We celebrate the many journeys and wonderful accomplishments we witnessed this past year!

Rhonda and Luke sitting together on a front porch.

Luke and his mother, Rhonda, are celebrating reaching a quality of life for Luke that they are happy with after 25 long years of facing incredible challenges and struggles. They dealt with anger, frustration, heartbreak, depression, isolation, and the dissolving and straining of relationships, all while navigating doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions (physical, occupational, speech, and counseling), and finding appropriate care for Luke’s needs. After attending Person-Centered Planning training that allowed Rhonda and Luke to reframe how they approached his injury, the challenges they faced, and Luke’s goals for the future. Focusing on Luke’s hopes and dreams and surrounding themselves with a team of people willing to support Luke to reach his goals changed everything for Rhonda and Luke. 

Now, Luke has found a family with a handicap-accessible home whom he can live with, and he can participate in his finances through a True Link card. He and Rhonda were also able to raise money to pay for a trained service dog. 

We celebrate the individuals finding self-acceptance and freedom from feeling obligated to be who they were before their injury. We celebrate the individuals developing healthy coping skills and a support system of people who can relate to their experiences through peer support groups. We celebrate the individuals sharing their stories and advocating for better support and treatment for brain injury. We celebrate the individuals finding a safe space with our Resource Facilitators to be vulnerable about their symptoms and find validation in their journey.

Yet, these stories are just a few of the many people affected by brain injury. There are many more still striving against an invisible injury and often difficult odds. People who are searching for answers and assistance with a life-changing injury, whether for themselves or a loved one. Some people find their way on their own or with the help of a friend or family member. Others lose their way, stumbling and falling due to physical, mental, or substance-related obstacles. 

Your continued support can help change the trajectory and the stories of people in either situation so that they don’t have to go through a brain injury alone. Your previous gift helped us connect with individuals and families affected by a brain injury and support them as they navigate through changes and issues related to a brain injury. You made it possible for Luke and Rhonda to share their story, for Jessica to advocate for herself and others who’ve experienced a brain injury, for schools and parents to learn how to recognize and manage concussions, and for us to promote awareness of brain injuries and build community support networks across the state.  

Will you donate and help continue to make moments worth celebrating a reality? 

We appreciate your support and willingness to partner with us in providing resources, education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families affected by brain injury across Nebraska. 

Thank you for your generosity!