The Brain Injury Association of Virginia (BIAV) held its annual Legacy Celebration recognizing advocates and trailblazers working to change the lives of Virginians impacted by brain injury. Kelly was honored to be named Member of the Year. It shows her dedication to the mission of the organization and supports the work she continues by advocating not only for our daughter but for all those affected by brain injury. During Kelly’s remarks, she emphasized that brain injury happens to one person but the entire family is affected by this life-changing condition. We need to recognize the family’s role in suffering, grief, and acceptance and work towards supporting them. This is something we talk about during our workshops, keynotes, and in our book, The Miracle Child: Traumatic Brain Injury and Me. Kelly has been a long-standing member of the association and served on their board from 2013-2019.
BIAV is an organization that is very important to our family as they have continually guided us through the maze of brain injury since 2004. We consider ourselves lucky to have such a tremendous resource at our fingertips. Not all states have such a strong group answering questions, finding answers, and advocating for all Virginians.
BIAV was founded in 1983 by parents who were just trying to figure out how to help their loved ones through a brain injury, and are still committed to that cause 40 years later! It is the only statewide non-profit organization in Virginia dedicated exclusively to serving individuals with brain injury, their families, and those that care for and about them. Their mission is to advance education, awareness, support, treatment, and research to improve the quality of life for all people affected by brain injury. As an award-winning and nationally recognized leader in the brain injury community, they remain focused on providing help, hope, and healing to anyone whose journey includes the often confusing and confounding condition of brain injury.
The Legacy Celebration serves as an opportunity to appreciate those who have given time, money, and resources to BIAV. The connection and long-standing generosity have enabled the association’s growth and furthered its mission.
The event recognizes individuals who have helped support the BIAV mission. Congratulations to the other award winners, Virginia T. Dashiell Charitable Foundation (Weinstock Award Winner), Delegate Emily Brewer (Legislator of the Year), and Irv Cantor (The Anne McDonnell Legacy Award). Special recognition to Anne who retired earlier in the year and the Legacy Award was renamed in her honor. We always walk away feeling inspired and energized by our friends, supporters, and the new members of the community!
Listen to Kelly’s remarks here.