KAYAK for BIAC: 80 Miles for Brain Injury Awareness

September 12-14

From the MA border down the CT River to Clinton, CT



Every day, over 80 people in Connecticut sustain a brain injury serious enough to land them in the ER. This September, Victor Darr will kayak 80 miles across the state to raise awareness and funds for brain injury support, services, and prevention through the Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut (BIAC).



This journey is for survivors.

It’s for families navigating recovery.

It’s for the 60,000 - 100,000 people living with brain injury in our state.

Show your support:

Donate: https://charity.pledgeit.org/NorthwestParkWFT/@VDarr

Share Victor's Story

Cheer him on!

Let’s paddle toward a future with more awareness, access, and hope.

Team Shaudy Strong

I walk because my son, Jashaud — who we lovingly call Shaudy — is a true fighter. In March 2021, a devastating car accident left him with a traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. At just 20 years old, he became a quadriplegic and began the fight of his life. Doctors weren’t sure he’d make it, but Jashaud defied every odd. He continues to push forward with strength, determination, and a will to live.

I created Team Shaudy Strong to honor his courage and to show him — and the world — that he’s not walking this journey alone. Our team stands for resilience, love, and the power of community. This team is a symbol of hope, unity, and unwavering support for Jashaud and for all individuals and families affected by brain injury.

Seeing our family, friends, and community show up for this cause means more than words can express. Every person who joins us, every step taken, and every donation made reminds us that we are not alone. It’s a reminder that people care — and that Jashaud’s life, recovery, and journey matter. That kind of support lifts us up on the hard days and helps carry us forward.

I want others to understand that brain injury changes everything — not just for the person injured, but for the whole family. It’s a lifelong journey of healing, adapting, and holding on to hope. Progress is slow, and the challenges are real — but so are the moments of strength, growth, and connection. Our story is filled with both struggle and triumph.

We walk to raise awareness, to give back, and to support the incredible work of the Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut, who helps families like mine find guidance and strength in the storm. We walk for Jashaud. We walk for all survivors. We walk for hope.

We are team Shaudy Strong — and we’re not giving up.

-Chloe Browdy, Mom of survivor Jashaud

Certified Brain Injury Specialist Preparation Class - October 28th, October 31st & November 5th (via Zoom)

Countdown to Registration - Deadline of September 12, 2025 is quickly approaching!

Are you interested in obtaining the ONLY Certification in brain injury? BIAC will be doing a 3-day class to help you prepare for the CBIS exam. The CBIS certification is administered by the Brain Injury Association of America, and this is a great way to earn a credential that is highly recognized, gain the knowledge to better support those you work with, and increase your earning potential!  Please reach out to Bonnie Meyers at bmeyers@biact.org or 860-219-0291 X304 to register or if you have questions. Learn more here. 

National Concussion Awareness Day September 19th

Nearly four million Americans sustain concussions each year. This day raises awareness of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), symptom recognition, and the importance of timely rehabilitation.

What to know and do:

• A concussion is a brain injury…always take it seriously.
• Seek medical care immediately after any head injury.
• Rest and follow your provider’s return-to-activity plan.
• Know the best practices for safety in sports and recreation.
• Share recovery resources with family and friends.

Learn more:

https://concussionawarenessnow.org/

BIAC – Concussions

Falls Can Be Prevented

Falls are the leading cause of TBI, affecting all ages, though older adults and children are at highest risk. Most falls can be prevented.

Prevention tips:

• Improve home lighting and remove tripping hazards.
• Use non-slip mats in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Wear shoes with good traction.
• Exercise for strength and balance.
• Supervise young children on stairs and playgrounds.
• Schedule regular vision and hearing checks.

Learn more: NCOA. Fall Prevention

CT Safe Kids. Fall Prevention

Call for Proposals

Submission Deadline is October 15, 2025

The Conference Planning Committee is seeking workshop proposals for the annual conference that will be held in March. 2026 (Date TBD).

Please visit the Annual Conference page on our website here.  Contact Bonnie Meyers with questions or information on how to submit a proposal at bmeyers@biact.org or 860-219-0291 x 304

This nurse traded scrubs for soul-searching and a book—writing her way back to herself and reminding us all that healing isn’t linear, but hope is real. 

Nurse's Journey

From across the pond: After his brain injury, art class became a lifeline. A powerful story of recovery, identity, and healing through creativity.    

Art After Brain Injury

When brain injuries put migraines in the spotlight, advocacy becomes even more urgent. At ‘Headache on the Hill,’ survivors and allies rallied for better research, funding, and care—because post-traumatic migraine isn't just pain, it's a call to action.    

Post Traumatic Migraine Advocacy on the Hill

Did you miss any of these great articles? Be sure to check them out!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay current on the latest

newsworthy articles about brain injury.

Cognitive Rehabilitation - Trinity College

The ReMIND lab run by Dr. Sarah Raskin at Trinity College is studying which types of cognitive rehabilitation work best for people with an acquired brain Injury (ABI), including traumatic brain injury, stroke, and tumors. Participants will complete paper-and-pencil or computer-based tests measuring attention, memory, and the ability to remember to do things in the future. Testing takes about 1–1.5 hours, followed by six individualized one-hour cognitive rehabilitation sessions. All can be scheduled at your convenience, either via Zoom or in person at Trinity College in Hartford. Participants receive $20 per hour in gift cards.

Learn more or sign up: 860-297-5188 or raskinlab@trincoll.edu

Cognitive Rehabilitation – NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone Health is seeking adults (18+) who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and are medically healthy to participate in a study on cognitive training. Participation is done virtually.  Participants will receive a gift card as a thank you for their participation in the research.  

For more information or to participate: Contact Gerald Voelbel, Ph.D.: 212-998-5827 or gv23@nyu.edu

Adaptive Sports & Recreation Exploration Day – Open to All, including those with brain injury!



Discover the world of adaptive sports and recreation at this fun, hands-on event hosted at Quinnipiac University on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 9 AM to 12 PM. Try equipment, watch demonstrations, and learn about opportunities in Connecticut for people of all abilities—including those with brain injury.



Sponsored by Quinnipiac University’s Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Departments, the Center for Interprofessional Healthcare Education, and the Spinal Cord Injury Association of CT.

Find Your People. Share Your Journey.

Living with a brain injury, whether your own or a loved one’s, can feel isolating. But you’re not alone.

The Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut hosts a vibrant network of support groups across the state, where survivors, families, and caregivers come together to:

• Share experiences and coping strategies.
• Celebrate milestones and progress.
• Ask questions and get real-life answers.
• Connect with people who truly understand.

Choose the setting that works for you - Zoom, in-person, or hybrid - and discover a community that gets it.

Explore all options here: BIAC Support Groups and find the group that feels like home.

21st Annual Walk for Thought

Mark your Calendars

Join survivors, families, and friends for a day of fun, community, and support for brain injury awareness. This year’s walks are October 4 at Northwest Park, Manchester and October 5 at Old Grove Park, West Haven. Online registration closes September 28, 2025—don’t miss your chance to secure your spot!

Can’t register online? Onsite registration is available on the day of the event. Walk, roll, cheer, or donate—every step matters. Every step counts—be part of this inspiring day!

Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut

200 Day Hill Road, Suite 250, Windsor, CT 06095 | 860-219-0291 | www.biact.org