Author: Dorey Roland Savio

ALBANY, N.Y.: March 6, 2018 –  Diana Williams, award-winning reporter and anchor for ABC7NY top-rated Eyewitness News, has been named the keynote speaker for the 36^th Annual “One Voice for Brain Injury” Conference.  Williams will address the audience with her story “Halfway There” describing her son’s traumatic brain injury and her steep learning curve through the recovery process.

Williams’ son, an F-22 fighter pilot, sustained a severe brain injury in an accident that almost took his life. Williams will share how his injury impacted her entire family.

Registration is now open for the event, which will be hosted at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs, New York on Wednesday, June 13 and Thursday, June 14. Professionals, brain injury service providers and consumers from across the state are invited to get a first look at industry trends and information to better support and serve individuals and their families affected by brain injury across New York State.

Williams joined the Eyewitness News Team in 1991. Before that she worked at WNEV-TV in Boston, after starting her career at WBTV-TV in Charlotte, North Carolina. Throughout her journalism career, Williams has covered important stories ranging from the troubles in Northern Ireland to undocumented immigrant crossings along the Mexican border. She reported from Haiti on the one-year anniversary of the earthquake that ravaged the island nation. Noted for her calm, professional manner during a crisis, she anchored coverage on September 11th during the critical early hours following the attack on the World Trade Center.

“We are thrilled to host Diana Williams at this year’s Conference,” said Eileen Reardon, Executive Director for the Brain Injury Association of New York State. “Her personal story told through the eyes of a caregiver will surely resonate with many that attend our conference.  Her family’s TBI journey to recovery is truly inspirational and really reminds us that this type of injury can happen anywhere, anytime to anyone.”

This two-day conference, which is open to professionals, brain injury service providers and consumers will contain a variety of workshops including: professional presentations; panel discussions; and personal testimonials from brain injury survivors and their family members.  New this year, the conference will feature optional evening leisure activities for attendees.

Pricing is $300 for BIANYS members and $350 for non-members.  Scholarships opportunities are available for current members.  Deadline for submission is April 20, 2018.

Exhibitor booth and underwriter opportunities are available by contacting Erica Rossin by phone at 518-459-7911 or via email at erossin@bianys.org.

For more information on Diana Williams story, visit www.facebook.com/dianawilliams.abc7ny.

ALBANY, NY: February 20, 2018 —The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS, a statewide non-profit membership organization that advocates on behalf of individuals with brain injuries and their families, announced today that they have been selected as an Official Charity Partner of the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon. The race will take place on Sunday, November 4, 2018.

“The Brain Injury Association of New York State is thrilled to be named as an official charity partner of the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon for the third consecutive year,” said Eileen Reardon, executive director for Brain Injury Association of New York State. “The TCS New York City Marathon provides a unique platform for our dedicated runners to pursue their goals while raising awareness for causes that are close to their hearts. We are proud to support them on their journey to the iconic finish line as they raise awareness and important funds that support the mission of our organization.

More than 350 official charity partners will be part of the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon, providing thousands the opportunity to run in the world’s most popular marathon.

Every year, serious falls, assaults, car accidents and other incidents such as stroke result in brain injury for thousands of New Yorkers. Brain injury profoundly effects individuals’ physical and cognitive abilities and makes it extremely difficult or impossible for individuals to live full productive lives.  With generous contributions from donors and support from important partners like the TCS New York City Marathon, BIANYS continues to provide education, advocacy and community support services that lead to the improved outcome for children and adults with brain injuries.

“We are proud to welcome The Brain Injury Association of New York State to our official charity partner program for the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon,” said Christine Burke, vice president of runner products and services for New York Road Runners. “Participants in our official charity partner program are able to reach their goal of running 26.2 miles across New York City while directly impacting causes that are important to them through their fundraising efforts. We are inspired by their commitment and wish them the best of luck as they begin their amazing journey to the TCS New York City Marathon.”

For more information on the official charity partner program, please visit: https://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/plan-your-race/run-for-charity

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About the TCS New York City Marathon
The TCS New York City Marathon is the preeminent event of New York Road Runners (NYRR), the world’s premier community running organization.  Held annually on the first Sunday of November, it’s the largest marathon in the world featuring over 50,000 runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to runners of all ages and abilities, including approximately 9,000 charity runners. Participants from approximately 140 countries tour the diverse neighborhoods of the city’s five boroughs – Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan. Race morning also features the Rising New York Road Runners Youth Invitational at the TCS New York City Marathon in Central Park, with participants finishing at the same finish line that will be crossed hours later by the marathon field. More than one million spectators and 10,000 volunteers line the city’s streets in support of the runners, while millions more watch the television broadcast. The race is a founding member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, which features the world’s top marathons—Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York—and crowns the top professional male and female marathoners each year. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading global IT services, consulting, and business solutions organization, is the premier partner of NYRR and the title sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon. The 48th running of the TCS New York City Marathon is set for November 4, 2018. To learn more, visit www.tcsnycmarathon.org.

Read full response here.

ALBANY, N.Y.: February 12, 2018 –  The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) announced today the call for artwork submissions for their annual art show in Albany, N.Y.  For the 25^th consecutive year, BIANYS will showcase the artistic talents of brain injury survivors from Monday, April 16 through Friday, April 20, in the South Concourse of the Empire State Plaza.

An estimated 2.8 million Americans currently live with disabilities resulting from brain injury.  Brain Injury profoundly impacts individuals’ physical and cognitive abilities and makes it extremely difficult for individuals to live full productive lives. For many, artistic expression is a way to communicate the impact of a brain injury and its often-hidden effects.

“The Brain Injury Association of New York State is honored to once again provide a creative outlet where dozens of individuals have the opportunity to showcase their work,” said Eileen Reardon, Executive Director for BIANYS.  “Annually, the art show illustrates the strength, perseverance and talent of individuals impacted by brain injury.  Now in our 25^th year, we’d love to see more submissions across the state to highlight the talent, creativity and most importantly their individual story to recovery.”

For the last 24 years, the organization’s Annual Art Show has displayed more than 1200 pieces of artwork. The organization invites any brain injury survivor to submit their work to the show.  Deadline for submission is April 6, 2018.  For more information and guidelines, please call 518-459-7911 or visit bianys.org

Training offers nationally recognized credential

ALBANY, N.Y.: February 5, 2018 –  The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) announced their upcoming Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) training to be held at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. on June 12, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This class is offered in accordance with the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS) to strengthen the network of dedicated, competent brain injury specialists across New York State.

Professionals working in the field of brain injury that have 500 hours of currently verifiable direct contact experience with an individual or individuals with brain injury are invited to apply. The class is designed to help review material for the nationally recognized certification examination. Starting six weeks prior to the class, enrollees will have access to weekly webinars and receive study tips and detailed home study information that corresponds with the chapters in the Essential Brain Injury Study Guide.

“Brain injuries can happen in an instant but can bring a lifetime of physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioral changes,” said Eileen Reardon, Executive Director for BIANYS.  “It is extremely important that we have a network of professionals committed to maintaining knowledge about brain injury rehabilitation throughout New York State.”

To register or learn more about upcoming CBIS training with BIANYS, please call 518-459-7911. Deadline to apply is April 13, 2018.

Organizations across the state are invited to participate to raise awareness and funds to support the BIANYS during the Month of March

Hundreds of individuals, caregivers and family members affected by brain injury to attend BIANYS Annual Brain Injury Advocacy Day on March 20

ALBANY, NY: January 18, 2018 – The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS), a statewide non-profit membership organization that advocates on behalf of individuals with brain injuries and their families announced today plans for Brain Injury Awareness Month in March with the continuation of their annual Blue Jeans for Brain Injury fundraising campaign, Brain Injury Advocacy Day and other statewide activities.

Every year, serious falls, assaults, car accidents and other incidents such as stroke result in brain injury for thousands of New Yorkers. Brain injury profoundly impacts individuals’ physical and cognitive abilities and makes it extremely difficult or impossible for individuals to live full productive lives. Brain injury can influence family dynamics, community activities, employment and social life. Behavioral changes that may occur as a result of brain injury can also have a significant impact on the ability to interact with others and conform to the rules and structure of society.

“The Brain Injury Association is proud to be on the forefront of organizing awareness activities throughout New York State during Brain Injury Awareness Month in March,” said Eileen Reardon, executive director for BIANYS. “We have been successful working alongside dozens of organizations to host individual events statewide and we are proud to continue to raise awareness and funds to support our mission based work.”

In March, BIANYS will commence their statewide Brain Injury Awareness activities with their first Meet and Greet of the year on Wednesday, March 7 at Crandall Public Library in Glens Falls, N.Y. The scheduled session will include a live in-person program and an interactive question-and-answer period hosted by staff and leadership from BIANYS.

As part of Brain Injury Awareness Month,  the organization is also organizing their annual Brain Injury Advocacy Day on March 20 in Albany, N.Y.  Hundreds of individuals, caregivers and family members affected by brain injury will have the opportunity to share their personal experience, meet with legislators, address current issues and show their support for the cause.

Organizations and companies that are looking to do something impactful and are interested in participating in any of the upcoming activities scheduled, are invited to participate in one of the following free informational webinars:

• Wednesday, January 31 at 2:00 p.m.
• Thursday, February 1 at 10:00 a.m.

Registration is available online at www.bianys.org

BIANYS names Kenneth B. Goldblatt, Esq. and Lori Goldblatt as this year’s honorary chairs

NEW YORK, N.Y.: August 10, 2017 – The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS), a statewide non-profit membership organization that advocates on behalf of individuals with brain injuries and their families, announced today it will host its annual Journey of Hope Gala at the Manhattan Penthouse on Wednesday, October 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  The organization invites attendees to enjoy an evening in celebration of the courageous individuals and families impacted by brain injury across the state.

BIANYS provides resources, support groups, training, prevention programs, and other services to help individuals with brain injury and their families in New York.  Since its inception, more than $900,000 has been raised through their annual gala with proceeds supporting programs and services provided by the organization.

“The Journey of Hope Gala will be a fun, festive night to support a wonderful cause, and it will certainly make a difference for the thousands of New Yorkers who sustain brain injuries every year,” said Kenneth B. Goldblatt, 2017 Journal of Hope Gala Honorary Co-Chair.

“The Brain Injury Association of New York State continuously helps so many brain injury survivors and their family members who don’t know what to do following a life changing injury,” said Lori Goldblatt, 2017 Journal of Hope Gala Honorary Co-Chair. “We are honored to help organize this annual celebration, which will further assist BIANYS in continuing and expanding their much-needed services across the state.”

Guests will enjoy fine foods, music, a silent auction featuring high-end prizes and an open bar. The organization will also recognize several honorees all who have made a significant impact on the brain injury community.

The Journey of Hope Gala is presented by the Brain Injury Association of New York State with longstanding support from:  Goldblatt & Associates, P.C. and RUSK Rehabilitation.  Additional support for the event is provided by: Siegel & Coonerty Attorneys at Law, AHRC, O’Connell and Aronowitz, Wells Fargo and Northwell Health Rehabilitative Services.  Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are still available by contacting Erica Rossin at erossin@bianys.org.

Tickets are $250 per person or $400 for an individual Honorary Committee Member Ticket which includes a pre-event VIP reception and recognition on the Journey Of Hope Gala invitation and program. Ticket reservations are required and can be made by phone at 518-459-7911 or online at bianys.org/event/journey-of-hope-gala-2017. The Manhattan Penthouse is located at 80 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY.

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Four individuals connected to the local brain injury community to be named this year’s honorees

OLD WESTBURY, N.Y.: July 26 2017 – The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS), a statewide non-profit membership organization that advocates on behalf of individuals with brain injuries and their families, announced today that four local individuals have been named the 2017 Honorees for their inaugural satellite walk on Long Island.  The event, which will be held in partnership with Mind Over Matter, is scheduled for Saturday, August 26 at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) – Old Westbury campus in Old Westbury, N.Y.

“The Brain Injury Association of New York State is pleased to announce this year’s honorees,” said Eileen Reardon, BIANYS Executive Director “We have four outstanding individuals who are personally connected with or are working in the field of brain injury and are thrilled that they will serve as this year’s honorees.  Each individual’s connection with brain injury is unique and through their personal stories and outreach we hope to unite hundreds of individuals on Long Island who have been impacted by this invisible injury.”

The March On for Brain Injury campaign serves as a statewide celebration.  The addition of the Long Island Satellite walk to the March On for Brain Injury events, will support the organization’s growth in building awareness, visibility and understanding of brain injury across New York State. Proceeds from the event will benefit the organization’s programs and services supporting individuals statewide.

The following individuals have been named this year’s honorees:

-Partner Honoree
Jenna Mosenson
The Brain Injury Association of New York State is pleased to honor Jenna Mosenson, a 20-year-old former roller hockey player who suffered numerous concussions.  She founded Mind Over Matter (mindovermatter-tbi.org) an organization dedicated to bringing awareness of and educating the public about concussion.

-Medical Honoree 
Dr. Deborah M. Benson
Dr. Benson is a New York State Licensed Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with brain injury survivors and their families on Long Island. She is a Senior Director of Clinical Services at Paradigm Outcomes, maintains privileges at Northwell Health, and founded Common Ground Alliance, a Long Island volunteer organization that provides social/recreational activities for brain injury survivors and families.  Dr. Benson, a former BIANYS board member, remains an active participant in BIANYS’ Long Island Chapter and is committed to serving and advocating for brain injury survivors and families.

-Youth Honoree
Donovan Maldonado
The Brain Injury Association of New York State is pleased to honor Donovan Maldonado as this year’s youth honoree. On Tuesday, January 12, 2016, Donovan “Donny” Maldonado was struck by a car while walking home from school. He suffered severe head trauma (TBI) and a shattered spleen among other ailments.  After about seven months in inpatient rehab, Donny finally came home on August 22, 2016 and was able to walk and talk again.  This special young man as made a miraculous journey and he is not finished yet!

-Corporate Honoree
Dr. Hallie Zwibel, New York Institute of Technology  – Center for Sports Medicine
The Brain Injury Association of New York State is pleased to honor Dr. Hallie Zwibel of New York Institute of Technology- Center for Sports Medicine as this year’s Corporate Honoree.  At the NYIT Center for Sports Medicine, the multidisciplinary team includes over 40 providers specializing in neurology, sports medicine, pediatrics, and psychology, in addition to occupational and physical therapies.  Currently, the Center provides injury and illness management, concussion care, and education, to the over 800 NYIT and LIO Post collegiate athletes, the NYIT community of students, faculty, and staff, as well as patients in the local community.

The March On for Brain Injury Long Island Satellite event will feature a fun walk and activities for the whole family to enjoy.  Attendees will gather at the Riland Health Care Center on the NYIT-Old Westbury campus.  Registration will begin at 9 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. start time for the walk. Attendees are encouraged to walk at their own pace.

Since its inception, nearly $185,000 has been raised through March On for Brain Injury events across New York State to support programs and services provided by the organization. As part of their statewide campaign, BIANYS will be also be hosting March on for Brain Injury event in Rochester and Hudson Valley.

March on for Brain Injury – Long Island is presented by the Brain Injury Association of New York State in partnership with Mind Over Matter.  Additional support for the event is provided by: J & G Associates, NYIT Center for Sports Medicine and Northwell Health Rehabilitation Network. Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Erica Rossin by phone at 518-459-7911 or via email at erossin@bianys.org.

For more information or to register, visit https://hudsonvalleymarchon.bianys.org/LongIsland.

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OLD WESTBURY, N.Y.: July 18, 2017 – The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS), a statewide non-profit membership organization that advocates on behalf of individuals with brain injuries and their families, announced today their plans to expand their popular March On for Brain Injury campaign to include an inaugural satellite walk on Long Island.  The event, which will be held in partnership with Mind Over Matter, will take place on Saturday, August 26 at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) in Old Westbury, N.Y.

The addition of the Long Island Satellite walk to the March On for Brain Injury events will support the organization’s growth in developing a one-day statewide celebration to build awareness, visibility and understanding of brain injury across New York State. Proceeds from the event will benefit the organization’s programs and services supporting individuals statewide.

“The Brain Injury Association of New York State is pleased to partner with Mind Over Matter for this exciting expansion of one of our signature events to Long Island,” said Eileen Reardon, BIANYS Executive Director “We have a strong chapter and great partners on Long Island and we are thrilled to be able to let the Long Island community know that there is support for individuals impacted by brain injury and their family members. We are also thankful to NYIT for collaborating with us and inviting us to host our upcoming event at their facility.”

The March On for Brain Injury Long Island Satellite event will feature a family fun walk and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Attendees will gather at the Riland Health Care Center on the NYIT-Old Westbury campus.  Registration will begin at 9 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. start time for the walk. Attendees are encouraged to walk at their own pace.

Since its inception, nearly $185,000 has been raised through March On for Brain Injury events across New York State to support programs and services provided by the organization. As part of their statewide campaign, BIANYS will be also be hosting March on for Brain Injury events in Rochester, Hudson Valley, with an additional satellite walk in New York City.

March On for Brain Injury Long Island Satellite Walk is presented by the Brain Injury Association of New York State in partnership with Mind Over Matter. Additional support for the event is provided by: J & G Associates and NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine Center for Sports Medicine. Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Erica Rossin by phone at 518-459-7911 or via email at erossin@bianys.org.

For more information or to register, visit https://hudsonvalleymarchon.bianys.org/LongIsland.

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