BIAPA News June 2024
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June 2024

Save the Date

John Savelloni Memorial Golf Clinic

Friday, August 9, 2024 - Penn Oaks Golf Club

BIAPA Day with the Pittsburgh Pirates

Sunday, August 18, 2024 - PNC Park

Brain Injury Challenge: Race for Recovery

Partnership with Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation
Saturday, September 28, 2024 - Tyler State Park

Annual Conference Highlights: A Resounding Success!

This June's annual conference of the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania was a remarkable success, marked by inspiring stories, valuable networking, and enriching sessions. This year’s event brought together  273 survivors, caregivers, professionals, and advocates, as well as 34 exhibitors, in the spirit of learning and community.

A Hub of Networking Opportunities
The conference provided an excellent platform for attendees, presenters and exhibitors to connect, share experiences, and build relationships. Participants left with a wealth of contacts, ideas, and collaborative plans for the future.

Informative and Engaging Sessions
BIAPA was thrilled to offer a wide range of informative sessions led by both persons with brain injury and experts in the field. Topics covered the latest research, therapeutic techniques, and practical advice for daily living. Attendees left with new knowledge, tools, and strategies to support their ongoing professional and recovery journeys.

Coffeehouse Open Mic Night
The coffeehouse open mic night, hosted by Cristabelle Braden, was a highlight for many, offering an inspirational and supportive atmosphere for survivors to share their talents. From stirring poetry, to heartfelt musical performances, the night was filled with creativity and camaraderie. It was a beautiful reminder of the diverse talents and voices within our community.

New Pediatric Programming
BIAPA was excited to introduce new pediatric sessions to the conference, addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by children and their families dealing with brain injuries. These sessions were well-received, providing valuable insights and support for caregivers, and professionals working with young survivors. Conference and board leaders announced BIAPA's commitment to grow this important track throughout the next few years.
Pediatric sessions were sponsored by pediatric brain injury nonprofit, The Project GreenHeart Foundation.

Scholarships for Every Survivor
We are proud to announce that every survivor who applied for a scholarship to attend the conference was awarded one, totaling 53 scholarships. This commitment ensured that financial barriers did not prevent anyone from benefiting from this enriching experience. Thank you to all of the generous community members who donated to the scholarship fund!

 

Thank you to everyone who attended, and we hope to see you all again next year!

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BIAPA Honors Four at 2024 Conference

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The Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania honored four people at its 2024 Conference in Lancaster:

 

Steve Holefelder -  Pioneer in Brain Injury Award

Damon Slepian - Service to the Association Award

Amy Casarella - John Sears Inspiration Award, 

Howard Blumberg and his family- Dennis Minori Family Tribute Award.

CLICK HERE to read more about the award recipients.

 Mindset: Interactive Programs
from Love Your Brain

Don't miss your chance for six weeks of FREE tools for brain health and community connection to support your well-being. Registration is open for Love Your Brain's interactive zoom programs, offering online yoga, mindfulness & education to build resilience for the brain injury community.

Choose between two types of six-week programs to connect with the brain injury community. More information HERE.

BIAPA Day with the Pittsburgh Pirates

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 -- 1:35 P.M
PNC PARK

Please join the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania at PNC Park for our special afternoon! We are the "Non-Profit of the game" on August 18 as the Seattle Mariners take on the Pirates.

All tickets include a $5 food and beverage credit, as well as a $5 donation back to BIAPA. Come out and show your support for a great cause taking place at the Number 1 rated ballpark in America! Be sure to wear whatever gear you have representing the BIAPA to the game as well!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE & GET TICKETS

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ReDiscover U is Taking a Break for the Summer! 

Rediscover U will be back with exciting new programming on Monday, September 9th! Check the BIAPA website for the most up-to-date session information.

Support Group Corner

The BIAPA statewide virtual support group will meet Thursday, July 18 at 5 PM. This tight-knit community consists of survivors, caregivers, family and professionals from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania! Please use this Zoom Link to access the meeting.

 

 

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Previously the Coping with COVID Support Group, the Health Matters Support Group covers information of concern regarding a variety of health matters that often co-occur with COVID, as well as brain injury. The group meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 5:00 to 6:30 PM.
Zoom Link Here

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BIAPA's next Caregiver Support Group will be held on Wednesday July 10 at 6 PM. This monthly, virtual meeting is open to all caregivers. The meetings are an excellent opportunity for caregivers to meet one another, share experiences and discuss topics of unique relevance to their roles. No pre-registration is required! To join this monthly meeting, use this Zoom Link.

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To sign up for email alerts for one of the virtual groups listed above, follow  this link to complete a brief registration form. 

 

A full list of all of Pennsylvania's Brain Injury Support Groups, along with contact information for each, is on the BIAPA website's Support Group Listing Page. We are currently updating this information, and while we have done so for most groups, there are still some that we're trying to reach. If you're aware of groups that are meeting either virtually or in-person and are not on our listing, or if you have any updated details about a group on the list, please contact Melanie Morrison morrison@biapa.org so that we can let others know about them.

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