LOCAL FOX NEWS FEATURE ON TBIs & FOOTBALL

The feature on the local Seattle Fox News station was quite interesting.  Locally this has been an issue in the news a lot, with an increasing amount of coverage being given to the research being done at the University of Washington on the subject.  One of the research projects at the UW has evolved into a business, specifically developing a helmet to be used in sports.

The serious approach to the development and implimenation of this helmet is interesting.  But Dr. Ellenbogen and others have also always mentioned that more concussions and other TBIs are acquired through riding bicycles than through football, specifically.  But honestly, ANY activity in life can involve a TBI at some point, some more damaging than others.

I always emphasize education and prevention, because as good as any helmet may be, it isn't the whole answer.  Everyone, parent, child, young adult, adult--needs to have the information and take it seriously.  Part of the problem, in my opionion, is that if someone has no experience with TBIs or the aftermath, they aren't going to come at it with the whole picture of potential issues.  There will always be those who will disregard, or feel they have a balanced point of view,  and those who feel the risks are too much, for them or their loved ones.   It is a personal choice.

I felt that the FOX feature was interesting, thorough and worth the time.

One of the reasons for the attention to this issue locally is the recent loss of Evergreen High School Sr., Kenny Bui, after being injured in a football game.  Our group's prayers and thoughts go out to Kenny Bui's family and friends.

The Schulte Family: One Year Anniversary of DUI Accident

I can't believe that it has been a year since the tragic accident,  caused by a repeat drunk driver, that took the lives of Dan Schulte's parents & forever altered the lives of Karina (Dan's wife) & their son, who was just weeks old at the time.  The news has, somewhat, addressed the damage done to the survivors, but not enough attention, in my opinion, has been focused enough on the lasting impact left by the careless, senseless, selfish act of, yet another, drunk driver.

For Dan's young wife to have to relearn to walk, talk and live again after receiving a severe TBI, then having a stroke, is a challenge no one should have to endure.  Again, at the hands of someone who has demonstrated, time & time again, what little regard they have for others, is SO wrong.

Our members have been talking about this case for a year now.  As our group is so aware, traumatic brain injury (TBI) can happen to anyone, at any age, through no fault of their own.  In this case it was a family taking a walk with their newborn baby, just walking down the sidewalk.  Our thoughts and prayers have always been with the family. 

BRAIN AWARENESS EVENT--2014

BRAIN AWARENESS OPEN HOUSE EVENT, 2014

 

 

 

The Brain Awareness Open House event at the University of Washington was a great success!  We saw several hundred students (grades 4-12) from Western Washington schools.  Answered a lot of questions about hydrocephalus and handed out lots of literature about all types of the condition.

 

 

We saw kids from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, but it didn't seem as chaotic as it has in some years past.  Don't get me wrong, we still saw throngs of kids, teachers and parents during the event, which is always great.  As always, it was tiring, but in a good way.

 

Unfortunately, my surprise didn't happen, but I'm looking forward to next year.  I'm hoping that the same surprise will happen at next year's event.

 

This year's event had exhibits that were returnees, as well as new ones.  The preserved brains and spinal cords were back.  Very popular with the kids, particularly the grade school boys!

 

I should have photos to add to the blog shortly.  The organizer took some and Dean Andersen, Kim's dad, took some.

 

 

Again, I want to thank Medtronic for sending the squishy brains and 'stuff' to hand out.  We missed our usual shunt rep, but we soldiered on with our foam head and shunt demo.  I'd also like to thank National Hydrocephalus Foundation's (NHF) Debbi Fields for sending us newsletters and 'stuff' to add to the table.  I also made a point to hand out the Sports Legacy Institute (SLI) information about concussions.  That was very popular with teachers and parents.  We also has some updated hydrocephalus information.

 

Looks like we're going to be doing at least one class presentation at the end of the month.  It should be interesting, being able to answer questions from the kids and give them a more personal perspective from those of us living with hydrocephalus, as well as a parent or two with many years of experience.

 

I'm going to go take a nap now.  I'm SO tired!!

 



August Meeting

A small but mighty August meeting.  We had one participant call in, so we had a conference call which was nice.

We discussed ideas for Brain Awareness Month, which is coming up in September.  Lots of ideas, but too little time.  Planning for 2014 is in the works.  I promptly came home and did some research into various health fairs and other ideas of expanding our outreach.  Next year I would love to see us have some articles in mainstream, local and regional newspapers and magazines.  I would also like to see us getting involved in some discussion groups on the topic of brain health and development.

I also sent out a bunch of emails to various producers of events in Western Washington to explore the idea of having booths at events in Summer, 2014.

We also touched on the issues parents have in dealing with having a child with challenges, not limited to hydrocephalus.

Thanks to Frank for bringing me a birthday card.  It was great!

Hope to see new faces, as well as the regulars at the September Meeting (9/21/13).