About Janelle Biagioni

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So far Janelle Biagioni has created 77 blog entries.

Become a Charity Champion!

“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” ~Mother Teresa

We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to let you know about a new monthly donation campaign we’re starting up in March and invite you to participate.

Monthly donations are a great way to make a big impact and help us achieve our goals for the year. With your help, we can continue our work to create educational content on Brainstreams. Each month, Brainstreams has approximately 6,000 visitors to the website with an estimated 85% being new users. This tells us that survivors of brain injury, their families, caregivers, friends and support team are looking […]

Ask Your MP to Support Bill C-277

In addition to having you sign e-Petition #4266, MP MacGregor requires the support of your local Member of Parliament.

We do all the work for you! Go here to enter your name, email address, and postal code and we will do the rest. When you click on ‘Add Your Voice‘ at the bottom of the screen, the letter will automatically be sent to your MP (selected by your postal code), the Prime Minister, Health Minister, and other appropriate decision-makers.

Bill C-277 is an initiative of the CGB Centre […]

Establish a National Strategy on Brain Injury

We need 500 signatures – Click here to sign!

Support Bill C-277

It’s estimated more than 165,000 new cases of traumatic brain injury annually occur in Canada, and an estimated national prevalence of over 1.5 million cases (Brain Injury Canada, n.d.). These statistics are grossly understated given the thousands of brain injuries resulting from concussions, intimate partner violence, violence among the homeless, individuals incarcerated, combat injuries and those surviving an opioid/stimulant poisoning that are not diagnosed, treated, or tracked medically. Constituents, Canada-wide, are struggling to navigate a siloed system, preventing access the services and supports they need.

NDP MP Alistair MacGregor of […]

Blind Sighted by Anne Mok – TEDxSFU

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

~ Helen Keller (1880 – 1968)

Anne Mok

Helen Keller, after becoming ill at the age of two, which resulted in her becoming deaf and blind, grew up to become a world-renown author, disability rights advocate, political activist, and lecturer. In an eerie similarity, at the tender age of three, Anne Mok began experiencing vision challenges and she too, has grown to become an amazing woman dedicated to creating change.

“I’m a digital storyteller seeking beauty with purpose and inspiration to the visually impaired community to make the view accessible.”

In her TEDxSFU talk,

Call for More Research on Intimate Partner Violence and Brain Injury

Researchers are calling for more research on brain injury and domestic violence.

Many will equate concussion with sports-related injury. But a concussion can be sustained from a punch to the face or someone’s head being hit repeatedly against the wall or the floor.

Halina Haag, a social worker and PhD candidate in social work at Wilfrid Laurier University and Dr. Carmela Tartaglia, a neurologist with the Canadian Concussion Centre in Toronto, in a recent article, share the need to do more research on the impact of brain injury for women. For the Globe and Mail article, click on the link below.

Article:

Globe and Mail Intimate Partner Violence and […]

YOGA for Post Concussion Recovery – Part 2

Yoga stretch touching the floor

Last week you were introduced to a missing piece in concussion recovery, Empowerment.

Now let’s chat about why a concussion specific YOGA program can provide that missing piece.

In Yoga we change our mindset, allowing self acceptance and discovery. We practice intentions or mantras, essentially new ways to talk to ourselves.

In Yoga we practice breathing and grounding techniques to get a handle on a frantic nervous system and to create safety in our minds and bodies.

In Yoga we practice movement flows which improve spinal mobility, strength, and posture. Special attention is given to the neck in this concussion specific practice.

In Yoga we build overall strength and resilience which creates courage […]

Get EMPOWERED in Your Post Concussion Recovery – Part 1

Occupational Therapist/Yoga Instructor Shelley Latendresse coaches you through a 12 week Yoga based post concussion recovery program. Could this be the missing piece in your healing journey? Read on…

Often people with persistent concussion symptoms are on THE SEARCH, searching for any possible treatment that might work to get them back to feeling normal. But somehow they can end up feeling scattered, more confused, overloaded, and not sure what’s working for them.

Others may feel STUCK despite treatments. They may struggle with life outside of appointments and therapy. They can begin to feel like they have lost their identity and their life. They […]

Kris Letang Suffers a Second Stroke

Kris Letang, 35, defenseman for Pittsburgh Penguins suffered a stroke – his second stroke to be exact.

Letang, a native of Montreal, Quebec, recognized and reported the symptoms to the training staff, who in turn, got him immediately to hospital.

In 2014, Kris Letang sustained his first stroke and was out of the game for about two months. The cause of the first stroke was due to a small hole in the wall of his heart. Everyone is born with this condition, but it generally closes on its own.

We wish Kris Letang all the best in his recovery and his return to the game of hockey.

Click here for the full article […]

Tribute to Michael Rossiter

Michael Rossiter The Brain Injury Community is extremely saddened by the passing of Michael (Mike) Rossiter on November 23, 2022.

The one thing you could not do when you were with Mike was keep a frown on your face. Mike, dubbed “The Happy Fellow” by his wife, Mary Lou, was always smiling, and he made it his personal mission to make people smile and laugh right alongside him.

Although Mike was born and raised in Vancouver, he moved to Terrace with his young family, where he operated Totem Press with his partners. Mike also invested time into his community. In Terrace, he served on the Terrace City Council and on the board for […]

Michael Coss Mentors UBC Healthcare Students

Michael Coss

To know Michael, is to know his favourite quote, “Anything is possible, if you believe.”

As part of Michael’s ongoing commitment to making continued physical and cognitive progress, he is mentoring three healthcare students from the University of British Columbia (UBC).

The Interprofessional Mentors Health Program at UBC, requires Michael to make a nine-month commitment to share his experience navigating the Healthcare system over the last 16 years.

The program brings together students from different health disciplines to learn from mentors living with a chronic condition or a disability or who is a caregiver. The groups are self-directed and bring together four students and the mentor during the Fall and Winter Terms.

Michael says, […]

Anything is Possible

We’re excited to announce our next event of ‘Anything is Possible’ is scheduled for Saturday, October 29th at 4pm (EST). We are thrilled to be joined by speakers, Sheldon Guy, and Janet Omstead. Please see the poster attached for additional information. The story of Sheldon Guy can be seen here on this link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QlQ8aQPnDM.

As you have previously joined our zooms or expressed interest, we wanted you to be the first to know.

Availability is limited, so make sure to sign up on Eventbrite using the link provided: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/anything-is-possible-a-conversation-about-traumatic-brain-injury-5-tickets-305554009267

This event is organized by The GenWell Project, a NFP that addresses the issues of […]

Canadian Royal Purple Organizes Canada-Wide Purple Thursday on October 20th

Canadian Royal Purple Purple Thursday

Canadian Royal Purple Organizes Canada-wide Purple Thursday on October 20^th

“Stop the Violence” and “Paint Your Town Purple” have become key slogans for the Canadian Royal Purple. October 20^th, the third Thursday in October, will be recognized as Canadian Royal Purple’s first annual Purple Thursday.

“Our campaign is two-fold this year,” says National President, Sandi Lougheed of Beechy, SK. “We will engage in a major education and awareness campaign […]

Medically Assisted Dying & People in Poverty

wheel chair

A shocking 4 in 10 Canadians living in poverty are also individuals living with a disability. On October 8, 2022, Global News aired The New Reality report which states that it is poverty, rather than pain, that is driving individuals to choose medically assisted death.

Last year, the federal government expanded eligibility for folks who are NOT terminally ill for medically assisted death. In March, it is anticipated further expansion will include individuals living with mental illness.

Click here for the full video.

The controversary is not about individuals who are terminally ill and choose medically assisted dying. This report is about individuals with a disability who are […]

Neurotrauma Consultant Fired Following Evaluation of Tua Tagovailoa

Tuo Tagovailoa, quarterba football head injury ck for the Miami Dolphins, stumbled and fell, hitting the back of his head on the ground during the September 25th game.

The unffiliated neurotrauma consultant, who evaluated Tagovailoa, cleared him to return to play in the third quarter. As a result of what several sources declared to be “several mistakes” made during the evaluation, the neurotrauma consultant has been fired.

The quarterback played again on September 29th in the Dolphins’ home loss to the Cinncinati Bengals. Tagovailoa struck his head again during this game when tackled. Tagovailoa was immediately taken off the field and assessed and has now been sidelined indefinitely.

Click here for the full […]

BC Brain Injury Association Seeks Volunteers

Bruce Willis Diagnosed with Aphasia

In March 2022, Bruce Willis’ family announced on social media that he is stepping away from a long career as an actor following a diagnosis of aphasia. Willis’ family, in the past, had made comments on the actor’s memory challenges. The Los Angeles Times reported that in recent years, accommodations were made on film sets because of these struggles.

Willis began his career in theatre and then became known on television in the hilarious series Moonlighting, with Cybil Shepherd. He advanced his acting career from television to the big screen and appeared in approximately 150 movies, including Die Hard and Pulp Fiction.

Aphasia impacts a person’s ability to understand language. The individual […]

The Road Ahead: Next Exit Hope! For Ages 5 and Up.

Little ones thrive on structure and routine. They also need fun, joy, mud puddles, and life to be carefree. When a parent or sibling, or a loved one sustain a brain injury those carefree days disappear – in an instant.

Children as young as five years of age are aware of significant changes at home. They may not understand or be able to put into words how they feel, what they are afraid of, or even know what to ask, but they too, will be impacted by a brain injury in the family. It impacts everyone.

Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association (FVBIA) intends for the booklet The Road Ahead: Next Exit Hope! For Ages 5 and Up to help families […]

The Road Ahead: Next Exit Hope! For Ages 11 and Up.

Preteens, teens, young adults are navigating a new path for themselves. These tender years are fraught with pressures in school, post secondary education, career options and more. It’s a lot. Add into the mix the sudden changes from a parent, sibling, or loved one sustaining a brain injury and their world is completely turned upside down.

What is a brain injury and how will it impact my loved one? These are prominent questions. What does it mean for me and how do I fit into this new life with them? These are the questions that are asked in silence.

Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association (FVBIA) intends for the booklet The Road Ahead: Next Exit Hope! For Ages 11 and […]

FVBIA Employers Guide to ABI 2022

The Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association (FVBIA) have recently developed some important resources.

The Employers Guide to ABI 2022 aims to support employers who are not familiar with an acquired brain injury. Returning to meaningful activity, including employment when possible, is a central goal for many individuals who have sustained an acquired brain injury. Having purpose, connections, and being able to contribute to one’s community is important for everyone, especially for those folks who are working to redesign their life.

FVBIA’s Employers Guide to ABI provides valuable information on how the brain is impacted and some simple tips on how to assist employees with ABI to be successful in the workplace.

Additional Resources:

The Journey […]

Virtual Caregivers Support Group

When a person suffers from a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), their loved ones are catapulted into the caregiver role to support and look after their injured family member. Relationships, responsibilities, and roles shift suddenly, which can be confusing and overwhelming for the non-injured caregiver.

Chuck Jung Associates and Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association will be launching a Virtual Caregivers Support Group in March of 2022. From March to August of 2022, the group will meet monthly for 90-minutes to engage in discussions to provide important information and teach skills that will help caregivers negotiate and manage a new role in their life. These groups are free of charge.

WHAT? Monthly Caregiver Support Group

WHERE? Virtual

WHEN? 6-Monthly […]

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