During your busy day, do you think about all that your brain does to get you through it? It controls everything you say, feel, and do. Through your brain, you experience emotion. It keeps you alive through breathing, circulation and digestion. It controls your hormones, and the immune system. It’s responsible for your urges, ideas and the way you think, even the reason why on some occasions, you don’t think, but act instead.
This incredible organ of soft tissue, weighing less than three pounds contained in our skull is largely taken for granted. Yet it functions as a primary receiver, organizer, and distributor of all information for the body. We usually don’t think about all the brain does, until an injury occurs or malfunctions.
Washington, DC reports every 11 seconds someone in the US sustains a brain injury.
There are two basic types of brain injury:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is caused by an external force, a blow or jolt to the head. Common causes include motor vehicle crashes, falls, sports injuries, assaults and gunshot wound to the head. Injuries range from mild concussions to severe permanent brain damage.
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is caused by internal factors, such as a lack of oxygen supply due to near drowning or heart attack. It can also include infectious diseases, a brain tumor, exposure to toxins, aneurysm or stroke. The brain injury will range from mild to severe.
Remember you only get one brain. Unlike the liver, kidney or heart, no human brain transplant has ever been done. Your brain can’t be replaced like a hip, knee or shoulder. Nor fixed like a broken bone.
Since 1991, we enjoy many friendships of all types of brain injured people with varying degrees of damage. We gain valuable information through meeting with others in like situations. I’m grateful for the people we meet in our support groups. Their encouragement helps me meet our challenges. The experience and knowledge shared is both beneficial and uplifting.
My hope for this newsletter is to share information about organizations which help people with a brain injury and their caregivers. I’ve included information relating to epilepsy because TBI and ABI can cause epilepsy. My husband, Mark had his first seizure seven years after the car accident. He was diagnosed with epilepsy as a result of his brain injury.
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.
FREE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR STROKE AND BRAIN INJURY SURVIVORS AND CAREGIVERS
March 5, 2020 – Utah Valley Aphasia Choir meets at 6-6:45pm on the 1st Thursday of the month, prior to the support group at the BYU Speech and Language Clinic. It’s 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.
March 5, 2020 – Utah Valley Brain Injury Support Group meets 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. Join us for an Adaptive Yoga Night, taught by Abigail Atkinson. For questions email byutbigroup@gmial.com or call (801)422-9132.
March 10, 2020 – 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 dinner and games. Bring your favorite dessert to share if you’d like. For more information, please call Jennifer (801)386-2195, or Beth (801)585-5511.
March 19, 2020 – IMC Caregivers and Survivors Education and Support Groups, meets at 7 – 8 p.m. every 3rd Thursday monthly at Intermountain Medical Center, 5171 S. Cottonwood St., Murray, UT 84107, building 1. This month survivors & caregivers willmeet together on the 9th floor Neuroscience Conference Room. Natalie Caldwell, MS,CCC-SLP is presenting Ground Rules for Communication with Those You Love. For more information, please call (801)314-2086 or email Emily Redd at emily.redd@imail.org.
March 24, 2020 – University of Utah Brain Injury Support Group meets at 6:15 – 7:15 p.m. every 4th Tuesday monthly at Sugarhouse Health Center, 1280 E. Stringham Avenue, 3rd floor conference room, SLC, UT 84106. This month they are hosting Molli Baker from Molli Dogs, a service dog training academy. She will be talking about therapy, emotional support, and service animals. For more information please call (801)581-2221 or email Kelsi.Schiltz@hsc.utah.edu.
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
Adaptive Yoga – Meets every Wednesday, 4 p.m. at 5770 South 250 East, Gym
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
March 11, 2020 – Provo Epilepsy Group for All, meets at 7:00 – 8:15 pm on the 2nd Wednesday at the Provo City Library, 555 N. University Ave., Provo, UT.
March 12, 2020 – 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., Murray, UT Bldg. 6, 1st floor – CR2 in the Doty Education Center.
March 18, 2020 – 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).
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)
https://www.loveyourbrain.com (Kevin Pearce’s nonprofit organization that improves the quality of life of people affected by traumatic brain injury)
Two of my favorite websites. What are yours?
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, I can add you to the newsletter only list. For this option, please email Barbara@UnitingCaregivers.com.
The mountains are bursting with color, announcing that autumn is here. I regret we haven’t taken time for a ride to enjoy the variety of stunning colors. Time is running out, but hopefully this weekend we can get out and experience the delightful Fall colors. It really is the perfect season for a casual drive, bike ride or hike. Soon the colors will move down into the valley and then we’ll be busy raking leaves. It’s finally starting to cool off and today we’re getting our first feel of moisture in a long time. Last month goes down as one of the driest Septembers on record.
All spare evenings and weekends in September were filled with making grape and V-8 juice from our garden. The past two years I’ve made as much juice as my garden will provide because it’s the best way to get Mark hydrated. With his delayed swallow he often chokes, especially on liquids. He does better with juices because they have a taste. Water has no taste and no consistency unless you add Thick It, which he doesn’t like in water. He says it just doesn’t seem right to drink a cold glass of thick water, so the swallowing and hydration problem continues. This year I had plenty of produce to bottle all the juice we should need for the coming year, plus enough to make some grape jam too. Now, I have pears waiting in my fridge to be bottled. It’s rewarding to see shelves full by the advantage of our garden, but it’s a time-consuming job and a lot of work too! I try to focus on the reward, but I’m glad it’s coming to an end. This year, my friend Beckie helped plant, weed, grow and shared in the benefits of the garden. Having a working partner sure makes it easier and a lot more enjoyable too!
Making time to connect with other’s who also endure the effects of brain injury and epilepsy, the two major health issues we deal with, gets me through the everyday grind. We benefit and enjoy meeting with others in similar circumstances. For this reason, I’ve gathered information on this month’s support groups, conferences and therapy services offered in the Salt Lake Valley. If you live outside of this region, or are affected by another kind of condition, I encourage you to look for support groups near you relating to your health issues. Learning from, and encouraging others in like situation makes the journey easier!
FREE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR STROKE AND BRAIN INJURY SURVIVORS AND CAREGIVERS
FREE WEEKLY GROUPS INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTH CARE NEURO THERAPY in Murray, Utah
FREE EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUPS FOR THOSE EFFECTED BY SEIZURES
ACTIVITIES TO DO WEBSITES:
SHARING WEBSITES:
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 you the link monthly.
Goodbye hot August nights, and hello to cooler days. We are facing another transition month as we move from summer to autumn. Each season brings a change to look forward to. Summer is loaded with fun in the sun activities, but as the temperature drops and the green foliage becomes a variety of beautiful reds, yellows, orange and purple colors, the outdoors become the perfect backdrop for a casual drive, bike ride or hike.
FREE EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUPS FOR THOSE EFFECTED BY SEIZURES
ACTIVITIES TO DO WEBSITES:
I really don’t like to see June end. The weather is great, the school year ends, it’s my birthday, wedding anniversary and the month we celebrate dads and the other significant men in our lives. A lot of fun outdoor gatherings and activities begin in June as we enter summer. Nonetheless, the heat is on and July starts out with a colorful bang! Another month of fun celebrations with America’s Independence Day and in Utah, Pioneer Day. It’s a popular month for trips, but unfortunately, the effects of brain injury and epilepsy, which are the two health issues we deal with on a daily bases, don’t take a vacation. Gratefully, most support groups continue through this festive month.
FREE SUPPORT GROUPS
FREE EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUPS FOR THOSE EFFECTED BY SEIZURES
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 you the link monthly.
I’m a lucky wife and caregiver to a happy (most of the time) brain injury survivor who also has epilepsy. I’m lucky because despite his limitation he’s usually happy to be here. We benefit and enjoy meeting with others in similar circumstances. For this reason I’ve gathered information on this month’s support groups and therapy services offered in the Salt Lake Valley. If you live outside of this region, or are affected by another kind of condition, I encourage you to look for support groups near you relating to your particular health issues. Learning from and encouraging others in like situation makes the journey easier.
FREE SUPPORT GROUPS
FREE WEEKLY GROUPS INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTH CARE NEURO THERAPY in Murray, Utah
FREE EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUPS FOR THOSE EFFECTED BY SEIZURES
I’m a wife and caregiver to a brain injury survivor who also has epilepsy. We benefit and enjoy meeting with others in similar circumstances. For this reason I’ve gathered information on this month’s support groups and therapy services offered in the Salt Lake Valley. If you live outside of this region, or are affected by another kind of condition, I encourage you to look for support groups near you relating to your particular health issues. Learning from and encouraging others in like situation makes the journey easier.
FREE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR BRAIN INJURY SURVIVORS AND CAREGIVERS
FREE WEEKLY GROUPS INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTH CARE NEURO THERAPY 
FREE EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUPS FOR THOSE EFFECTED BY SEIZURES
I’m a caregiver to a brain injury survivor who also has epilepsy. We benefit and enjoy meeting with others in similar circumstances. For this reason I’ve gathered information on this month’s support groups and therapy services offered in the Salt Lake Valley. If you live outside of this region, or are affected by another kind of condition, I encourage you to look for support groups near you relating to your particular health issues. As you learn from, and encourage others in like situations, the weight of your worries will be lightened.
FREE WEEKLY GROUPS INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTH CARE NEURO THERAPY 
FREE EPILEPSY GROUPS FOR THOSE EFFECTED BY SEIZURES
Educational Seminar with Dr. Angela Peters, Dr. Blake Newman, & Dr. John Rolston. This free educational seminar will discuss new treatment options for drug-resistant epilepsy. Learn about new advances in neurostimultion and resective surgery. Come join other individuals living with epilepsy and caregivers.
ACTIVITIES TO DO WEBSITES:
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 you the link monthly.
The life of a survivor may not be considered lucky, but it’s made easier by knowing there are others who understand and share similar circumstances. I am a caregiver to a brain injury survivor who also has epilepsy. I’ve gathered information on this month’s support groups and therapy services offered in the Salt Lake Valley for those involved with these health issues. If you live outside of this region, or are affected by another kind of condition, I encourage you to look for support groups near you relating to your concerns. Your luck can improve as you learn from and encourage others in like situations.
FREE SUPPORT GROUPS AVAILABLE IN THE SALT LAKE VALLEY
FREE WEEKLY GROUPS INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTH CARE NEURO THERAPY 
FREE EPILEPSY GROUPS FOR THOSE EFFECTED BY SEIZURES
Happy New Year! I hope this newsletter finds you well and satisfied with the closing of another year. A fresh start brings renewed hope for improvement. Associating with others in similar circumstances motivates progress as we learn from each other. For this reason I’ve gathered information on the upcoming month’s support groups and therapy services offered in the Salt Lake Valley. If you live outside of this region, I encourage you to look for support groups near you. Also included are links to useful and inspiring websites. If you have an activity, announcements or other information you’d like shared in this newsletter, please email Barbara@UnitingCaregivers.com.
HELPFUL WEBSITES:
My husband, David Paul Martin, age 74, passed away the morning of November 5, 2016 at a Hospice Facility in Las Vegas, Nevada.
A year earlier, our daughter, Missy, and her family surprised us and drove all the way from their home in Charleston, Illinois, to show up at our son, Steve’s house in Herriman, Utah, for Thanksgiving dinner. All our other children were there, and it was the first time in over twenty years that we’d all been together for Thanksgiving. Dave was particularly touched and told Missy, “I’ll never forget this special surprise.”
In June of 2016, despite pain from two blood clots in his leg, Dave and I made a trip to Salt Lake City to see our kids and 23 grandchildren, including Missy and her family who were there on vacation. Jeff and his family from Henderson, Nevada, also just happened to be there for his wife’s family reunion. Our son, Rob, invited us to do some temple work with him. When we agreed, he decided to open the invitation to his siblings as well. Maybe it was Rob’s offer to buy everyone lunch, but all seven of our children and all but two of their spouses joined us in the Mount Timpanogos Temple that day. Having our whole family together was such a special experience, and everyone felt the significance and joy of being together there. It just happened to be our 49th Wedding Anniversary! This is a memory I especially cherish since we didn’t make it to our 50th which would have been next month.
As soon as Dave came home from the hospital after the devastating diagnosis, our son, Rob, took off work and stayed at our home for over two weeks, not leaving until after the funeral. I couldn’t have done it without him. He was a rock of strength and faith. He helped Dave with many of his physical needs which would have been difficult for me. While Dave was on his deathbed, we had a sewer flood through our house causing significant damage, both to the main floor and the basement. Rob discovered it and was there to help me bail water, trying to keep it from going into the bedroom where Dave was sleeping. Though we didn’t succeed, Dave never fully realized the extent of what had happened. Rob and some of our other children were invaluable in handling the mess and dealing with the plumber, restoration company, and insurance matters.
Uniting Caregivers 