemas
When a stroke robbed Carl of the ability to speak, we gave
potenciales en el futuro,
him hope. Through diligently listening to what his body and
como escribir las reglas
soul were saying, we helped rediscover his voice. And no específicas o contratos de
matter how many times it happens, after recoveries like Carl’s, asegurar que Nur recibirá
we are the ones left speechless. todo el pago de trabajo que
hiciera. También están
Our holistic touch to healing will soon reach Minneapolis. In the fall of 2003, Bethesda will open considerando gatillos de
a satellite facility in Minneapolis with 27 beds for respiratory and complex medical care programs. memoria como poner la
For more information go to www.bethesdahospital.org. cinta de carpintero para
señalar las áreas en que Nur
BUD group with other persons “But I have a beautiful 12- progress than ever expected. tiene que limpiar.
from page 6 with brain injury has been year-old daughter, and I He went from a nursing Aparte del trabajo, los
key for Lord. “The monthly could never do that to her. I facility to independent Yusufs todavía se estan
him recall names, like the support group is excellent. would be a better example living, from a wheel chair to acostumbrado a sí mismos
color of someone’s hair or It’s one of the most for her by living.” a walker, does occasional como recién casados, y están
whether they wear glasses. important parts of my life He said he looks forward independent contracting aprendiendo cómo vivir con
Family support has been right now.” to returning to a permanent with his former employer, una lesión cerebral. “Sin
an important factor in Lord’s On a suggestion from a job so that he is able to make volunteers, and picks up his ella, no puedo hacer nada”,
continued recovery, support group member, child support payments on daughter weekly for Nur dijo, y una sonrisa
particularly from his sister Lord started volunteering his own. Lord and his ex- visitation. apareció a su cara cuando
and mother, who live in San weekly for the Brain Injury wife divorced years before “There are many positives habló de la Carolina.
Bernardino, California. in my life right now,” he “Hacemos lo mejor
“My sister went through a said. “On a geological time posible. También, tenemos
bout with cancer – she’s “On a geological time scale, our lives are extremely scale, our lives are Jennifer [Houston de la
been quite an inspiration. extremely short. I would Asociación de lesión
short. I would like to make the best of it.”
She’s carried on with her like to make the best of it.” cerebral] que nos envió a un
career, and the cancer has centro de trabajo”, la
not brought her down or Association of Minnesota. his crash, and he has Carolina dijo. “Trato de
made her will to live a full “One of my goals is my continued to play an active
The Association estar positiva y tener
life diminish. She’s a ability to hold a permanent role in his daughter’s life. “I is on the move! esperanza de que el futuro
survivor,” he said. job. By volunteering, I can think I will feel better about será mejor siempre. Aunque
While Lord was in nursing network with people and myself when I can provide los doctores dicen que no
care, his mother became his better find out what I can be for my daughter,” he said saben qué esperar para él
temporary guardian, and she doing with my life as far as He struggles to look on the para la mejora, yo espero
later brought him to my career goes. Plus, I bright side. “I was supposed mucho.”
California for more really like the social to die and I lived. I wasn’t El consejo de Nur para
rehabilitation. “My mom’s interaction and the work ever expected to walk again Our new address as alguien que está enfrentando
been great. She’s a former relationship with people,” and I’m getting there now. I una nueva lesión cerebral es
of mid-January:
schoolteacher, so she tries to he said. overcame those obstacles, so de tomar la vida un día a la
look at things objectively, Lord has experienced 34 13th Ave NE,
there must be a reason I’m vez. “No piense en lo qué
and more on the intellectual serious bouts of depression still here.” Suite B001 usted no tiene, piense en lo
side.” with his recovery, and Not only did Lord survive Minneapolis, MN qué tiene. Haga lo qué usted
In addition to family admits to having thoughts of his automobile crash, but he pueda, relájese y piense en
55413
support, finding a support suicide from time to time. has also made better buenas cosas.”
