The summer weather brings lots of great outdoor activities. Warm evenings are a perfect match for enjoying outdoor concerts, a picnic and this month the dark sky often lights up with colorful fireworks. Morning bike rides are an excellent way to start the day. Thanks to the University of Utah and their TRAILS cycling program, Mark had his first bike ride in over twenty-eight year.
We appreciate the opportunities in our state that assist us in kayaking, sailing, and biking. Tanja Kari, Program Administrator of the TRAILS Paralympic Sports Club is eager to make it all possible. She is enthusiastic and seemed to enjoy the challenge of getting pedals and straps that fit Mark’s abilities to make his ride enjoyable and successful. Working with her and the TRAILS team is a pleasure.
We are looking forward to their overnight camp at East Canyon State Park this month. They are a caring and fun group of people to be with. If you are interested in joining us or want more information concerning their programs, contact Tanja Kari at tanja.kari@hsc.utah.edu or call 801-428-9815. They also have scheduled weekday kayaking and sailing opportunities this month along with a cycling program which includes road and mountain biking. Indoor spinning happens in November through February. Cross country and downhill skiing start as soon as we have enough white on the ground. These programs feature the latest equipment and are staffed by specialized professionals and volunteers.
How do I find out about programs like this? I go to as many of the support groups as my time will allow. Friends and facilitators found in these groups are a wealth of knowledge. We gain valuable information through collaborating and associating with others in like situations. We’re grateful for people who understand and desire to strengthen our abilities to meet our challenges.
Being responsible for the care and well-being of another can be overwhelming, but it’s rewarding too. It seems like summer creates never ending yardwork on top of all other duties. Making time to enjoy outdoor activities with others is refreshing. I hope you’ll join us for a bike ride, kayaking or sailing excursion. It feels great to have a break from the daily grind and the exercise is a bonus to the fun. We’re excited for the overnight camp this month. Living with the effects of a severe traumatic brain injury and epilepsy helps me understand that every day is a bonus day and we need to take advantage of pleasurable opportunities to make the most out of life.
The purpose of this newsletter is to share information about organizations which I know about in hopes to help you. In case it’s impossible for you to get out, or you don’t live in this area, I’ve also included links to useful and inspiring websites.
If you have an activity, announcements or other information you’d like shared in this newsletter, please add them in the comments or email Barbara@UnitingCaregivers.com.
FREE SUPPORT GROUPS
FOR STROKE AND BRAIN INJURY SURVIVORS AND CAREGIVERS
Utah Valley Aphasia Choir is cancelled this month. Usually we meet at 6-6:45pm on the 1st Thursday of the month, prior to the support group at the BYU Speech and Language Clinic. August 1st will be our next meeting for all brain injury, and stroke survivors, caregivers, family, and friends. Come and enjoy the power of music and friendship together. Everyone interested is welcome to join.
Utah Valley Brain Injury Support Group is also cancelled this month. Usually we meet at 7-8:30 p.m. on the 1st Thursday monthly at the BYU Speech and Language Clinic, Room #177. Address: 1190 North 900 East, Provo, UT 84060. This month both the Aphasia Choir and Support Group is cancelled due to the July 4th holiday. For questions call Lori Johnson at (801)422-9132.
July 9, 2019 – Brain Injury Alliance Support Group for Adults, 6-8 p.m. meets every 2nd Tuesday monthly at Sanderson Community Deaf Center, 5709 South 1500 West, SLC, UT 84123. This social group is for caregivers and survivors. Come join us for a summer salad bar for dinner and games this month. Bring your favorite topping, side dish or dessert to share if you’d like. For more information, please call Jennifer (801)386-2195, or Beth (801)585-5511.
July 11, 2019 – IMC Caregivers and Survivors Education and Support Groups, normally meets at 7 p.m. every 3rd Thursday monthly at Intermountain Medical Center, 5171 S. Cottonwood St., Murray, UT 84107, building 1. However, this month the caregivers and survivors combine for a summer picnic at Snowbird with Wasatch Adaptive Sports at 5:30pm on the 2nd Thursday. Sandwiches and paper goods provided. Bring a side dish or dessert to share. Free tram rides & trail hiking to the observation deck. PLEASE remember the change in location and time this month only: 9385 S. Snowbird Center Drive, Snowbird, UT 84092.
University of Utah Brain Injury Support Group is cancelled this month. Usually we meet at 7-8 p.m. every 4th Tuesday monthly at Sugarhouse Health Center, 1138 E. Wilmington Avenue, SLC, UT 84106. See you in August. For more information please call Annie Wallace at (801)581-2221 Due to the Utah State Pioneer Holiday.
FREE WEEKLY GROUPS INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTH CARE NEURO THERAPY in Murray, Utah
Aphasia Talking Practice Group – Meets every Tuesday, Noon-1 p.m. at 5770 South 250 East #G50
Meditation Group – Meets every Wednesday, 3 p.m. at 5770 South 250 East Cafeteria Conference Room
Cognitive Skills Group – Meets every Thursday Noon-1 p.m. at 5770 South 250 East #G50
Contact: Emily Redd at Emily.redd@imail.org
FREE EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUPS FOR THOSE EFFECTED BY SEIZURES
Together we share coping strategies, provide encouragement, comfort and advice from people with common experiences. For more information contact Margo at (801)455-6089 or Utah@efa.org.
Logan Epilepsy Support Group for All has been canceled due to Independence Day. Usually they meet from 7 – 8 pm on the 1st Thursday at the Logan Regional Hospital500 E. 1400 N., Logan, UT 84341.
July 10, 2019 – Provo Epilepsy Group for All, meetsat7:00 – 8:15 pm on the 2nd Wednesday at the Provo City Library, 555 N. University Ave., Provo, UT.
July 11, 2019 – IMC Epilepsy Group for All, meets at 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday at the Intermountain Medical Center, 5171 S. Cottonwood St., Murry, UT Bldg. 6, 1st floor – CR2 in the Doty Education Center.
July 17, 2019 – SLC Epilepsy Group for All, meets at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on the 3rd Wednesday at the SLC Main Library 200 E. 400 S., SLC, UT (3rd floor conference room).
July 25, 2019 – West Jordan Epilepsy Group for Teens, meets at 7 – 8:30 p.m. on the 4th Thursday at the West Jordan Library, 8030 S. 1825 W., West Jordan, UT. Come and enjoy an activity and meet other teens with epilepsy. There are two teachers overseeing this group.
HELPFUL WEBSITES:
http://www.caregiver.org (online webinars for caregivers)
http://www.braininjury.com (medical, legal, information resource)
http://www.abta.org (brain tumor education and information)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/tbi (brain injury facts, programs, education)
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/all-disorders (education for brain injury, stroke and other neurological disorders)
http://www.msktc.org/tbi (TBI Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center) national leaders in TBI research and patient care.
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Resources-Support (resource for those with MS)
http://www.epilepsy.com/utah and/or http://www.epilepsy.com (seizure education and support by state or national)
https://biau.org (resource for those with brain injury)
http://www.brainline.org (preventing, treating and living with TBI)
http://www.uilc.org (Utah Independent Living Center is a resource center which enhances independence of persons with disabilities)
ACTIVITIES TO DO WEBSITES:
https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass (free pass to National Parks & Federal Land Agency areas)
https://twilightinsight.wordpress.com/hobbies/hobbies-or-healing-the-brain/tbi-and-selecting-a-hobby (select a hobby – ideas especially for TBI survivors)
http://wanderookie.com/blog/2015/07/27/12-beautiful-wheelchair-accessible-trails-in-utah
(wheelchair accessible trails in Utah)
wasatchadaptivesports.org (Wasatch Adaptive Sports)
http://www.discovernac.org (National Ability Center)
https://healthcare.utah.edu/rehab/support-services/trails.php (University of Utah TRAILS Program)
https://www.meetup.com (meet up groups)
SHARING WEBSITES:
http://www.brainline.org/abbymaslin (blog about loving and learning after TBI)
http://www.unitingcaregivers.wordpress.com (caregivers sharing stories, tips and thoughts)
Thank you for reading. I hope you found the information helpful and will follow this website via email to receive notifications of every new post. The “Follow” button is located at the beginning of the newsletter. However, if you want to subscribe only to a monthly newsletter, please email Barbara@UnitingCaregivers.com. I will add you to the newsletter email list and send it to you.
Uniting Caregivers 
This is very cool!
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Yes indeed. The variety of equipment to meet individual needs is impressive. Mark is looking forward to the next time.