Shout Out!
The Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania wants to honor those in the brain injury community!
Know a survivor, caregiver, professional, or friend who deserves a "Shout Out"?
This means recognition for how amazing they are, or for something interesting they did!
Simply email survivorsupport@biapa.org with your nominee name, picture and why they should be recognized.
Leanne Digman is a Senior Recreational Therapy student at Slippery Rock University and she has been invaluable to the success of the Butler County Brain Injury Support Group!
Leanne is very personable and always willing to help in any way she can. She is an awesome leader and always happy to see us. She is kind and patient. Her confidence and encouragement is motivating. She is generous and helpful, and is the heart and soul of the group. She’s is truly remarkable and irreplaceable. We are thankful for all she does for our group.
Butler Brain Injury Group
I want to shoutout Amanda Allemang! We met at a support group. Amanda is so encouraging. She is my cheerleader. She encouraged me to take the CBIS test, come to the conference and be a speaker. She encourages the best in each of us. My favorite saying of hers is, "Give yourself some grace." How true!
Carol Finn
My son has a TBI and our world was turned upside down. Melissa Carmen, as soon as she heard, stepped in connecting our family to resources, listening to us vent, and helping support us when I feel like the doctors aren't helping or listening. She walked me through getting a scholarship to attend the BIAPA conference and answered any questions I've had. She's gone above and beyond to find the answer and encourage/support us in anyway she can!
Sabrina Hackney
I’m very thankful for my family’s support ever since my terrible car accident. My Mom, Helene, and my Dad, Bill, are always more than willing to help me with my physical and emotional needs. My 3 siblings, Bryan, Aidan, and Liam have helped me by treating me the way they always have, but yet, aiding with my physical needs. As my family is continuing to grow, I am also thankful for the helpfulness of my brother-in-law Greg and my sister-in-law Christina.
Kiera Pheiffer
Our ReDiscoverU group wants to shoutout our leader, Holly! Holly has been leading ReDiscoverU for 2 years. We like to say Holly is very Jolly! She’s down to earth, personable and very caring. Her smile lights up the room. She is kind. She is patient. She is helpful and resourceful. She shows compassion. She takes time to plan and organize ReDiscoverU. As a group, we are very grateful for her!
ReDiscoverU Crew
I am deeply honored to call Cristabelle Braden a friend. Cristabelle is the definition of hope. She pours her heart into the brain injury community and impacts the lives of so many. Through brain injury support groups, podcasts, bible studies, music and more, Cristabelle loves deeply and supports others, even when she's struggling. She makes people feel like they're truly, not alone.
Tracy Onyekanne
My Shout Out goes to Mike Idell. I have known Michael for going on 9 years. Micheal is not only my best friend, he is my confident. Micheal is one of those one in a million people that you know in your heart will always be there for you. In 2017 I was diagnosed with stage 2 brain cancer(Glioblastoma ). Prior to my diagnosis I was in and out of the hospital and each and every time Micheal stayed the entire time I was admitted by my side. He was not only there for me but my mom as well. My mom is an 8 stroke-2 heart attack patient and with the constant help, support and motivation, my mom continues to improve her quality of life and looks forward to him spending time with her. I have seen first hand his dedication to helping others through his support calls and his drive to keep pushing forward in helping those with Neurological impairment.
Anna Idell
In the spring of 2021, I asked Kiera Pheiffer, if I could serve as a literary advisor to her. She agreed and we have had an active writing-based relationship since then. What I did not anticipate is that we would build a close friendship. What is more, Kiera is a blessing to me.
My wife of 44 years, Irene Bradley, had multiple catastrophic impairments for 24 years. This including a TBI. She lived at home and I worked full time. The stresses and strains on the family caregiver from that experience do not vanish immediately after the death of your sweetheart. Kiera, as have many of our TBI community, has taught me that you should embrace those challenges and not try to run from them. I am a better person due to Kiera’s strength and kindness.
Kiera has already authored poems and stories that will become iconic. She is hilariously funny. Our teasing is nonstop fun. (Wait a second. All of that teasing is directed at me! And well deserved. I adore that also).
Patrick Gallagher