Many of you know my story. I was a high-energy elementary school principal known for buzzing about the building in suits and running shoes. My nickname at school was “Flash” because I typically walked and spoke very quickly. My whole world crumbled with a simple head bump on a cabinet door, causing a concussion.

I did not realize a concussion is a brain injury and pushed through days of pain and confusion before seeing a doctor. I learned the hardest way possible that if concussions are not managed properly, they get worse and become debilitating. I lived for years with post-concussion syndrome and ultimately had to retire early from a career that I loved. I chronicled my concussion story in my book, Out of the Rabbit Hole: How a Concussion Changed My Life: A Story of Hope.

I now work alongside my fellow Brain Injury Alliance board members, staff, and many volunteers to ensure what happened to me does not happen to others. One of our many accomplishments this year was providing access to a free, on-line training tool for EVERY teacher in the state of Nebraska to help them understand how to support students with concussions in the school setting. We also partnered with UNMC to study the effects of undiagnosed brain injury on people who have been incarcerated. These are just two examples of the important work the BIA-NE is doing.

With your support, we can continue the vital work of the Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska – preventing brain injury through education and improving the quality of life for brain injury survivors like myself.