ALBANY, N.Y.: July 6, 2017 – The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS), announced today that Isabella Sementilli of Schenectady County has been named Youth Honoree for their upcoming Hudson Valley March On for Brain Injury. The popular event is slated to return to the Walkway over the Hudson on August 26.
“The Brain Injury Association of New York State is pleased to announce Isabella as our 2017 Youth Honoree for the Hudson Valley March On for Brain Injury,” said Eileen Reardon, BIANYS Executive Director “Isabella is a leader as a youth advocate, raising awareness of both brain injury and bullying. She truly is an inspiration for so many teens who face similar situations.”
In October of 2013, Sementilli an extremely active fifth grader, suffered a serious concussion, fractured tailbone, back and neck injuries after a classmate yanked out her chair as she went to sit down. Just a few months later, Sementilli suffered a second concussion leaving her with a lasting debilitating headache disorder. She had to stop reading, watching TV and using electronic devices. Tap and tennis were also put on hold indefinitely and replaced by doctor and physical therapy appointments.
“Despite the pain that Isabella faced after her injury, sitting around wasn’t an option for her,” said Isabella’s mother Pola Sementilli. “Isabella learned to knit and bake and even tweaked a family cookie recipe now selling at our family restaurant, Scotti’s. Isabella donates to charities and organizations close to her heart.”
Today, Sementilli is an active member of BIANYS most recently participating as a youth leader at the 2017 Advocacy Day and currently serving as a member of the BIANYS Youth Concussion Council. She also actively supports many local and national anti-bullying charities.
Now in its fourth year, the Hudson Valley March On for Brain Injury will feature an inaugural 5K course, a one-mile family fun walk and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Attendees will gather on the Poughkeepsie side of the Walkway over the Hudson. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. followed by a 9 a.m. kick-off for the 5K run a 10 a.m. start time for the walk.
Since its inception, nearly $185,000 has been raised through March On for Brain Injury events 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 in Rochester with satellite locations in New York City and on Long Island.
March on for Brain Injury is presented by iHeartMedia and is made possible with the support of longstanding partners Goldblatt & Associates, P.C., and O’Connell & Aronowitz, P.C. Additional support for the event is provided by: J & G Associates, St. Charles Hospital and NYIT 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 hudsonvalleymarchon.bianys.org.