HEADLINES

A state affliate of the Brain Injury Association of America

SPRING 2004

Non-profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDMinneapolis, MN

Permit #16334 13th Ave NE, Suite B001Minneapolis, MN 55413

Time Dated MaterialAddress Service Requested

Brain InjuryAssociation of

Minnesota helpline:1-800-669-6442

www.braininjurymn.org

MINNEAPOLIS - TheBrain Injury Association’s19th Annual Statewide Con-ference on Brain Injury willbe held April 2 & 3, 2004 atthe St. Cloud Civic Centerin St. Cloud, Minn.

This year has seen tre-mendous growth in sponsor-ship and exhibit hall spacehas sold out completely. TheAssociation is pleased to of-fer new exhibitors this yearto address the holistic needsof persons with brain injury.In addition to health andmedical programs, commu-nity based care providers,vocational services, govern-ment agencies, advocacygroups and legal services,this year’s conference offersexhibitors from higher edu-cation and recreation.

The conference wel-comes almost thirty speak-ers from the professionaland consumer TBI commu-nities. The professionaltrack this year offers a strongpediatric/education focus in-cluding presentations onShaken Baby Syndrome(SBS); injury trends withalcohol-related TBI, SBS,and concussions; IEP andtransition planning for stu-dents with TBI; athletes andpost-concussive syndrome;effective partnerships ineducation settings; and pe-diatric brain injury basics.

The consumer track thisyear features sessions ontransitioning from school to

work, parenting for childrenwith ABI/TBI, maintainingself-control for success,therapeutic writing, assistivetechnology, and the power ofindividuals in shaping pub-lic policy. The conferenceteen track features achatroom, information onchoices after high school,and a session on increasingrelationship skills and main-taining friendships.

The featured keynotespeakers this year are Dr.Robert Karol and Rev. NickMezacapa. Dr. Karol willdeliver Friday’s keynotegeared towards profession-als, “Neuropsychosocial In-tervention: The AdvancedTreatment of Severe Behav-ioral Dyscontrol After Ac-quired Brain Injury.” Be-havioral dyscontrol can be atroubling result of acquiredbrain injury, one that re-

quires attention since it in-terferes with any other helpprofessionals may provide

for other symptoms such ascognitive difficulties. Yet,most professionals are illprepared to address behav-ioral problems. This keynotetalk will highlight ap-proaches to address this is-sue and provide a sense ofhope that successful treat-ment is possible.

Karol will also offer aFriday breakout session on“Handling Aggressive Epi-sodes after Acquired BrainInjury.” This breakout ses-sion will cover how to pre-pare for episodes of aggres-sion. It will review how toresolve them successfullywhen they do occur and howto keep safe during them.

Karol’s recent book“Neuropsychosocial Inter-vention: The Practical Treat-ment of Severe BehavioralDyscontrol After AquiredBrain Injury,” will be avail-able for purchase at the con-ference.

Karol opens Saturday’sconsumer day at the confer-ence with “Optimism in theFace of Injury: Personal and

Annual Conference sees growth this year

Dr. Robert Karol

Association to Host 2nd Annual Xtreme Safety Fest

2003 Radd Racing TeamSubmitted photo

MINNEAPOLIS - As springapproaches, more and morebicyclists will takeadvantage of the warmweather. Unfortunately,about half of these bicyclistswill not wear a helmet. Eachyear, about 350,000 childrenunder 15 go to hospitalemergency rooms withbicycle-related injuries,more than any other sport.Of these children, 130,000sustain a brain injury.Bicycle helmets can prevent

XTREME 2004on page 5

CONFERENCEon page 7

IN THIS EDITION:

People in Progress:Sue’s Story

inside on page 4

Association UnveilsNew Website

inside on page 5

La Familia GuidanceCenter Recibio una

Beca para elprograma de terapia

Familiarva a la página 6

Coalition Work forthe 2004 Legislative

Sessioninside on page 9

Messages from theBoard: Read the

latest columns byBoard Chair NancyCarlson, and board

member Mike Strandinside on page 3

UPCOMINGEVENTS:

19th AnnualStatewide

Conferenceon Brain Injury

April 2 & 3

2nd AnnualXtreme Safety Fest

April 17

Brain Injury BasicsApril 20

MissionThe mission of the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota is tocreate a better future through brain injury prevention, research,education and advocacy.

Board of DirectorsNancy Carlson, ChairOtto Bang Richard BloomBarb Fulton Tom GodeRobin Landy Gwyn LederSue Lepore Craig MartinsonSue Meserow Sarah Moeller JorgensenRuss Philstrom Elizabeth SkinnerSandra Smith Mike StrandTerri Traudt Pat Winick

Association StaffDaniel Abraira, Resource FacilitatorBrad Donaldson, Director of OperationsKimberly Ferencik, Volunteer CoordinatorTom Gode, Executive DirectorMark Hahn, Administrative AssistantLyndsay Hunt, Communications InternWillis Johnson, Data Entry SpecialistKaty O’Brien, Resource Facilitator Team LeaderJennifer Houston Quintanilla, Multi-Cultural Outreach

CoordinatorShannon Robins, Public Policy DirectorSharon Rolenc, Public Awareness DirectorChristina Saby, Resource FacilitatorArdis Sandstrom, Associate DirectorOttar Schmitz, Development CoordinatorAnne Schuller, Education Coorinator

Editorial PolicyHeadlines is published quarterly by the Brain Injury Associationof Minnesota. The Editor reserves the right to edit submitted ma-terials for style and space. The Association does not endorse, sup-port, or recommend any specific method, facility, treatment, pro-gram, or support group for persons with brain injury and theirfamilies. Please call for advertising rates.

34 13th Ave NE, Suite B001Minneapolis, MN 55413

612.378.2742 or 800.669.6442fax: 612.378.2789

www.braininjurymn.orgEmail: info@braininjurymn.org

HEADLINES SPRING 2004

page 2

Brain injury support groups can help you find others with similar experi-ences, useful information about brain injury and solutions to problems.

Support groups can provide a number of benefits and provide thefollowing key results:

• Emotional healing comes when people interact with other people.• Sharing of similar experiences helps members feel less alone and

more ready to deal with day to day issues.• Encouragement comes from learning about how others have

conquered situations similar to theirs.• Contribution helps support group members feel meaningful.• Education results from the exposure to information and personal

experiences in a group.• Socialization occurs when connections with people are made and

confidence in social skills develops when appropriate interactionoccurs in support groups.

• Self-expression, as emotions are experienced and released, creates agreater understanding of oneself.

• Confidence building results as members take responsibility for thework of the group, and see progress with the plans they made.

• Safety, in the environment of a confidential, supportive, non-judgmental group, allows for honest disclosure and sharing ofcommon difficulties.

• A sense of growth occurs as long-term members see new participantsand reminisce about where they began and how far they have comein their personal journey.

The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota makes referrals to supportgroups throughout the state, including for persons with brain injury, their fami-lies and friends and for young persons.

These groups are autonomous, self-determined peer groups and are inde-pendent of the Association.

For meeting times, location, and a contact person for a specific supportgroup, or for information about how to start your own group, call the BrainInjury Association of Minnesota at 612.378.2742 or 800.669.6442.

Support Groups

Looking for a way to getinvolved with the Brain In-jury Association of Minne-sota? We have several open-ings for volunteer reception-ists at our new office inNortheast Minneapolis.

The Receptionist has anintegral role in creating awelcoming, helpful atmo-sphere for callers and visi-tors. Duties include answer-ing incoming calls and di-recting them to the appropri-ate staff member, creatinginformation packets, photo-copying, filing and faxing.

This is an opportunity towork with caring, motivatedprofessionals in a congenialenvironment while helpingpersons with brain injury.

We’ll provide trainingand offer a flexible weekdayschedule and free parking.

Volunteer ReceptionistsNeeded!

We’re looking for a fewfriendly people with goodoral communication skillswho can commit to a mini-mum of four hours permonth.

Willingness to have funis also important. If inter-ested, contact KimberlyFerencik, Volunteer Coordi-nator at 612-238-3221 orvia email atkimberlyf@braininjurymn.org.

CALENDAR of EVENTS

April 20 : Brain InjuryBasics

Confusion. Frustration.Sorrow. Anger. Fear. Isola-

April 2 & 3 : 19th AnnualStatewide Conference onBrain Injury.

Just as each person isunique, so is each braininjury unique. Join otherpersons with brain injury orfamily members -professionals join yourcolleagues from healthcare,social work, psychology,education, and politics asyou expand your knowledgeabout brain injury at theBrain Injury Association ofMinnesota’s 19th AnnualStatewide Conference.

This year, theconference offers a strongpediatric/education focusand offers ContinuingEducation Credits (CEU) fornursing, physical therapy,occupational therapy andspeech therapy. Turn topage one of this newsletterfor a full story on what thisyear’s conference has tooffer.

April 17: 2nd AnnualXtreme Safety Fest at theMall of America.

Before you hop on yourboards and bikes this spring,learn tips on playing it safewhile you play hard. TheBrain Injury Association ofMinnesota is hosting the X-Treme Safety Fest on April17 at 1 to 4:30 p.m. in SamGoody Central at the Mall ofAmerica.

Watch exciting BMXand skateboard stunts whileshopping for your ownhelmet. Demos will be givenon bicycle safety and on howto correctly wear bicyclehelmets. Helmets areavailable for participants topurchase at-cost. Read thefront page story for moreinformation.

tion. These are some emo-tions a person with brain in-jury may feel after injury.Families, friends & lovedones may feel this way, too.

Learn about the impactof brain injuries caused byconcussion, traumas such ascrashes or falls, stroke, an-eurysm & coma.

Learn about what braininjury is; the common sideeffects of brain injury; com-pensation techniques; andtips about how to relate topeople who have sustainedbrain injury.

These classes are offeredbi-monthly. Class begins at6:00 p.m. and runs until 8:30p.m. Further dates for 2004are June 15, August 19, Oc-tober 19 and December 21.To register, call1.800.669.6442 or612.378.2742.

HEADLINESSPRING 2004

page 3

PERSPECTIVEMessage from the Board of Directors

Here & Now

MikeStrand

From the ChairNancy

Carlson

Member of

In many ways mydreams are more real to methan my conscious world. Inmy dreams I do not have abrain injury. When I dreammy world makes sense. Iknow the names of all thefamiliar faces and I neverforget what I’m doing.

In my conscious worldthat is rarely the case. Itseems I can never rememberpeople’s names. I oftenforget what I am doing, wasgoing to say, or where I amgoing.

In my dreams I never getinterrupted, I can alwayscount on finishing mysentences with outdistractions.

In my daily forays I amfrequently interrupted,usually when I am pausingto construct a sentence in myhead. I find children to beparticularly stressfulbecause they are alwaysinterrupting with some minicrisis or another.

I think kids are fine, butI no longer find toleratingtheir presence enjoyable.They’re all right when weare at their house and theyhave toys and space, butthey are especially difficultaround a dinner table at arestaurant. I usually bow outof social engagements ifpeople are bringing theirchildren.

My waking hours areoften times very surreal tome. Things seem to come upout of left field. SomethingI don’t expect will occur andeverybody else is taking it asa matter of course. It’s likethere is this big joke andeverybody is in on it exceptme. It is like an episode fromthe Twilight Zone except itdoesn’t end after a half hour,in fact, it never ends.

This is why I likeroutines. When I am in aroutine the world seemsmuch more real to me. Iknow what’s happening and

I know what’s going tohappen. Routines don’t haveto be dull. I never see themlike that anyway.

They are just verycomfortable; comfortable asopposed to disorienting. Ifsome unexpected eventoccurs and throws off myroutine I become veryagitated. I feel like I amdrowning and I flail aboutlooking for something tograb onto.

Routine gives me areference point. With out itI am lost and I can not getmy bearings. Suddenly theknown becomes theunknown and boundariesand definiteness slip away.

It is not exciting orinteresting; it’s waiting forsomething bad to happen.It’s knowing that thatsomething is going to comeup, something is going tohappen, and once again I’llhear that voice, maybe fromanother person or maybe just

inside my head,admonishing me, andsaying, “Didn’t you see thatcoming?” or “Didn’t youthink …” or “Pay attentionnext time!” As if any of thatis possible even most of thetime with a brain injury.

My step-father Tom, anold salt, taught me that thereis a nautical axiom that says“you are responsible foryour wake.” It means thatyou can’t go full speed incertain areas or aroundsmaller boats. If your wake(the waves you make behindyour boat) capsizes anotherboat or damages theshoreline, it is your fault andyou will be held responsible.When I am conscious I amresponsible for my wake.The things I say or do haveeffects.

People can be hurt bymy words or actions. I amjust an armchair etymologistand amateur lexicographer,but I wonder, maybe theword “awake” is usedbecause when I am “awake”I have a wake and amresponsible for my actions.This onus is the main reasonI find great comfort in mydreams.

Now, if I could justremember my dreams…

Routine RealityChange can be difficult

for almost everyone. Ourwhole being screams at us togo back to the way thingswere. But when that changecomes from carefullyresearched approaches tobetter meet the needs ofpeople with brain injury andtheir families it makes anydifficulties seemworthwhile. And, that’s justwhat the Brain InjuryAssociation of Minnesotahas done this past year:CHANGED! It’s taken thevision of the past and madeit today’s reality thanks to alot of hard work by all,including you, but change ithas.

Thanks to the efforts ofmany citizen advocates theAssociation was successfullegislatively in securefunding though apartnership with the MNDepartment of Health toexpand its pilot project toprovide ResourceFacilitation from a handfulof hospitals to hospitalsacross the state.

Resource Facilitation isa process built on three mainfunctions. First, providingfollow-up calls to assist withproblem solving andsupporting the individualwith brain injury and/orfamily members through thecritical healing process.Second, linking people inneed with available andappropriate resources (re:educational information,a g e n c y / p r o v i d e rinformation, or county/state/federal serviceinformation) to assist withsuccessful return to school,work or communityreintegration and assistinglong range communityplanning by collecting andorganizing consumer datafor appropriate referral.

Finally, this processleads to identification ofgaps in service delivery.Identification of gaps and/orbarriers to services is key forthe advocacy of policychanges and the ability tokeep people out ofinstitutional settings. Theresource facilitator offers

current and accurateinformation about braininjury and availableresources in a supportive

manner, which facilitatesindividual choice,independent decision-making, and utilization ofnatural supports andpersonal self-advocacy.

Referrals to this programcome through hospitals thattreat persons with braininjury, self-referrals fromindividuals with braininjury, and from familymembers.

The Brain InjuryAssociation takesapproximately 400 calls permonth at this point in time.Ideally, if the individual hasa new brain injury, contactwill be made at 6 weeks, 6months, 12 months, 18months, and 24 months. Apostcard is sent at 36months.

E x p e r i e n c edemonstrated that these arecritical times to reach out tothese individuals. Othertimes may be scheduled asneeded. The individual/family may also contact theBrain Injury Association atany time. The goal is toprovide ongoinginformation and resourcefollow up proactively topersons with brain injuryacross Minnesota.

Along with increasedresources comes increasedresponsibility. The Board ofDirectors continues to workto support the Association’smission “Creating a betterfuture through brain injuryprevention, research,education and advocacy.”and to do so in aconscientious and principledmanner. Your input isalways welcome as we moveforward. May all of youhave a good 2004. I hope tosee you at the annualconference on April 2nd and3rd.

The Association is changing!

Readers are encour-aged to submit elec-tronic letters to the edi-tor for consideration ofpublication in the nextedition of Headlines.

Letters to the Editorshould be limited to300 words. Letters maybe edited for spelling,grammar and length. Inorder for letters to beconsidered, please in-clude your name, ad-dress and the daytimephone number of theauthor.

The Association re-serves the right torefuse letters for publi-cation.

Submission of mate-rial does not guaranteepublication.

Opinions expressedin Letters to the Editorare solely those of theauthor and do not rep-resent the opinions orpositions of the Asso-ciation.

Headlines is a quar-terly publication of theBrain Injury Associa-tion of Minnesota.

Please send lettersto: Headlines, c/oBrain Injury Associa-tion of Minnesota, 3413th Ave NE, SuiteB001, Minneapolis,Minn. 55413.

Letters to the Editor

HEADLINES SPRING 2004

page 4

Stories from the perspective of persons with brain injury, their family members and professsionals

PEOPLEPROGRESSin

By Sharon RolencPublic Awareness Director

In the mid-nineties, SueMeserow was a high levelexecutive at one ofMinnesota’s largestcompanies. Her life was fastpaced, and her jobdemanding. She haddedicated her life to hercorporation, and definedherself by the success of herprofessional life. Meserownever dreamed that aheadache could change howshe saw herself forever.

One late August eveningin 1996 she awoke with ahorrible headache, or as shedescribes “the worst of mylife.” Meserow wasexperiencing a latentcerebral aneurysm, or aballooning of an artery.“Had the artery burst, Iwould have joined themajority of people whosefirst symptom of ananeurysm is sudden death,”she said.

The hospital thatdiscovered the aneurysm didintrusive surgery to fix theproblem. What wassupposed to take sevenhours took over twelve, andthe doctors were unable toreach the aneurysm becauseof its location.

A week later, Meserowwas taken to anotherhospital and underwentsurgery to fix the aneurysm.This time the surgeons wereable to close off the carotidartery above the aneurysmso that it would never posea threat again, but there wereother serious complications.Meserow’s brain swelledmid-surgery, sheexperienced two strokes,and at one point she died onthe operating table. She wasbrought back to life, butsustained a brain injury as aresult.

“As a result of thestrokes, I was left with totalleft-side ‘neglect.’ In simpleterms, this means that mybrain wasn’t aware that I hada left side. I couldn’t lookto the left or use my left armor left leg,” said Meserow.The surgery also bruised herfrontal lobe, leaving her withimpaired speech andreasoning power. Cranialnerve damage prevented herfrom opening her right eyeor her jaw more than half aninch.

Doctors told herhusband Hale that she wouldnever go back to work, andwould likely live in anursing home for the rest of

her life. “He said to them ‘Ithink you’re going to seesomething miraculous.’”Within a week, Meserow leftintensive care and beganrehabilitation. Withinanother week, she wasallowed to return home afterless than thirty-five days inthe hospital.

Meserow attributes hersuccess to several factors. “Ihad an absolute will that Iwas going to get back asmuch as I could. And I’mstill feisty” she said,laughing. During hersurgery and recovery, herhusband Hale started aprayer chain that eventuallyincluded over 10,000people. “I could feel them.A network of people pouringprayer on me,” she said.

Her father also played anintegral role in Meserow’srecovery. Her father heardthat the doctors said hisdaughter wasn’t going to

walk or talk again. Fightinghis own battle for life, he leftChicago in the midst ofchemotherapy and radiationto visit his daughter. “Ithink he knew he wasn’tgoing to make it and hewanted to see me. My dadwas very encouraging, andhe didn’t want to die until hesaw me better,” saidMeserow.

Her father died twomonths later, but he got hiswish. After just four monthsof intense rehabilitationMeserow returned to workthinking her life was back ontrack.

However, what shedidn’t realize at the time isthat life would be differentafter a brain injury. “I wasin huge denial. I believedthat nothing had changed inmy life and that nothingwould stop me, and thatnobody would ever knowwhat happened to me,” she

said. Both she and herhusband thought that if shewould just “get over it,” lifewould go back to the way itwas before her surgery.

For three years shestruggled to stay on top ofwork. “Trying to go back tomy job was very difficult. Itwas hard to accept the factthat I felt reallyuncomfortable, and in manycases I felt deficient. I feltthat people were watchingme fail,” said Meserow. “Itmade me angry. It made mefrustrated. It made me thinkthat something was wrongwith me as opposed tosomething happened to me.”

Eventually let go fromher job, Meserow ended upgoing through a secondround of rehabilitation tofigure out what she could do

Redefining yourself after TBI: Sue Meserow’s story

Sue Meserow photo by Sharon Rolenc

Sue and Hale Meserow at the 2003 Walk for Thoughtphoto by Sharon Rolenc

“Trying to go back to my job was very difficult. It was hard to accept thefact that I felt really uncomfortable, and in many cases I felt deficient. I felt

that people were watching me fail. It made me angry. It made mefrustrated. It made me think that something was wrong with me as opposed

to something happened to me.”

SUE MESEROWon page 12

HEADLINESSPRING 2004

page 5

MINNEAPOLIS - In earlyMarch, the Associationunveiled a new website.While the web address, or“URL” remains the same,the new website offersinformation in a moreconcise and user-friendlymanner.

Building the new sitewas a huge project and hasbeen made possible in partby generous sponsorshipsupport from the law officeof Pritzker Ruohonen &Associates, and from BrittonCenter for Spine, Sport andNeurologic Rehabilitation.

Phase one of the websiteproject is complete, offeringa whole new look to the site,

as well as the following newfeatures:

Online ServiceDirectory. This directorywas based on theAssociation’s consumerguide, but now will offermore complete agencyinformation including hoursof operation, fee scale,eligibility requirements,required documents,payment methods, intakeprocedures, languagesoffered/served, programcapacity, licensing, legalstatus and more.

The online directory wasmodeled after Alliance forInformation and ReferralServices (AIRS) standards.

88 percent of bicyclists’head injuries, but less than1 percent of teens wearhelmets.

In order to increasepublic awareness aboutinjury prevention, the BrainInjury Association ofMinnesota (TheAssociation) is hosting thesecond annual X-TremeSafety Fest on SaturdayApril 17 at Sam GoodyCentral in the Mall ofAmerica.

Geared toward children,teens and their families, thisfree event will includeskateboard and BMXdemonstrations from RaddBMX and Skate, safetydemos, prize drawings andhelmet fittings. Families willalso be able to purchasebicycle helmets at-cost.

The X-Treme SafetyFest was an enormoussuccess last year, with over

AIRS mission is “to advancethe capacity of Informationand Referral providers tobetter serve theircommunities” throughaccessibility andaccountability.

Currently, only basiccontact information isavailable in the onlinedirectory. The Associationwill work throughout therest of 2004 to complete theinformation listings.

Organizations that arecurrently listed can helpexpedite the process byemailing (preferred method)the information in the format the right toinfo@braininjurymn.org.

The form may also bemailed in.

Eventually a webpagewill be created whereorganizations can submittheir information online.Please be patient with us aswe build this resource.

Calendar of Events.Our new calendar highlightsall Association sponsoredevents, both large and small,including conferences,training opportunities,public policy/advocacymeetings and trainings, andpublic awareness and injuryprevention events.

Phase two of thewebsite will includetranslating information for

our mirror Spanish site.Phase two also includesmaking the new site “BobbyApproved” for optimumaccessibility for personswith disabilities, and for ourusers who utilize assistivetechnology. It is expectedthat phase two will takeanother year to complete.

The Association islooking for volunteers tohelp update the site, andspecifically for updatingdata in the online servicedirectory.

Please contact KimberlyFerencik for more volunteerinformation at 612-378-2742, 1-800-669-6442 orkimberlyf@braininjurymn.org.

1,000 people in attendanceand exposed to bike andskateboard safetyinformation.

Before you hop on yourboards and bikes this spring,learn tips on playing it safewhile you play hard.Wearing a helmet correctlyis an important factor inpreventing injuries. It isideal to buy a helmet thatmeets the safety standards ofthe Consumer ProductSafety Commission (CPSC)or the Snell MemorialFoundation. To ensure aproper fit:

• Tighten the chinstrap to keep the helmetfrom slipping forward orbackward

• Only two fingersshould fit under the chinstrap

• Place the helmetdirectly over the forehead.

Sponsor and volunteeropportunities are stillavailable for this event. Formore information, call 1-800-669-6442 or visit:www.braininjurymn.org.

Association Unveils Website Offering New Features

XTREME 2004from page 1

Don’t let Spring Fever cause

you to lose your head!

Wear Your Helmet!

return to work as well asresidual challenges of braininjury and how teamworkcan provide a network ofsupport with a holisticapproach.

Brain Injury Basics forProfessionals: This 3 hoursession will provideprofessionals with anintroduction to the causesand residual effects of braininjury and the implicationsof brain injury on servicedelivery. Cost is $300 plusmileage.

For more informationabout education and trainingopportunities , contact AnneSchuller at 612-378-2742 or1-800-669-6442.

HEADLINES SPRING 2004

page 6

MINNEAPOLIS - TheBrain Injury Association ofMinnesota is expanding. Wehave hired an educationcoordinator to meet thegrowing request forindividualized staff trainingand increase our brain injurybasics course. Ouropportunities for additionaleducation, advocacy, andawareness programs will beexciting. Currently, theAssociation provides severaleducational opportunitiesfor persons with brain injury,their loved ones, andprofessionals.

Brain Injury Basics isthe Association’scornerstone class. This is an

introductory class which isuseful for persons livingwith brain injury, theirfamily members and friends,and community memberswho may interact withpersons with brain injuries.The program instructorsdefine brain injury, discusscommon side effects of braininjury, suggest ways forpersons with brain injury tocompensate for theirinjuries, and give tips onrelating to a person who hassustained a brain injury.

This class is now taughtbi-monthly at theAssociation’s office inMinneapolis. The class isfree to persons with brain

New Training Opportunities at the Associationinjury and their families.Professionals andparaprofessionals arecharged $15 per person.Professionals will be askedto pay at the door. T h eremaining classes for 2004are scheduled for April 20,June 15, August 19, October19 and December 21. Toregister, call the Associationat (612) 378-2742 or (800)669-6442.

Long-Term Care andParticipants with BrainInjury: In an effort toimprove the quality of life ofadults in group homes,chemical health units andlong-term care facilities, theAssociation offers a seminar

to enhance communicationand relationships betweencaregivers and residents.This “train-the-trainer” styleprogram allows for easy,flexible training of staff ofresidential programs whowork with persons withbrain injury.

Beyond Brain Injury –Supported Employment:The Association offers a 3-hour training session forprofessionals andparaprofessionals workingin vocational environmentswith persons with braininjury. The training willaddress life-long issues thatmay affect the ability ofpersons with brain injury to

For individuals with dis-abilities, fear of losinghealthcare and related ser-vices is one of the greatestbarriers keeping individualsfrom maximizing their em-ployment, earning potentialand independence. TheTicket to Work program wascreated out of the Work In-centives Improvement Actof 1999 to enable people onsocial security to take stepstowards returning to workwithout fear of losing medi-cal benefits.

Currently, less than onehalf of one percent of socialsecurity recipients everwork their way off social se-curity. If just that one halfof one percent of social se-curity recipients went offsocial security, there wouldbe a savings of $3.5 billiondollars over the workinglifetime of those individuals.

A person is consideredto have worked him or her-self off social security whenthey earn above substantialgainful employment for anextended period of time.Substantial gainful employ-ment is considered $810 dol-lars or more monthly.

The purpose of theTicket to Work program is toprovide healthcare and ad-equate employment trainingto social security recipientswho wish to return to work.Under the program, SSDIand SSI beneficiaries are eli-gible to receive a “ticket”which they may use to ob-tain employment services,vocational rehabilitation ser-vices, and other supports(e.g. assistive technology)

from an employment net-work (EN) of their choice tohelp enable them to enter theworkforce.

The Ticket recipient canassign the Ticket to an Em-ployment Network (EN).Employment Networks(ENs):• Offer full array of ser-vices, or contract with otheragencies to provide services,that address barriers to em-ployment;• Are paid based on suc-cessful outcomes;• Are prohibited fromseeking additional compen-sation from beneficiaries;• Reserve the right to denyservices.

In 2004, the Ticket toWork program is phasing inMinnesota. Tickets will bedistributed gradually overthe year based on the lasttwo digits of persons’ socialsecurity number. If an indi-vidual wants a ticket as soonas possible, this can be ar-ranged by calling 1-866-968-7842. As an incentiveto participate in this pro-gram, if an individual hasassigned their Ticket and isshowing timely progress to-wards their goals, they willnot have social security con-tinuing medical reviews.

Currently, there areseven ENs in Minnesota,

Ticket to Work comes to Minnesota

Myrna Yenter, MS, LICSW

Mental Health Services

1719 Kathleen Drive

North Mankato, MN 56003

Phone and fax: 507-345-5281

Myrna has had extensive experience with survivors

of traumatic brain injury and their families.

She has experienced TBI in her immediate family.

Myrna does complete mental health services

such as counseling for couples, families,

for anxiety and depression.

and new ENs are expectedto join the list. VocationalRehabilitation will becomean EN and has set up a VRTicket to Work unit to assistin the administration of thisprogram. This unit can bereached by calling 1-888-749-8153; TTY 1-651-296-3900 or 1-800-657-3973.

For more informationabout Ticket to Work, visitwww.yourtickettowork.com.

Information for this reportwas provided by the MinnesotaDepartment for Economic Se-curity and the Conference Re-port submitted by the Commit-tee on Ways and Means to Con-gress on November 17, 1999.

Currently, less than one half of one percent ofsocial security recipients ever work their way off socialsecurity. If just that one half of one percent of social

security recipients went off social security, there wouldbe a savings of $3.5 billion dollars over the working

lifetime of those individuals.

La Familia Guidance Center Recibio unaBeca para el programa de terapia Familiar

La Familia Guidance Center ha recibido una becareconocida nacionalmente para desarrollar Terapia deFamilia Funcional (TFF- En Espanol) programa detratamiento. Este es disponible para los adoloscentesquienes tienen trastornos emocionales y decomportamiento. Este tratamiento tiene mucho exito yes un paradigma para los jovenes con muchos problemasde comportamiento. Este terapia puede mejorar acercade las soluciones positivas y al disminuir la negatividadde la familia y cambiar estrategias de los padres. Parareferencias o mas informacion sobre el programa, porfavor hable (651) 221-0913.

La Familia Guidance Center Received Grantfor Family Therapy Program

La Familia Guidance Center has been awarded a grantto develop a nationally recognized Functional FamilyTherapy (FFT) treatment program. This is available fortreatment of Chicano/Latino Children and adolescentswho exhibit mid to severe emotional and behavioraldisturbance. FFT is an empirically-grounded, highlysuccessful, family-based treatment paradigm fordelinquent and pre-delinquent youth who engage inbehavioral (acting out) disturbance. Family functioningsignificantly improves in terms of adopting positivesolutions to decreasing family negativity and alteringparenting strategies. For referrals or more informationabout the program, please call (651) 221-0913.

HEADLINESSPRING 2004

page 7

Professional Roles.” Manypersons with brain injurystruggle with issues of self-esteem and acceptance. Thiskeynote talk will addresshow to reconceptualize ac-ceptance, balancing realismand optimism. It will en-courage people to take ac-tion to achieve their goalsand will put in context inter-reliance. Finally, it will pro-vide insight into how tohandle disagreements aboutwhat is possible.

“Getting Better HealthCare from Professionals,” isKarol’s Saturday breakoutsession geared towards per-sons with brain injury andtheir family members. Toooften persons with brain in-jury are frustrated in theirattempts to interact with pro-fessional health care provid-ers in outpatient settings.This breakout session willexplain important factors toconsider when seeking helpand how to maximize thelikelihood of receiving bet-ter care.

Dr. Karol is the ProgramDirector of Brain Injury Ser-vices and Director of Neu-ropsychology/Psychology atBethesda RehabilitationHospital, in St. Paul. Heheads a group private prac-tice, Karol Neuropsycho-logical Services & Consult-ing, in Minneapolis, special-izing in neuropsychologicalevaluations and counselingfor persons with brain injury.He is also co-owner of Neu-roscience MultispecialtyAdvisors, a group includingneurology, physiatry, psy-chiatry, gerontology, andneuropsychology providingcase consultation to lawyersand insurance companies.

He co-founded the BrainInjury Association of Min-nesota, serving on its Boardof Directors for 14 years andhe is a past Chairman of theBoard. He served for 6 yearson the Board of Directors ofAccessible Space, Inc. He isa member of the SupremeCourt of Minnesota’s Boardof Law Examiners’ SpecialTest Accommodation Paneland he is an Adjunct Profes-sor at Argosy University. Hehas served on the MinnesotaDepartment of Human Ser-vices Traumatic Brain InjuryAdvisory Committee, Neu-ropsychological Services

Ad-Hoc Committee, andNeeds of Adults with BrainImpairment Committee.

Rev. Nick Mezacapacloses the weekend’s eventwith his keynote address,“Keeping It in Perspective.” This talk focuses on the

shortness and uncertainty ofhuman life and our respon-sibility to live our lives withthat in mind.

Mezacapa has served asthe rector of Calvary Epis-copal Church, right acrossthe street from The MayoClinic for the past 16 years.Before coming to Minnesotahe served churches in Iowa,Michigan and New York. Agraduate of Heidelberg Col-lege in Tiffan, Ohio, he wastrained as a teacher and ath-letics coach and worked inthe field for seven years. Itwas after his teaching careerthat he attended Colgate/Rochester/Bexley Hall/Crozer Divinity School inRochester, New York to re-ceive his Master’s in Divin-ity Degree and subsequentordination to the priesthood.

Mezacapa brings his ex-perience as teacher, coach,priest, husband and father tohis presentations with pas-sion and authenticity. Hisexperiences as a prostatecancer survivor, radio per-sonality and an active thes-pian combine to generate astyle and urgency that isunique. He has delivered hispresentations to a wide va-riety of groups across thecountry, focusing on the sub-ject of “Survivorship andSpirituality.” His perspec-tive has been described asrefreshing and inspiring.

Special thanks to ourconference partners, theMinnesota Department ofHealth and Injury Preven-tion Unit, and the MinnesotaDepartment of Education.Special thanks also toBritton Center for Spine,Sport and Neurologic Reha-

bilitation (formerly St. PaulRehabilitation Physicians),our exclusive DiamondKeynote Sponsor. See theside-bar to this story for acomplete list of conferencesponsors.

Friday admission to theconference is $80 for mem-bers of the Brain Injury As-sociation of Minnesota, and$95 for nonmembers. Sat-

2004 Conference SponsorsConference PartnersMinnesota Department of Health, Injury Prevention UnitMinnesota Department of Education

Diamond Keynote SponsorBritton Center for Spine, Sport & Neurologic Rehabilitation

Gold SponsorsBethesda Rehabilitation HospitalMayo Medical CenterTBI Metro Services (Friday Lunch Sponsor)Mains’l Services, Inc.Howry Residential ServicesCourage CenterGuzmán, Kallheim & Sharpe, PA (Consumer and Family MemberScholarship Partner)Hennepin County Medical CenterNoran Neurological ClinicAt Home Living Facilities, DuluthMedtronic

Silver SponsorsGentiva Rehab Without Walls (Friday Break Sponsor)Accessible Space, Inc.Vinland CenterTender Loving Care of Duluth, Inc.Augsburg CollegeRise, Inc.Gillette Children’s Specialty HealthcareMiller-Dwan Medical CenterTBI Residential and Community Services, DuluthSister Kenny InstituteMary T. Inc.Restart, Inc.Community Connections Partnership, Inc.Stepping Stones for LivingSt. Cloud Hospital

Bronze SponsorsNo Place Like Home CommunitiesProactEpilepsy Foundation of MinnesotaParchem, Inc.Minnesota Neurorehabilitation HospitalOptions Family & Behavior ServicesREM Community Services of Golden ValleyTrevilla of Golden ValleyRegions HospitalIntegrity LivingRehabCare GroupActivStyle, Inc.Cristo Vive InternationalRed Wing Health CenterRice Home Medical

Rev. Nick A. Mezacapa

urday admission is $40 formembers age 12-18, and $55for members age 19 andover; $50 for nonmembersage 12-18, and $65 for non-members age 19 and over.

Please note the follow-ing correction in the con-ference registration bro-chure: On the lower portionon the registration formwhere tuition is checked, the

dates are listed as April 2 andApril 2. The second dateshould read “April 3.”

A corrected version ofthe registration brochure isavailable for download atwww.braininjurymn.org, orby calling 612-378-2742 or1-800-669-6442. The dead-line for registration is Friday,March 26.

CONFERENCEfrom page 1

HEADLINES SPRING 2004

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The frequency oftraumatic brain injury (TBI)in children and teens isstaggering. Each year in theUnited States as many as onemillion children and youthwill sustain traumatic braininjuries from motor vehicleaccidents, falls, sports andabuse. The largest group oftraumatic brain injuredindividuals fall within the15-24 year old age group,but the frequency is nearlyas high for children andyouth under 15 years of age.

Minnesota schoolsidentify traumatic brain

brain. Since areas of thebrain are interconnected,damage to any part of thesystem can often result incognitive, motor, sensory,emotional and behavioralchanges. Frontal andtemporal lobe damage canoften occur in a traumaticbrain injury, and may resultin possible changes inpersonality and behavior, aswell as deficits in memory,judgment, reasoning,problem solving andinhibition. Difficulties withperceptual skills andexpressive language mayalso result. When damageoccurs in additional parts ofthe brain, there may bechanges in motor or sensoryfunctioning.

injury as a special educationcategory and define TBI asan acquired injury to thebrain caused by an externalphysical force, resulting intotal or partial functionaldisability and/or psycho-social impairment that mayadversely affect a child’seducational performanceand result in the need forspecial education andrelated services. The termdoes not apply to braininjuries that are congenitalor degenerative, or braininjuries induced by birthtrauma.

Generally speaking,traumatic brain injuries inchildren are often diffuseand can affect many areasand functions within the

School Services for Students with Traumatic Brain InjuryBecause of the varying

degrees of brain injury thatcan occur and the relatedlearner implications,educational services cancover a wide range ofoptions. When a child has amild brain injury such as aconcussion, closemonitoring is required; ifsymptoms persist andinterfere with educationalperformance, a #504 plan orspecial education evaluationmay be appropriate. Whenthe injury is moderate orsevere, careful planning forschool re-entry from ahospital is critical. Parents,educators, and health careprofessionals mustcollaborate together toensure that the transition is

successful; this requiresmutual communication fromthe time of the injury, andestablishing both a hospitaland school contact. Aneducational evaluationshould be conducted todetermine the existence ofany functional impairments,and may include bothtraditional evaluationprotocol and tools designedspecifically for students withTBI. The team must includean education professionalwho is both knowledgeableand has had training in thearea of TBI. A teacherlicensed in Physical/HealthDisabilities is often calledupon to fill this role.

E d u c a t i o n a lp r o g r a m m i n g ,accommodations, andmodifications to curriculum,methodology, materials andequipment areindividualized to meet theunique needs of studentswith traumatic brain injury.Evaluation results will assistthe team in identifying theseaccommodations andmodifications. Someexamples include:environmental changes, useof technology to access theenvironment or completewritten work, a modifiedgrading system, support fortransitions andorganizational tasks,modified assignments, tests,memory aids, alternateresponse methods,opportunities for re-teachingand/or review, a behaviorintervention plan, specialtransportation, accessiblec lassrooms/res t rooms,doorways, etc. Informationon these and other strategiescan be found in the State TBImanual (see below).

Contact/ResourcesDeb Williamson, State

Traumatic Brain InjurySpecialist 612-638-1532 orvia email atdeb.williamson@state.mn.us

State Manual: SpecialEducation Evaluation andServices for Students withTraumatic Brain Injury: AManual for MinnesotaEducators (revised 2003)

Soon available on thefollowing websites: MNDepartment of Education:www.children.state.mn.us

Metro ECSU:www.ecsu.k12.mn.us

Association Involved in Coalition Work for 2004 Session

HEADLINESSPRING 2004

page 9

Legislative Corner

Keeping up to date with public policy

by Shannon RobinsPublic Policy Director

The Brain Injury Asso-ciation of Minnesota is dedi-cated to ensuring that allpeople with brain injurieshave help, hope and a voice.In order to fulfill this mis-sion, the Association main-tains membership on severaladvocacy coalitions whowork together to strengthenand improve disability ser-vices and access to them.One of the coalitions that theBrain Injury Association ofMinnesota is a member of isthe Coalition for Childrenwith Disabilities.

The Coalition for Chil-dren with Disabilities con-sists of several statewide or-

ganizations representing theinterests of the 116,000 Min-nesota children with dis-abilities who receive specialeducation services and theirfamilies. Each of the orga-nizations in the Coalition areprivate, not-for-profit corpo-rations, with a mission of ad-vocating for and providingsupport services to personswith disabilities and theirfamily members. Throughthe variety of services of-fered by member organiza-tions, the Coalition is in con-stant touch with parents, stu-dents with disabilities andprofessionals who have aninterest in special educationservices.

The following issues areonly a few of the Coalition’s

priorities during the 2004legislative session:

Reduce fees assessed toparents who have childrenwith disabilities receivingsupport services. As a re-sult of a law passed by the2003 Legislature, parentalfees increased significantlyfor families who have chil-dren receiving a variety ofcommunity based humanservices. The new fee sched-ule has caused extreme hard-ship for many families. Gov-ernments at all levels savemoney when families canstay together and raise theirchildren with disabilities intheir homes. Fees should bereasonable so that familieswill continue to stay intactwithout additional duress.

Restore the growth fac-tor for special educationservices. The Federal Gov-ernment has increased theamount of funding for theIndividuals with DisabilitiesEducation Act (IDEA) con-siderably during the past fewyears. However, states andlocal school districts con-tinue to pay for the majorityof costs associated with stu-dents who have disabilities.During the 2003 session, the4.6% growth factor for spe-cial education services wasrepealed. To mitigate the ef-fect of this, $16 million wasapproved over two years for“cross subsidy aid.” Thepurpose of the growth fac-tor was to provide additionalstate assistance to local dis-

tricts in paying for the costof services to students withdisabilities. In zeroing outthe growth factor, the neteffect was to shift costs tolocal districts.

Make schools safer byplacing limits on the use oflocked time out rooms andpolice officers. Manyschools overuse locked timeout rooms for studentswhose behavior is of con-cern. Rather than using themas a last resort of a wellthought out behavior inter-vention plan, locked timeout is often used as a first(and sometimes only) op-tion. Other schools simply

SESSION 2004on page 12

HEADLINES SPRING 2004

page 10

Mr. Todd AldrichMs. Marty AllenMs. Celeste AndersonMs. Cathy AndreasenDr. John AtkinsonMs. Libby BayukMr. Chris BerghorstMr. & Mrs. BruceBirkelandMs. Tammy BladowMr. & Mrs. RichardBlomquistMr. Warren BloomquistMs. Emily BoleenMr. Bob BollenbeckMr. Benson BrainardMs. Joan BrandlMr. & Mrs. John BrooksMs. Debbie BrunelleMs. Cara BuettnerMr. Jerry BurnsMr. Ken CarlsonMr. Le Roy ChristinasenMr. Eugene CotoneMr. & Mrs. HenryCousineauMr. & Mrs. David CristMr. Edward CrozierMr. & Mrs. MichaelCushmoreMs. Tracy DahlstromMs. Anita DavisMs. Stephanic DavisMs. Patty DennenMr. John C. DietrichMs. Christine DingmannMr. Stephen DirksenMs. Tammy DistadMr. & Mrs. Bruce DoddsMs. Tracy DoughertyMs. Lavonne EggenbergerMr. Daniel ErlandsonMs. Shannon FaustMr. Mark FinchDr. & Mrs. Robert FinkMr. & Mrs. Lucius FowlerMr. & Mrs. Bill FoxMs. Barbara FultonMr. & Mrs. FrederickGambleMr. Len GarberHonorable & Mrs. EdGeartyMs. Kathy GlaubitzMrs. Marjorie GoldbergMrs. Kathy GoodykeMr. James GreenleyMs. Liv GrosserMs. Sharon GrostephanMr. Robert GruenhagenMs. Jana HagenMr. Jon HansonMs. Barbara HansonMs. Janelle HansonMr. William Harrell

Ms. Barbara HaubrickMr. & Mrs. Michael HauerMr. John HedbergMs. Catherine HeggMrs. Catherine HelgetMr. John HelmersMs. Diane HermanMs. Laura HeytensMr. Curtis HimstedtMs. Delores HobbsMr. John HolmanMs. Nichole HolzworthMr. H. HoustonMr. & Mrs. James HowardMs. Gretchen IstaMs. Elizabeth JensenMs. Andrea JohnsonMs. Sharon JohnsonMs. Jacqueline JonesMs. Kim KangDr. & Mrs. Robert KarolMs. Ruth KatzMr. Robert KischMr. Daniel KlasMr. & Mrs. Robert KlasMr. Stuart KlotzMs. Karen KrenskeMr. Thomas KrumpelmannMs. Kim KuhlmeyerMs. Joyce KuyavaMs. Robin LandyMr. & Mrs. KennethLarsonMr. & Mrs. Philip LarsonMs. Geraldine LederMs. Gwyn LederMr. & Mrs. B. JohnLindahlMr. Larry LorenzMr. & Mrs. RoderickMacRaeMs. Heidi MagnusonMs. Renee MalechaMr. Russell MammelMs. Jill MarksMs. Valerie MarquardtMr. & Mrs. MichaelMcCarthyMr. & Mrs. ThomasMcCaryMrs. Anne McCourtMr. Tim McCoyMrs. Robert McNultyMr. & Mrs. AlvinMcQuinnMs. Gayle MeisnerMr. & Mrs. KennethMeshbesherMs. Andrea MetcalfMr. Jack MeuseyMs. Kate MiddletonMs. Anne MoessnerMr. & Mrs. Bruce MonickMr. Michael MonteithMs. Sally MooreMr. Mathew MorelliMrs. Margaret Nelson

Ms. Audrey NelsonMs. Melanie NelsonMs. Sharon NeroMr. Eric NewstromMr. Stanley NickellsMr. Steve NordbergMs. Candi NovotnyMs. Kathleen O’LearyMr. Ian O’NeillMr. Thomas PatnaudeMr. George PaulsonMr. Don PerlichMs. Marilyn PertlMs. Pam PetersenMr. Glen PetersonMr. & Mrs. Joel PetersonMr. Charles RamsbacherMr. & Mrs. Paul ReimanMrs. Peggy ReveringDr. & Mrs. GaylanRockswoldMr. Terry RossiMr. & Mrs. WilliamRossmanMr. & Mrs. Luther RottoMs. Barb SchaferDr. Kenley SchmidtMs. Leann ScrogginsDr. Carole SellarsMr. Skip SilvestriniMr. & Mrs. Jim SnyderMrs. Harriet StoltzMs. Janet StrandMr. H. Richard SwansonMrs. Phyllis ThompsonMs. Mary ThomsonMr. Tim ThorpeMs. Marion TouchetteMs. Vicky VogelsMr. Timothy WalkerMr. Alexander WallaceMr. Tom WalzMrs. Joann WangsnessMr. & Mrs. Ken WaschkeMs. Marjorie WickertMr. & Mrs. Bill WilkeningMs. Patricia WilliamsMr. James WyerMr. Mark ZallekMr. Monte Zehringer

DONORS

Feldmann Imports

CORPORATIONS

Hiawatha Homes, Inc.Wing House, Corp.TBI Residential Commu-nity Services

ORGANIZATIONS

Ritz FoundationMeadowood FoundationWEM Foundation

SPONSORSAcknowledgement of Donations: November 1, 2003 - February 15, 2004

I am (please check one):

❑ A person with brain injury

❑ Family member/friend

❑ Professional

Payment Method

❑ Check payable to Brain Injury Association of Minnesota

❑ Credit Card: ❑ Visa ❑ Mastercard

Card Number:Expiration Date:Signature of Cardholder:

Complete form and send to:Brain Injury Association of Minnesota

34 13th Ave NE, Suite BOO1, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Name:

Address:

City:

State, Zip Code:

Telephone:

Email:

❑ Individual: $35

❑ Limited income: $5-15

❑ Professional: $50

❑ Benefactor: $250

❑ Non-profit organization: $250

❑ Corporation: $500

❑ Individual Lifetime: $1,000

❑ Other: $

Sign me up for:

❑ Headlines Online, afree electronic news-letter published bi-weekly.

Mr. Dean BarrMs. Linda BeaucheneMs. Mary BergDr. Matthew Collins,Snelling ChiropracticClinicMs. Barbara GaughanMs. Amy HarrisonMr. & Mrs.RaymondHaugland

MEMBERS

FOUNDATIONS

Mr. Terry KroppMs. Robin Landy, HauerFargione & Love P.A.Ms. Anne MoessnerMs. Heather Qutowski,Tender-Loving Care ofDuluth Inc.Mrs. Phyllis ThompsonMr. Wally Walsh, DeltaFoundation for Rehab. &ResearchMs. Jan Wickstrom

HEADLINESSPRING 2004

page 11

SPONSORSAcknowledgement of Donations: November 1, 2003 - February 15, 2004

Memorial for SharonLeeanfrom Mary & Arch Leean

Memorial for Finn T.Heimdahl fromTodd & Carole HeimdahlPeter & Patricia HeimdahlVicki Lynn PautzDarrell & Peggy RuchSusan & Mark LarsonGoodwin & Ella MaeHeimdahlEvelyn Keiffer

Memorial for Sue Olsonfrom Ms. Rosella Peek

Memorial for CindyGatesfrom Joan & TomKasbohmTom & Sue McCarthyMary WilderPat Bolstad

In honor of the marriageof Tom & Amy Godefrom Ms. Jeanne Gode

In honor of JamesConner from Dr. WilliamO’Dowd

In honor of Sue Larsenfrom Ms. Gale WeishallaJoe & Jan Redmond

In honor of Dale Larsonfrom Ian CoxworthSuzanne NeubauerCory & Kristine Thomp-son

TRIBUTES

MEMORIALS

Here are some of the many ways that you can help support the Brain Injury Association.

Major Gift ContributionMake a gift at one of the Brain Injury Association’s major gift levels of $500 or more. Your gift will go a longway in supporting people with brain injury.

Gifts at WorkGifts at work are really easy! The Brain Injury Association is a member of Community Health Charities,which raises funds in workplaces all across Minnesota.

Gifts of StocksUse appreciated stock for contributions. You benefit doubly by getting a tax deduction and you don’t have topay capital gains taxes for that particular stock.

Planned GivingSupport the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota through wills, trusts and charitable gift annuities.

Memorial and Tribute GiftsMake a gift in memory and in honor of loved ones. These are great gifts for holidays, birthdays and manymore occasions.

Matching GiftsContributing at your workplace is an easy way to support the Brain Injury Association programs and servicesbenefiting people with brain injury and their loved ones. Ask your place of business if they offer matchinggifts, send us their form with your contribution, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Corporate GivingConsider partnering with the Brain Injury Association with a win-win project that benefits persons with braininjury.

In-kind giftsWe publish a wish list of items we need donated to the organization (see list below). The list often includesspecific office needs and services like printing. In-kind gifts are also needed for annual special events aspremiums for event participants. Think creatively here.

For more information on giving options; please contact Ottar at (612) 238-3235 or ottars@braininjurymn.org.Thank You!

Turn your used car into cashfor the Association.

For more information,visit www.donateacar.com

or call Mark at 612-378-2742.

Please note that the process takes upto two weeks and the Association

cannot store your car.

We welcome a variety of in-kind donations at the Brain InjuryAssociation of Minnesota. The following are a few of our immediateneeds:❑ Potting soil, pots and plants (our new location has windows!!)❑ 2 mobile phones and phone service (we are out in the field a lot)❑ IBM compatible computers –call for minimum specifications (our

volunteers currently share one computer)❑ Scanners❑ Laser printers❑ Copier

If you would like to donate these or other items, please contact Markor Kimberly at 612-387-2742. Thanks!

WISH LISTDONATEYOUR CAR!

HEADLINES SPRING 2004

page12

When a stroke robbed Carl of the ability to speak, we gavehim hope. Through diligently listening to what his body andsoul were saying, we helped rediscover his voice. And nomatter how many times it happens, after recoveries like Carl’s,we are the ones left speechless.

Our holistic touch to healing will soon reach Minneapolis. In the fall of 2003, Bethesda will open a satellite facility in Minneapolis with 27 beds for respiratory and complex medical care programs.

For more information go to www.bethesdahospital.org.

call in police officers to dealwith any child who may beacting out due to their dis-ability. It is becoming morecommon for students of allages to be escorted from theschool in handcuffs, for be-haviors that are not danger-ous or criminal.

Oppose vouchers forstudents with disabilities.During the 2003 Legislativesession, a bill was intro-duced that would add avoucher component toMinnesota’s Special Educa-tion system. The bill is mod-eled after a Florida programthat has produced mixed re-sults for children with dis-abilities. A major concern ofthe Coalition is that the billwould require families whoexercise this option to giveup the Federal protections toan individual education planand due process procedures.

Watch upcomingHEADLINES editions andthe Association web site atwww.braininjurymn.org forupdates on the 2004 legisla-tive session and progress onthe Coalition’s priorities.

professionally. She wasfaced with having toredefine herself, andstruggled to find another jobthat could accommodate thechanges she experienceddue to the brain injury.“Before, I was MissCorporate America. I was acorporate business womanand now that was gone, andI don’t know that I’ll eversee it again.”

As she once providedthe sole salary in herhousehold, she worriedabout going on publicassistance and about losingher home. She wasintroduced to a resourcefacilitator at the Brain InjuryAssociation of Minnesotawho took her through thesteps of what to do if sherequired public assistance,and what to do to help saveher home.

“Luckily, I never endedup having to put theinformation to use, but I was

thankful to have had thehelp,” said Meserow. Abouta month before herseverance package ran out,she secured a job as anaccount manager for thedirect mail company whereshe currently works.

While Meserow hasgained back full mobility,she does face physicallimitations with her left side.“It takes all of my will powerto hold things in my lefthand,” she said. “As aresult, I end up carryingthings around the housemuch longer because theyseem stuck in this position.”

Buttons are a challengefor Meserow, so she choosesclothing styles that can go onover her head, and sheswitched to watches withstretch bands. “I’m thrilledthat I finally qualified forlaser surgery because it wasimpossible to put mycontacts in,” she said.

Meserow also gave uppiano. “I can’t find the keysanymore, and I can’t get myfingers to go where they aresupposed to.”

While she can livewithout piano, she is morefrustrated about losing hertyping skills. “I used to be agreat typist. I was not a greatpiano player, but I was agreat typist. Now I have tolook at the keys,” Meserowsaid. She has learned to letgo by letting spell checkcorrect her errors and goingback to proof read forcontent. “I’ve learned totype more with my right sideand I’ve been able to keepup with people who can typefast.”

In 2002 Meserowbecame an active member ofBIAM and joined the boardof directors, and played asignificant role in thesuccessful media campaignfor the 2003 Walk forThought.

Since joining theAssociation, Meserow hasalso become a very vocalsupporter of ResourceFacilitation. Meserow wasreleased from a hospital thatwas not part of ResourceFacilitation’s pilot project,and didn’t find out about theBrain Injury Associationuntil she was well into hersecond round ofrehabilitation.

“I’m sure that havingsomeone there at all thosedifferent intervals wouldhave been a good thing forme. In hindsight, I probablywould not have had to gothrough rehabilitation asecond time had I gotten itright the first time around,”said Meserow.

Above all, Meserowfeels blessed to live another

day. “As a result of whathappened to me, I havelearned that it is critical tobe spiritually prepared. Noone is guaranteed a sunrise,and we are only a heartbeataway from what awaits us onthe other side,” she said.

While she still hasdifficult days, she strives tomeet challenges with humor.“You learn to live with it.There’s nothing you can doabout how TBI has changedyour life, so just laugh aboutit and keep going.”

“You learn to live with it. There’s nothing you can do about how TBI haschanged your life, so just laugh about it and keep going. As a result of what

happened to me, I have learned that it is critical to be spiritually prepared. Noone is guaranteed a sunrise, and we are only a heartbeat away from what

awaits us on the other side”

Interesting inBecoming aVOLUNTEER?

Call KimberlyFerencik at

612-378-2742

SESSION 2004from page 9

SUE MESEROWfrom page 4