THE Challenge! Summer 2011

BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Summer 2011
Volume 5, Issue 3
UNDERSTANDING
RESEARCH

THE Challenge!
THE Challenge! is published by the
Brain Injury Association of America.
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Copyright 2011 BIAA
All rights reserved
No part of this publication may
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without written permission from the
Brain Injury Association of America.
Email requests to
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Contents
3 | Why Research is Essential
and How to Better Understand It
7 | How to Participate
in a Clinical Trial
9 | Traumatic Brain Injury Model
Systems of Care
13 | Advocacy Update
17 | Honor Roll of Donors
21 | State Affiliate News
29 | Resources – Guide to Clinical
Research Trials
31 | News & Notes
35 | Chartered State Affiliates
37 | BIAA Webinars
37 | Advertiser Index
Publication designed by
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1

From my desk
We frequently field questions through our National Brain Injury Information
Center (NBIIC) asking – What is out there to help me? How can I get
better? What research is being done? The answers are as complicated as
a brain injury itself.
President’s Message
It was heartening to see all types of brain injury research presented in one conference –
The Federal Interagency Brain Injury Conference – that took place in Washington,
D.C., June 13-15, 2011. BIAA was proud to be one of the sponsoring organizations.
For three days, participants attended sessions and shared information. There were up to
10 breakout sessions happening at any one time during the three-day conference. There
was also a wide range of scientific paper presentations. Speakers included Dr. James
Kelly, the director of the Intrepid Center (and former BIAA board member), many TBI
Model System clinicians, VA researchers and clinicians, NIH scientists working on novel
pharmacological interventions, and more. The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation
will have an entire issue dedicated to the presentations at this conference in 2012.
There were many excellent presentations and papers about mild brain injury (30 in total!), from promising imaging technology to
improved assessment protocols to better diagnose concussions. Some of the highlights include:
j Dr. James Kelly of the Intrepid Center shared the approach
of the center in working with veterans who have sustained a
brain injury. He described a holistic, comprehensive, clientcentered
method with clear care plan goals that include the
family in the process, with a wide range of therapies all
readily available. While there is still much to be discovered
about blast injuries (another fascinating and sobering
session), Dr. Kelly presented an approach to the care for
veterans that demonstrates the nation’s gratitude for our
wounded warriors.
j Dr. Joseph Giacino from Spaulding Rehabilitation and
Dr. Marissa McCarthy of the Tampa VA Hospital presented
the results from three studies looking at outcomes of
rehabilitation of persons with disorders of consciousness.
Results showed that many of the assumptions about
outcomes after a severe brain injury are not entirely
accurate. The American Academy of Neurology is expected
to update practice parameters in part because of this
important research.
j There were several presentations about how brain injury
research is conducted. “Traditional research” involves
administering one intervention to a treatment group while
withholding the intervention from a control group and
comparing the outcome between the two groups. That
approach works well for interventions like medication
trials but not when studying rehabilitation. Experts in brain
injury presented concepts of a framework of outcomes and
variables that researchers can use to more effectively identify
“what makes a difference” in outcomes after a brain injury.
j Many more promising and varied research papers were
presented, from biomarkers, to blast injuries, to sexuality
after brain injury. This conference showed a new generation
of technologies and promising new medications are on the
horizon. While the challenges of effectively treating brain
injury still span a lifetime, there was optimism that new
tools, technology and collaborative efforts will result in
significant advances in the coming years.
This issue of THE Challenge! offers information about research in brain injury. While research can seem painstakingly slow at
times, it’s important to understand that science is by its nature looking into the unknown. As one researcher commented, “If we knew
exactly what we were looking for to fix something, I am pretty confident that would be the first place we would look!” We hope you
find this issue of THE Challenge! interesting and hope that you continue to support the efforts of the Brain Injury Association as we
advocate for continued funding for brain injury research.
Susan H. Connors, President/CEO
Brain Injury Association of America
2

THE Challenge!
WHy RESEARCH IS ESSENTIAl
AND HoW To BETTER
UNDERSTAND IT
By Stephanie A. Kolakowsky-Hayner, Ph.D., CBIST, Director of
Rehabilitation Research at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
R
esearch is the gathering of information for increased knowledge
about a particular subject. The more knowledgeable we are on a
topic, the better able we are to make informed decisions. We all
conduct or participate in research every day without even recognizing
it. Each time a person asks a question or surveys the world around
them to gather more information, he or she is conducting a primitive
form of research. Research is a continuous process in which a person
gathers information, analyzes it, and interprets it to improve policies,
strategies or methods, brings about a change, or decides not to
change at all.
There are various types of research, such as clinical research, market
research and epidemiological research. There is also hypothesisdriven
quantitative research or exploratory qualitative research.
Research methods can include structured interviews, standardized
assessments, opinion polls or literature reviews. Research builds
on existing knowledge and provides an evidence base for clinical
practice, policy and even future research. Research can be formal or
informal. Understanding the principles of research help investigators
and others interpret and critically appraise its value. Most research
follows similar steps, including:
1. Identify a problem.
2. Establish a hypothesis or guess as to why the problem exists.
3. Collect and analyze data.
4. Formulate conclusions.
5. Apply conclusions.
Scientific research is what most people are familiar with in some
way. Studies are often quoted on newscasts, in commercials or print
advertisements, and by clinicians, educators, business leaders and others.
Scientific research is done in a systematically-controlled fashion in order to
ensure that its findings can be reproduced and therefore confirmed. Scientific
research gathers and synthesizes information in a systematic manner to ensure
findings that are both reliable (consistent) and valid (accurate). Reliability refers to
the stability of the research and the ability to replicate findings. Replication involves
the process of repeating a study using the same methods, different participants, and
different researchers. It can also involve applying the theory to new situations to determine
the generalizability to different groups, (e.g., age groups, locations, races, or cultures). Validity
contains a level of fairness and ensures the study is measuring what the researchers actually propose
to be measuring.
3

Why Research
is Essential
It is essential that all research be conducted with attention
to quality and ethical standards. When presenting research
findings, individuals should openly disclose relationships with
funders, companies, and any other group that may have an
impact on the nature of the findings being presented. Further,
methods should be clearly described so they can be easily
replicated or compared to existing findings. Such practices help
to show the research is not biased and that it is beneficial in
helping individuals make decisions based on the findings.
The need for ongoing research
has been extensively documented
in the academic and medical
literature, but why is it essential
to individuals with brain injury
and their families or caregivers?
Research is essential for the continued improvement of clinical
practice, the creation or elimination of services for individuals
with brain injury and their family or caregivers, and the
improvement of overall outcomes, community integration, and
quality of life after a brain injury. The reason scientific research
is so important is because it creates a base of knowledge from
which professionals practice and family members and caregivers
learn to better support the ongoing needs of individuals with
brain injury. Furthermore, individuals with brain injury can use
the information produced as the building blocks for improved
social and community integration, return to productive activity,
management of medical issues, overall quality of life and selfadvocacy.
But how does someone without formal research education
even understand research?
Oftentimes the language of research is extremely overwhelming.
Complex theories, hypotheses, methodologies, statistics, and
results are not often easy to interpret or understand. Discussions
within scholarly articles are often geared toward other
researchers or professionals in the field and include extensive
amounts of jargon, written to a post-graduate level audience.
Additionally, research language may vary greatly among
professionals, making comparisons between studies difficult.
For example, a physician researcher in a medical research lab in
New York may define a particular variable in one way, while a
therapist researcher in a rehabilitation setting in Texas may have
a completely different conceptualization of the variable with the
exact same name.
To overcome the barriers to understanding published research,
it may be helpful to have a general understanding of the
different types of research designs, which are quantitative and
qualitative. While sometimes research involves a combination of
both, here is a general overview of what each typically entails:
(Continued on pg. 5)
4

THE Challenge!
Why Research is Essential
w Quantitative Research
(Continued from pg. 4)
Quantitative Research is basically the research of numbers.
Quantitative methods are often more rigid, targeted approaches
used to describe, explain, or predict a particular aspect of an
individual’s experience. While this type of research can be
conducted in a natural setting, it is typically conducted in a
controlled environment, such as a laboratory. Quantitative
designs often require large groups of participants who
are evaluated on a small number of concepts or variables.
Instruments are often preselected to obtain particular
information regarding the concept being investigated. For
example, a researcher interested in cognitive functioning after
brain injury may administer a battery of reliable and valid
neuropsychological measures to all of the study participants.
A physician researcher interested in the impact of diminished
activity after brain injury may use bio-physiological measures
such as body-mass index, blood pressure, etc. Once the protocol
is set, it rarely changes during the research process and the
analyses are typically conducted after all data has been collected.
◗ Qualitative Research
Qualitative Research is basically the research of words. The
words are either generated as written or verbal responses to
questions, transcripts of meetings or focus groups, or notes
the researcher takes while observing a particular activity or
person. The goal of qualitative research is to be flexible and
more holistic or to understand a whole concept or phenomenon.
It focuses on the meaning behind a concept or experience.
Qualitative research is often conducted in a more natural setting
and includes smaller groups of individuals. For example, a
qualitative researcher may be interested in finding out how
people view the process of community integration after brain
injury. The data would include the individuals’ subjective
thoughts, feelings, and views of their own experiences and may
lead to additional questions based on those responses or the
ongoing analyses of the data by the researcher in the moment.
Another issue in understanding research may be in determining
the difference between a true experimental design, a preexperimental
design, and a quasi-experimental design.
w True Experimental Design
True Experimental Design is regarded as the most accurate form
of experimental research. Its goal is to either prove or disprove
a hypothesis using statistical analysis. The most common design
is the Pretest-Posttest Group Design with random assignment.
The design includes a treatment group and a control group,
using random assignment to ensure both groups are generally
equal. Because of the randomization and presumed equalization
of the groups, researchers can have considerable confidence
that any differences between the treatment group and control
5

Why Research
is Essential
group are due to the treatment. A true experiment has three main
components:
1. One purposefully created group
2. Manipulation of an independent variable with a
measurable outcome
3. Random assignment of participants to groups
w Pre-experimental Design
Pre-experimental Design lacks one or more of the requirements
of a true experimental design. This type of design typically
investigates a single group without the benefit of comparison
with a non-treatment control group. Examples of this type of
research include a One-shot Case Study in which individuals
are exposed to some intervention or treatment and outcomes
are measured. For example, a researcher may be interested in
knowing whether participation in a social skills group affects
return to work. The researcher is trying to determine if the
intervention has an effect on the outcome, but without a control
group of individuals who do not receive the intervention, there
is no way to tell with certainty that the treatment caused the
changes noted, if any.
Another common pre-experimental design is the One Group
Pretest-Posttest Study. This approach measures individuals
before and after the intervention to see if a change occurs.
This design allows the researcher to state whether a change in
the outcome or dependent variable has taken place. What the
researcher can still not determine is whether the change would
have occurred even without the intervention or independent
variable. It could be possible that the change simply occurred
due to the time that had passed, not the intervention itself. For
example, an individual with brain injury is given a series of
cognitive tests before he or she leaves acute rehabilitation. The
individual participates in a therapy group for six weeks and
returns for a six-week follow-up assessment. Without a control
group for comparison, it is still difficult to attribute any change
to the therapy group alone rather than natural recovery occurring
during that six-week time frame.
a study. Researchers typically apply inferential statistics to
the results to determine the significant or lack of significant
findings. The amount of error to be accepted in any study should
be decided well before starting the study. In other words, if
researchers want to be 95% certain of their results, they would
set the significance level at .05 which is an error rate of 5%. If
they are interested in being 99% certain, significance is set at .01.
This is typically reported within the results as p.

THE Challenge!
HoW To
PARTICIPATE
IN A
ClINICAl
TRIAl
By flora Hammond, M.D., Dawn Neumann, Denise Consoli and Tami Guerrier at Indiana University and Carolinas Rehabilitation
Through research, we have learned much over the past decade about brain injury and ways to improve medical
care. We owe this knowledge to the willingness, time and effort of people with brain injury, their families and
researchers. For most brain injury treatment, there is still the need for research to understand how the treatment
works and how effective it is. We have outlined below what clinical research is, how it works, and how to participate.
WHAt is cLinicAL reseArcH?
Clinical research is any study that involves people.
There are three major categories of clinical research trials:
• Interventional studies: individuals are assigned to
a treatment or other intervention and the outcomes
are measured.
• Screening or diagnostic studies: tests or procedures
are studied to determine the usefulness in detecting or
diagnosing a particular condition.
• observational studies: individuals are observed and the
outcomes are measured.
HoW do i find oUt AboUt cLinicAL
reseArcH stUdies?
To get started, your physician might offer some
recommendations or you can visit the website, clinicalTrials.
gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov/), which lists federally and
privately supported clinical trials. (See Resources, page 29)
WHo cAn pArticipAte in A cLinicAL triAL?
Each clinical trial has participation criteria based on factors
such as age, gender, type and severity of a disease or function,
previous treatment history, and other medical conditions.
WHAt HAppens dUring A cLinicAL triAL?
• The participant works with a research team that generally
includes doctors, nurses and other health care professionals.
• The research team checks the health of the participant at
the beginning of the trial, gives specific instructions for
participation, monitors the participant during the trial, and
stays in touch after the trial is completed.
• Information may be collected through interviews, blood
tests or other procedures.
WHAt Are tHe benefits of pArticipAting
in A cLinicAL triAL?
• Playing an active role in your health care.
• Gaining access to research treatments before they are
available.
• Helping others, and possibly yourself, by contributing to
medical research.
• Obtaining expert medical care during the trial.
WHAt Are tHe risKs of pArticipAting
in A cLinicAL triAL?
The risks depend on the treatment being studied. Full disclosures
of the potential risks are found in the informed consent.
7

Participate in
a Clinical Trial
WHAt is informed consent?
Informed consent is the process of learning the facts about a
clinical trial before deciding to participate. It is not a contract.
An informed consent document includes details about the study,
such as:
• The purpose, duration, required procedures, and key
contacts.
• The risks and potential benefits.
cAn A pArticipAnt LeAVe A cLinicAL triAL
After it HAs begUn?
Yes. A participant can withdraw from a clinical trial at
any time.
HoW is tHe sAfety of tHe pArticipAnt
protected?
• There are ethical and legal codes governing medical practice.
• Most clinical research is federally regulated to protect the
participants.
• A carefully controlled protocol (a plan detailing the study)
is followed.
• An Institutional Review Board (IRB) must approve and
monitor every US clinical trial. An IRB is an independent
committee of physicians, statisticians and community
advocates that exists to:
Initially approve the study.
Periodically review the research.
Protect the rights of study participants.
Ensure that the risks are as low as possible.
You can
be there for her.
Even if you can’t be there with her.
CaringBridge helps connect people during a
significant health challenge. Patients and
families can easily create a free website to
share the experience, save time and energy,
and receive support.
To create your own website
that gives recognition to
Brain Injury Association of America, visit
www.CaringBridge.org/BIAUSA
WHAt QUestions need to be AnsWered
before pArticipAting in A triAL?
The following questions might be helpful for the participant
to discuss with the research team:
• What is the purpose of the study?
• Who is going to be in the study?
• Why do researchers believe the experimental treatment
may be effective?
• Has the treatment been tested before?
• Who will be in charge of my care?
• What kinds of tests and experimental treatments
are involved?
• Who will pay for the experimental treatment?
• How might this trial affect my daily life?
• How long will the trial last?
• How do the possible risks, side effects, and benefits
in the study compare with my current treatment?
• Will I need to stop any of my current treatments
or medication?
8

THE Challenge!
Traumatic Brain Injury Model
Systems of Care 2007-2012
By Tamara Bushnik, Ph.D., FACRM, Director of Research, Dept. Rehabilitation Medicine, Rusk Institute for Rehabilitation
Since 1987, the National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), under the Office of
Special Education and Rehabilitation Services in the
U.S. Department of Education, has funded the Traumatic Brain
Injury Model Systems of Care (TBIMS). The history of the
TBIMS program has been described previously (Bushnik, 2003;
2008); this article will focus on the current 5-year funding cycle,
which started October 2007.
The TBI Model Systems are a collection of 16 research
centers located across the United States that conduct disability
and rehabilitation research under grants administered by the
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of
the U.S. Department of Education.
The TBI Model Systems are the only source of non-proprietary
longitudinal data on what happens to people with brain injury.
They are a key source of evidence-based medicine and serve as
a “proving ground” for future researchers. TBI Model Systems
sites work closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs on
research to improve the treatment of returning service members
with brain injuries.
Sixteen TBIMS successfully competed for the 2007-2012 grant
cycle. Each TBIMS was required to demonstrate the ability to
fulfill the following requirements:
• Improve long-term outcomes of individuals with TBI by
conducting one or two site-specific research projects and
one collaborative research module project to test innovative
approaches to rehabilitation intervention in accordance
with the focus areas in NIDRR’s Long-Range Plan – Health
and Function, Employment, Participation and Community
Living, Technology for Access and Function.
• Continue assessment of long-term outcomes after TBI by
enrolling at least 35 participants per year into the TBIMS
longitudinal database.
• Provide a multidisciplinary system of rehabilitation care
encompassing the entire continuum of care from time of
injury through living in the community.
• Coordinate with the NIDRR-funded Model Systems
Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) to provide
scientific results and information for dissemination to
clinical and consumer audiences.
The following map shows the geographic distribution of the
TBIMS; they are (alphabetically by state):
• University of Alabama, Birmingham AL
• Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose CA
• Craig Hospital, Englewood CO
• The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago IL
• Wayne State University, Detroit MI
• Mayo Foundation, Rochester MN
• JFK-Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, Edison NJ
• Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education
Center, West Orange NJ
• Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York NY
• Carolinas Rehabilitation/Carolinas HealthCare System,
Charlotte NC
• The Ohio State University, Columbus OH
• Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Philadelphia PA
• TIRR/Memorial Hermann, Houston TX
• Univ. of TX Southwestern Medical Center/Baylor Institute
for Rehabilitation, Dallas TX
• Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA
• University of Washington, Seattle WA
Currently Funded
Follow-up Center
Previously Funded
NIDRR also funds two centers to provide essential support
for the TBIMS program. The National Data and Statistical
Center (Craig Hospital; www.tbindsc.org) is a central resource
providing technical assistance, training, and methodological
consultation to the TBIMS centers. The Model Systems
Knowledge Translation Center (University of Washington;
msktc.washington.edu) promotes the adoption of research
findings by stakeholders, including rehabilitation professionals,
policy-makers, individuals with TBI, and family members of
persons with TBI.
(Continued on pg. 11)
9

10

THE Challenge!
TBI Model Systems (Continued from pg. 9)
The research studies the TBIMS are involved in include site-specific studies, module studies, and large collaborative research studies,
which had a separate application and review process. The following table lists the current center-specific research studies and the
type of study design being used.
Center Topic Research DESIGN
Randomized Questionnaire Other Design
Clinical Trial Correlative
AL Visual perceptual training – driving screening x
CA Home-based physical activity program – reduce secondary conditions x
CO Atomoxetine – attention disorders x
CO Health and wellness intervention – variety of outcomes x
IL A virtual environment and robotic intervention for improving attention in TBI X
IL Acupuncture for insomnia after TBI x x
MI Safety/feasibility of minocycline in treatment of TBI x
MI MRI techniques in prediction of TBI outcomes Neuroimaging
MN Advocacy training – participation outcomes x
NC Carbamazepine – post-TBI irritability/aggression x
NJ-JFK Correlating functional MRI findings and outcomes Neuroimaging
NJ-KMRREC Memory retraining intervention – memory x
NY Exercise intervention – cognition, mood and fatigue x
NY Sleep and fatigue, monitored via sleep diaries and polysomography x
OH financial incentives – work attendance x
PA Dextroamphetamine – attention, mood and functional recovery x
PA Comparing intensity/duration of care in 2 developed nations Quasi-exp
TX-North Human growth hormone – functional outcomes x
TX-North Imaging biomarkers of diffuse axonal injury Neuroimaging
TX-TIRR Interpersonal process recall treatment – social communication x
VA Acute cognitive and neurobehavioral intervention x
VA Intervention model for family crisis and support x
WA Phone intervention for TBI caregivers x
WA Modeling predictors of outcomes with the longitudinal database Secondary data
The four module projects that utilize the power of the TBIMS
program by permitting studies to be conducted that require more
than one center include:
• A prospective study of the relationship between post-TBI
fatigue and insomnia (NY – lead; CA, NC, NJ-KMRREC,
NJ-JFK).
• The natural history of headache after TBI (WA – lead; MN,
AL, TX-North, VA, CO).
• Enhancing the TBIMS core dataset to expand research on
environmental influences affecting outcomes from TBI
(OH – lead; all centers participating).
• Sexuality after TBI (TX-TIRR – lead; CO, MN, NC, MI, IL).
The two large-scale collaborative studies are the TBIMS
Collaborative Study of Amantadine for Post TBI Irritability and
Aggression (NC – lead) and the Individualized Planning for the
First Year Following Acute Rehabilitation Project (OH - lead).
As of March 31, 2011, the TBIMS National Database contains
baseline information on 10,263 individuals with TBI. Followup
data is collected on the anniversary of the injury at Years
1, 2, 5 and every 5 years thereafter. In this current grant cycle,
the TBIMS will begin to collect Year 20 data. The information
that is collected includes premorbid history, demographic
characteristics, causes and severity of injury, nature of the
diagnoses, types of treatment and services received, ‘costs’
of treatment and services received, and measurement and
11

TBI Model Systems
prediction of outcomes including impairment, disability and
participation.
Individuals who are enrolled in the National Database are an
average age of 40 years at the time of injury, 74% are male, 33%
are from a minority group, 64% have a high school education
or less. The primary cause of injury is vehicular (53%) with a
high incidence of alcohol-related injuries (44%) resulting in
an average duration of unconsciousness of 8 days and average
duration of post-traumatic amnesia of 24 days (moderate
injury). Over time, the level of disability decreases from severe
at rehabilitation admission to partial at 1 and 2 years post-injury
with approximately 35% of the individuals requiring some level
of supervision at 1 and 2 years post-injury.
Notable contributions of the TBIMS include:
• Development of practice guidelines in important areas of
medical care for people with TBI.
• Development of innovative approaches and procedures for
rehabilitation immediately after injury.
• Creation of new diagnostic procedures and assessment tools
for complications that were previously difficult to measure
objectively.
• Identification of common long-term problems that occur
after TBI and the reasons why they occur.
(Continued on pg. 35)
12

THE Challenge!
ADVoCACy UPDATE
By Sarah D’orsie, Director of Government Affairs,
Brain Injury Association of America
Summer proved to be a busy time in Congress with talks of debt limits and budget cutting. BIAA continued to advocate
for access to care and TBI Act reauthorization. Although funding is scarce these days, BIAA is committed to showing
Congress that brain injury is a public health problem that will not be ignored. Many important issues will be debated
this summer and throughout the fall, and BIAA will be at the table educating Congress about the importance of access to
care for people with brain injury.
fy12 nAtionAL defense
AUtHoriZAtion Act
On May 11, 2011, Rep. Todd Russell Platts (R-PA), co-chair
of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, working in
collaboration with the office of Congresswoman Gabrielle
Giffords (D-AZ), Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), Task
Force members and BIAA introduced an amendment to the
National Defense Authorization Act that authorizes $1 million
for the development of treatment guidelines for post-acute
rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury. The amendment was
adopted en bloc by the House Armed Services Committee by
voice vote and later by the full House.
The importance of this legislative gain is immense in that
despite the many advances in science and medicine, medical
treatment guidelines for post-acute rehabilitation of moderate
and severe TBI do not exist. Currently, there is no compilation
of the published evidence and professional consensus to ensure
that wounded warriors and the 1.7 million civilians who sustain
brain injuries in the U.S. receive the highest quality, most
effective post-acute rehabilitation.
The inconsistencies in insurance coverage also create a
challenge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
charges the agency with writing regulations for essential health
benefits based on a “typical employer plan.” Since coverage for
TBI treatment depends on whether or not you have insurance,
where you live, the availability of qualified service providers,
plan limitations and individual advocacy skills, BIAA argues
that essential benefits for rehabilitation should be based on
standardized treatment guidelines that reduce long-term
disability and mitigate against the chronic disease processes that
can result from a TBI.
BIAA thanks our congressional partners in this effort including
Reps. Platts and Pascrell, the office of Rep. Giffords and the
House Armed Services Committee. BIAA will continue to
13

Advocacy Update
follow this throughout the process of passing the FY12 National
Defense Authorization Act and alert grassroots advocates if any
action becomes necessary.
Appropriations Update
Labor/HHS/Education
TBI Act
A bill to appropriate funding for the Department of Health
and Human Services for Fiscal Year 2012, including programs
authorized through the TBI Act and NIDRR’s TBI Model
Systems of Care program, is slated to be considered this
summer. BIAA and the National Association of State Head
Injury Administrators (NASHIA) have secured letters of support
from both the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force and likeminded
organizations to sustain and bolster funding for brain
injury programs.
BIAA and NASHIA also submitted report language to the
Senate Appropriations Committee applauding HRSA’s efforts
in creating a long-range plan for the Federal TBI Program and
designating Committee support for the project.
TBI Model Systems
On June 7, 2011, BIAA and NASHIA submitted a letter
to the Senate Appropriations Committee to request report
language that would ensure the program would retain the
resources necessary to carry out its mission through the next
5-year cycle. The report language details the importance of
maintaining the number of competitively-awarded Centers
at a minimum of the current level of 16 and that each Center
receive adequate resources to maintain the current quality and
scope of TBI research.
Defense
Post-Acute Rehabilitation Medical
Treatment Guidelines
On July 7, 2011, Reps. Pascrell and Platts, co-chairs of
the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, completed a
colloquy with Chairman C.W. Bill Young (R-FL) of the House
Appropriations Committee to designate the intent of Congress
that the House-authorized post-acute rehabilitation medical
treatment guidelines be funded in the next fiscal year. BIAA will
continue to advocate through the fall for the final authorization
of the provision through Senate and House Conference, which
will likely take place near the end of the year.
Public/Private Partnership
On June 6, 2011, Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) offered an
amendment to the FY12 Defense Appropriations bill that would
fund a five-year pilot program to provide payments from DOD
and VA to facilities for treatment of TBI received by members
of the Armed Forces and veterans in private facilities.
(Continued on pg. 16)
14

15
THE Challenge!

Advocacy Update
advocacy update
(Continued from pg. 14)
BIAA is thrilled to announce the adoption of this amendment as
we have lobbied for many years to encourage a public/private
partnership with the military to ensure our service members and
veterans receive the best care possible while allowing for patient
choice in treatment.
Health Care Reform
On June 23, 2011, BIAA sponsored a briefing with several
other organizations including the Independence Through
Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition and
the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Health
Task Force. The briefing was also sponsored by the House
Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus.
The program included a presentation by Dr. Gerard Francisco,
M.D., chief medical officer at TIRR Memorial Hermann who
is the attending physician for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Dr.
Francisco spoke specifically about the impact of rehabilitation
on people with brain injury, its cost-effectiveness and the
importance of Medicaid for individuals with disabilities who
need rehabilitation services.
Military
Veterans affairs
This summer, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
began awarding contracts under the Assisted Living for Veterans
with Traumatic Brain Injury Pilot Program (AL-TBI), which was
included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
of 2008. BIAA collaborated with Wounded Warrior Project to
advocate for this and other public/private initiatives to ensure our
nation’s war fighters can maximize their recovery after TBI.
the Federal TBI Program in its development of a long-range
plan. HRSA is currently working on a second meeting including
individuals with brain injury, family members, and stakeholder
groups that will be held later in the year to further this effort.
On July 11, 2011, BIAA and NASHIA met with representatives
from HRSA to discuss progress on the long-range plan. With
reauthorization of the TBI Act looming, BIAA also wanted to
assess how the program is working now and what changes in the
law may be needed to make things more efficient.
In June, BIAA met with the Energy and Commerce
Committee, Health Subcommittee to assess the landscape for
reauthorizations next year. The meeting was very productive and
subcommittee staff assured BIAA that they are willing to look at
any and all substantive changes in the law in order to allow the
program to grow in scope and efficiency.
Other Priorities
Medicare Therapy Caps
On April 14, 2011, Senators Cardin (D-MD) and Collins (R-ME)
and Representatives Gerlach (R-PA) and Becerra (D-CA)
introduced bills to amend the Social Security Act and repeal
Medicare outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps. As part of the
Therapy Cap Coalition, BIAA supports the legislation and
signed on to an endorsement of the bill. BIAA will continue
(Continued on pg. 36)
The AL-TBI will allow veterans with moderate to severe TBI
to access a wide range of post-acute services and supports that
will help improve and maintain their skills and allow them
to reside in non-institutional settings. The pilot program will
also allow the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to make
comprehensive services available in an organized, cost-effective
manner at non-VA facilities as well as allow VHA and the
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) to contribute
to the evidence for the effectiveness of post-acute rehabilitation.
BIAA helped to publicize the VHA’s Request for Proposals
for the AL-TBI initiative and submitted comments on the bid
process. BIAA will monitor the results of the pilot project and
continue to work for public/private partnerships to ensure highest
quality care for service members and veterans who sustain TBIs.
TBI Act
In June, the Health Resources and Services Administration
(HRSA), Federal TBI Program initiated an interagency TBI
meeting to stamp out cross-agency duplication and help steer
16

17
THE Challenge!
HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
HONORS
In honor of Mary Bercheen
Mr. Thomas Rose
In honor of Dolores Burroughs
Mr. Joseph Burroughs
In honor of Bill and Diane Flett
Mr. and Mrs. Rupert and Denise Gonzalez
In honor of Erik and Jacqui Lutterbie
Ms. Jennifer Lutterbie
In honor of Kjell Olav Myraas
Mr. and Mrs. Stian and Samantha Myraas
In honor of New Mexico brain injury patients
Mr. Blaire McPherson
In honor of Kevin Pearce
Ms. Hara Dwyer
In honor of Leslie Schmid
PPG Industries Foundation
In honor of John F. Stebbings
Ms. Marlene J. Stebbings
In honor of Paris Subrizi
Mr. Mark O’Rourke
In honor of Amy Tridgell
Mr. Glenn Tridgell
In honor of Pam York
Ms. Nicole Schappert
MEMORIES
In memory of Jerald A. Bailey
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry and Barbara Bassett
Ms. Sandra Chappuis
Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Jennifer Ellenburg
Ms. Elaine Stanley Dedmon
In memory of Elliot Baritz
Ms. Ellyn Rabin
In memory of Donald Blotner
Mr. and Mrs. Steven and Linda Blotner
In memory of Lillian Cherrey
Mr. Morris J. Cherrey
In memory of Lynn A. Chiaverotti
Ms. Marlayne Castelluzzo
Mr. Gary Chiaverotti
In memory of Robert Crowley
Ms. Janet Dale
In memory of Anthony A. DeOrsey, Sr.
Mr. Robert DeOrsey
In memory of Jeremy Deyton
Ms. Laura McCarthy
In memory of Don
Mr. and Mrs. James L. and Joan Palmtag
In memory of William “Pat” Patrick Donlin, Jr.
Ms. Betty Lane
April 1, 2011 – June 30, 2011
In memory of Leonard F. Donoho
Mr. and Mrs. Dan and Carol Stone
In memory of Renne Eisenberg
Mr. and Mrs. Larry and Sue Sharken
In memory of Grace Forte
Helen, Marianne, and Pamela Delfino
Ms. Marjorie Downey
Mr. and Mrs. Susan and Rocco Forte
Mr. Noel Moran
Mr. William Petronella
Mr. and Mrs. Bob and Ann Marie Pettibone
Ms. Joan E. Svenson
The Scioscio Family
Mr. Thomas Vincelett
Ms. Georgia Wininger
In memory of Jose Martins Galego
Ms. Marlene Brooks
In memory of Dennis Janowicz
Dr. Nicole Eastman
In memory of Eric Hautala, GE
Ms. Barbara Barry
Ms. Denise Swingle
In memory of Nancy Hays
Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Joann Hays
In memory of Brian James Hom
Ms. Gabrielle Aaron
Mr. Matk Adley
Mr. Edgar Alfaro
Mr. Phillip Allen
Mr. P. James Anderson
Mr. Sinan Arkonac
The Babicz Family
Mr. Frank Ballas
Mr. Luis Banck
Mr. and Mrs. Stuart and Renee Baritz
Mr. Roberto Baron
Mr. Ludwig Baruchel
Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Catherine Bauer
Mr. and Mrs. Angela and David Becker
Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Janice Bentley
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Berg and Maria Smilovic
Mr. Sumeet Bindra
Mr. Daryl Boltz
Mrs. Alison Browne and Family
Mr. and Mrs. Steven and Hariklia Brash
Mr. and Mrs. Scott and Claire Burns
Mr. Richard Butler
Mr. William Cammarata
Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Connie Carlson
Mr. Victor Caroddo
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Marilee Casale
Mr. Stephen Cheifetz
Mr. and Mrs. Ruoyu and Bei Chen
Ms. Caroline Chin
Ms. Sue Chin
Mr. and Mrs. Terry and Rose Chin
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold and Stella Chu
Ms. Cynthia Chu
Ms. Elaine Chu
Mr. and Mrs. John and Jean Chu
Mr. Jon Jay Chu
Mr. Richard Chu
Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Mary Chu
Mr. and Mrs. William Chu and Sakiko Sakai
Ms. Wendy Cleary
Ms. Sherri Condon
Mr. Matthew Cook
Mr. Graham Cox
Mr. Damien Cranwell
The Cron Family Foundation
Mr. Sufang Cui
The Curran Family
Ms. Laritza D`Amato
Mr. and Mrs. John and Doris Dalton
Ms. Sharon Deans
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Monica DeCicco
The Dobrin Family
Mr. and Mrs. Francis and Dierdre Donnantuono
Ms. Susan Doscher
Ben, Polly, Will, and Peter Duke
Ms. Lauren Edwards
Mr. William Egan
Ms. Sidney Elie-Pierre
Mr. and Mrs. Yoshio and Diane Endo
Mr. Aaron Epstein
The Felder Family
Mr. Sami Fleyhan
Ms. Shelly Flicker
Ms. Linda Foley
Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Lois Freeman
Friends Academy 8th Grade Class
Friends Academy Boys and Girls Track
Friends Academy Middle School
Friends Academy Parents Council
Ms. Holly Fujishige
Ms. Anne Gaffey
Mr. and Mrs. William and Louisa Garry
Ms. Cynthia Goebelbecker
Mr. Denis Goldman
Mr. Antonio Gonzalez
Ms. Maris Gordon
Ms. Cathleen Graham
Mr. and Mrs. Joel and Julia Greenblatt
Mr. and Mrs. William and Kara Guerin
Mr. and Mrs. Ted and Carole Gutierrez
Mr. Randal Haase
Ms. Joan Hariton
Mr. and Mrs. Alan and Lise Hasegawa
Nancy, Tom, Emily, Sam, and Jake Hawkins
Mr. and Mrs. Blaize Robert and Kathryn Heid
Ms. Amy Henin
Mr. William Hogan
Ms. Rose Hong
Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Anne Marie Horgan
Mr. Yafei Huang
Mr. Mitch Imoto
Ms. Irene Ippolito
Mr. Ian Jarvis
Mr. and Mrs. John and Janet Jay

Ms. Linda Joe
Mr. Carl Juul-Nielsen
Mr. Steven Kandarian
Mr. and Mrs. Erik and Deena Katz
Ms. Despina Keegan
Mr. and Mrs. Brian and Cristiane Keetch
Ms. Jeanne Kemperle
Mr. and Mrs. Edward and Nancy Kennedy
Mr. Michel Khalaf
Mr. Hélio Kinoshita
Mr. Michael Klein
Mr. and Mrs. James and Nancy Koeger
Mr. and Mrs. Dan and Karen Kriesberg
Mr. and Mrs. Sylvia and Alisha Kumar
Mr. Wai Yip Kwan
Mr. Ken Laguardia
The Landau Family
Law Office of Anthony J. Hom
Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Suzanne Leeds
Ms. Jodi Leeser
The Lieber Family
Ms. Janet Lightcap
Ms. Susan Linder
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel and Gail Liss
Ms. Janna Little
Mr. Tze "Samson" Lo
Ms. Jean Loui
Mr. and Mrs. Albert and Ann Lupoletti
Mr. and Mrs. Christine Markussen and Jim Walsh
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mascari and Lisa Gasstrom
Ms. Stacey Mayrock
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy and Lorraine McLinden
Mr. Edward McNelis
The Menzin Family
Mr. Andres Merino
Mrs. Kirsten Meszaros
Metlife ALICO
Metlife Asia Pacific Ltd.
Metlife Corporate Communications
Metlife Latin America
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Miller and Marcy Thailer
Ms. Siobhan Miller
Ms. Janet Morgan
Mr. William Mullaney
Mr. Donald Munson
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin and Cynthia Naughton
Ms. Florence Ng
Mr. Bill O'Donnell
Mr. Lyndon Oliver
Ms. Norma Ortiz
Ms. Doris Pailet
The Pancer Family
Mr. and Mrs. John and Harriet Pappas
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher and Silvana Pascucci
Ms. Rita Petrossian
Mr. Corey Pettway
Mr. Joseph Pezza
The Picoli Family
Mr. Timothy Plesko
Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Marjorie Pow
Mr. and Mrs. Carl and Sara Pozzi
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Donna Puleo
The Rabaglia Family
Ms. Brooke Rahmanan
Mr. Andrew Rallis
Mr. Kevin Rankin
Ms. Mary Ann Reardon
Ms. Evelyn Rechler
Mr. and Mrs. Scott and Deborah Rechler
Ms. Martha Regelmann
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Louise Reo
Ms. Phyllis Riskin
Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn and Jeanmarie Robbins
Mrs. Theresa Robinson
Mr. Jim Rose
Mr. Kenneth Rosenberg
Mr. and Mrs. Jodi and Robert Rosenthal
Mr. Harold Salmon
Mr. Craig Samples
Mrs. Janet A. Sanchez
Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Patricia Santella
Ms. Sharyn Schlenger
Mr. Oscar Schmidt
The Schuss Family
Ms. Fina Scibilia
Ms. Melissa Scott
Seymour Feldman Foundation, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Sachin and Rajul Shah
Mr. Dennis Shiel
Mr. and Mrs. Kiwon and Jenny Shin
Dr. Jeffrey Siciar
Mr. George Simeone
Ms. Ellen Smith
Mr. Steven G. Sorrentino
Mr. Chris Speers
Mr. Toby Srihiran-Brown
Mr. and Mrs. Eric and Jennifer Steigerwalt
Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Lauren Stephen
Mr. Andrew Stingi
Ms. Catherine Sullivan
Sullivan Papail Block McGrath & Cannavo PC
Ms. Donna Szatkowski-Zych
Mr. Stan Talbi
Mr. Robert Tejeda
The Princeton Review
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Catherine Thurstlic
Dr. Allen Toles
Mr. and Mrs. Boning and Mei Tong
Ms. Christina Tso
Mr. Stuart Turetsky
Mr. Seicha Turnbull
The Valentino Family
Maria, Luke, Sasha, and Kevin Wade
Mr. Terence Wassum
Mr. Ben Wachtler and Family
Mr. Gordon Watson
Ms. Robin Weaver
Mr. Steven Weinreb
Ms. Patricia Wersching
Mr. William Wheeler
Mr. Peter Won
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene and Lai Wong
Ms. Marianne Wong
Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Jane Wong
Ms. Vanessa Wong
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Jody Yong
Mr. and Mrs. Shihao Zhuo and Bob Pei
Honor Roll of Donors
In memory of Eleanor LoCastro
Ms. Susan VanLear
In memory of Scott McFadden
Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Nancy McFadden
In memory of Timothy W. Mikullitz
Ms. Dori Aleksandrowicz
Ms. Laura Carella
Mr. Andrew Carroll
Mr. Brendan Daly
Mr. Thomas Farrell
Mr. and Mrs. Claire and Timothy Frew
Mr. and Mrs. Craig and Christine Jordan
Ms. Eileen Kickish
Ms. Erin Mauro
Mr. and Mrs. Chris and Megan Murphy
Ms. Jessica Ragosta
Mr. Howard Unger
Mr. and Mrs. William and Lois Weissenburger
In memory of Donald E. Sr. and Doris A. Novy
Dr. Robert A. Novy
In memory of Norberto Ocampo
Ms. Alma Ocampo
In memory of Norman Orlinick
Ms. Debra Blatt
In memory of Karen A. Reitter
Mr. Frank Reitter
Ms. Mary Reitter
In memory of M. Bernice Reitter
Mr. Frank Reitter
In memory of Evan Andrew Schager
Ms. Anne L. Schager
In memory of Ed Siegel
Ms. Sheryl Stolzenberg
In memory of Alison Buckley Snyder
Mr. Richard Dew
Mr. and Mrs. Philip and Rochelle Eggleton
Ms. Margery Krumwiede
Mr. and Mrs. William and Karen Lewis
Ms. Tabitha McQuade
Ms. Elinor Quinones
Ms. Celeste A. Ringuette
Mr. and Mrs. Steve and Cissy Thunander
Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Beverly Toth
Ms. Kathy Travis
Ms. Kristen Van Dusen
Ms. Lori Wallace
Mr. Ken Zick
In memory of Catherine Stamoulis
Dr. Brent E. Masel, MD
In memory of Kevin Toal
Ms. Mary Seychell
In memory of Joseph R. Welch
Mr. Joseph J. Welch
In memory of David L. White, Jr.
Ms. Judi Esburnett
(Continued on pg. 19)
18

THE Challenge!
HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
(Continued from pg. 18)
TRIBUTES
In tribute to Rick and Robert Bagott’s
Wine Country Half Marathon
Almonte Enterprises LLC
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Baird and Linda Stark
Ms. Lori Bohl
Mr. Michael Dibenedetto
Mr. and Mrs. Jason and Laurel Dinkler
Ms. Carmen Duenuz
Ms. Stephanie Eubanks
Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Cherie Eulau
Ms. Sue Gibson
Mr. Scott L. Gilman
The Johnson Family
Mr. Frank E. Keyser
Ms. Yolande La Belle
Mr. and Mrs. David and Mara Parker
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell C. and Laura Perry
Ms. Laura D. Piller
Mr. R. N. Renard
Ms. Judy Schafer
Ms. Robin Steele
Mr. and Mrs. Shane and Leslie C. Toomay
Ms. Mary Wagg
Ms. Norrene E. Walton
Mr. Reginald C. Wuornos
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen and Patti Yoshida
In tribute to Sarah Barker
Ms. Stephanie Hitchings
In tribute to John Colavita
Ms. Margaret Colavita
In tribute to Morita Rapoza
Mr. and Mrs. Larry and Sue Sharken
In tribute to Roseanne Rhode’s
Tough Mudder Challenge
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond and Rosemary Bodley
Ms. Adelle Budd
Ms. Lisa Levitas
Ms. Traci McFeely
Ms. Elizabeth Povanda
Ms. Rebecca Thackaberry
In tribute to Karen Ruben
Mr. Lawrence P. Ruben
In tribute to Betty and Mel Sandock
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence and Suzanne Sharken
In tribute to Anita Winstead
Ms. Lucy Ann Scott
GENERAL DONATIONS
Ms. Nancy Albright
Ms. Barbara Alcock
Mr. Arthur A. Aligada
Ms. Lesli Stevens Ambrose
Mr. Brad Anderson
Anonymous Donor
Ms. Crystal Arquette
Ms. Cindy Ashworth
Ms. Crystal Aston
Ms. Treva Bakken
Ms. Jennifer Balistreri
Mr. David Barlet
Ms. Carroll Barrett
Mr. Brandon Beaver
Ms. Ann Bernaix
Ms. Danielle Boggess
Mr. David Boldt
Mr. Jerry Bollie
Mr. Gregory D. Boyd
Mr. Charlie Brannon
Mr. Matthew Brooks
Mr. Robert Byrnes
Mr. Frank Callozzo
Mr. Mario Cano
Ms. Laura Carter
Mr. Mario Castiglia
Mr. Raymond Chan
Mr. Dustin Chang
Ms. Elaine Chimenti
Ms. Cynthia Christopher
Ms. Janeen Christy
Mr. and Mrs. Tucker and Lisa Cirino
Mr. Stuart A. Cohen
Mr. John Cole
Ms. Buenah Combs
Ms. Doralise Comer-Mulhall
Ms. Carole B. Conger
Ms. Stacy Cook
Ms. Joanne Cordero
Mr. Kevin Crofts
Ms. Lynda Crum
Mr. Greg Currid
Ms. Carol Cutlip
Mr. David Davis
Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C.
Mr. Cody Day
Mr. Bernard Derksen
Mr. Christopher Dixon
Mr. Richard Dougherty
Mr. Jim Drake
Mr. and Mrs. Dan and Judy Durfee
Ms. Joni Eckert
Ms. Deborah Einhorn
Ms. Stephanie Ellenburg
Ms. Stephanie Ellington
Ms. Katie Ellis
Ms. Jacquelyn Ellison
Mr. William English
Mr. Keith Ferrell
Ms. Briana Fidelholtz
Ms. Theodora Fields
Ms. Tiffany Flaugher
Mr. Keziah Ford
Ms. Rhonda Ford
Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Barbara Forsley
Ms. Mary Fredrick
Ms. Jessica L. Frye
Ms. Marilyn Fulton
Mr. Stephen Philip Gianni
Ms. Patricia Goff
Ms. Elaine R. Goldman
Ms. Lisa Gorman
Ms. LeeAnn Graham
Mr. Juakemo Griffin
Mr. Sean Griffiths
Ms. Carol Guerry
Mr. James C. Hall
Mr. Warren Hall
Ms. Pennye Hamilton
Mr. Ken Handwerger
Mr. William Hanka
Ms. Sherri Hansen
Harnish Group Inc.
Mr. Michael Harotke
Ms. Patricia Hartenstine
Mr. Kennith Harvey
Ms. Amanda Hasbargen
Ms. Tracy Hawke
Heads On Straight Support Group
Mr. and Mrs. David G. and Carol A. Hevey
Ms. Debbie Hickman
Ms. Kylie Hickmon
Ms. Erin Higgins
Ms. Nancy Himelhoch
Mr. Edward Hintz
Mr. Reginald Hitchcock
Ms. Susan Houghton
Ms. Robin Hoskins
Dr. Jason Huffman
Mr. James F. Humphreys, Esq.
Ms. Margaret Hutchings
Mr. Robert Irving
J. W. Mitchell Company, LLC
Jack and Jill of America Suffolk County Teens
Ms. Amanda Jernigan
Mr. Kevin Johns
Ms. Selena Johnson
Ms. Murel Jones
Mr. Robert Katz
Ms. Paulette Kearney
Ms. Diana Kehoe
Mr. Paul Keller
Mr. Jospeh Kennedy
Ms. Katrina Kill
Ms. Maryellen T. Klang
Ms. Linda E. Krach
Mr. Joseph Lafivra
Mr. Steven Lafreniere
Mr. Joseph Lalka
Mr. Andrew LaSalle
Ms. Ingrid M. Laursen
Mr. William J. Leonard
Ms. Cynthia Lesch
Ms. Abby Levenson
Mr. Aaron Lewis
Mr. Richard E. Lewis
Mr. Valdean Lueck
Ms. Kristine Lundgren
Ms. Maria Mackay
Marta Employees Charity Club
Mr. Patrick Martin
Maryland Charity Campaign
Ms. Sandi McCabe
Ms. Regina McCoy
Ms. Colleen McDonald
Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Nancy McFadden
Ms. Carolyn McKnight
19

Honor Roll of Donors
Mr. William Meyer
Ms. Katrina Miller
Mr. Carlos A. Moreno
Ms. Stephanie L. Morgan
Ms. Tracy Morris
Mr. James Morrissey
Mr. Gene Moyer
Ms. Melissa Leigh Mullins
Mr. and Mrs. Stian and Samantha Myraas
Ms. Marcie Nagle
Mr. S. Lynn Neal
Ms. Sara Neuforth
Mr. and Mrs. Dave and Elaine Nokes
Mr. George Norton
Ms. Sylvia Nunez
Ms. Catherine O'Connell-Stingi
Mr. Dontaye Oliver
Ms. Tamera Olson
Mr. Nathan Orr
Ms. Candi Patterson
Ms. Phyllis Pickett
Mr. John Potusek IV
Mr. Michael Preston
Ms. Lianna Pulido
Mr. Charles Randolph
Ms. Vicki Rattiner
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Marsha Ray
Mr. Patrick Reidy
Ms. Laura Renta
Mr. Jack Richert
Mr. Joseph C. Richert
Ms. Melisa Ridenour
Ms. Brenda B. Ries
Mr. Benjamin Roberts
Mr. Charlie Roberts
Ms. Linda Roberts
Mr. Mark Robichau
Ms. Jeannette Roman
Mr. Gary Rowe
Ms. Ann Roszina
Ms. Esther G. Rubinzon
Mr. Robert Russell
Salem State University Class of 2011
Ms. Rose Salerno
Mr. Mark Salisbury
Ms. Wendy Savage
Ms. Cecily N. Schmitt
Mr. Robert Schmoldt
Mr. Charles T. Seay II
Mr. and Mrs. Yitzhak J. and Sandra L. Sharon
Ms. Kristina L. Shesko
Ms. Mary Ann Silva
Ms. Gayle Soderberg
Ms. Stacey St. Holder
Mr. William Stebbins
Mr. Charles Stein
Ms. Mona Stewart-Pinkerman
Mr. Richard Sullivan
Ms. Sharon Sullivan
Mr. William Sullivan
Mr. Jon Sunderman
Ms. Rosie Sutton
Mr. Clifford Richard Swanson
Tagvillage, Inc.
Ms. Macies Tankersley Ballou
Mr. Jeff Tatham
Ms. Stacie Terrell
Mr. Nathaniel Thompson
Mr. Darran Tilden
Ms. Shana De Caro
Mr. John Turcotte
Ms. Deborah Tyler
United Way California Capital Region
United Way of Central Massachusetts
Dr. and Mrs. Jack and Uta Valpey
Mr. Dennis Wainwright
Ms. Roberta Walker
Mr. Mark Watson
Ms. Maryann Waylett
Ms. Sherry Weatherly
Ms. Tina Weiss
Ms. Brady Westcamp
Ms. Pamela Wiggins
Ms. Lydia Wilk
Ms. Sabrina Phillips Wilkerson
Ms. Chiquanda Williams
Mr. John Wood
Mr. and Mrs. Gary and Kay Woods
Ms. Bryn Woodworth
Mr. Bradley Daniel Worley
Ms. Amanda E. Young
Ms. Carol Young
Zog Sports
Thank You!
20

21
THE Challenge!
STATE
AffIlIATE
neWs
Arizona
Hawaii
Bowl for Brain Injury 2011 is scheduled for
September 24 in four locations: Glendale, Mesa, Scottsdale
and Tucson. You can sign up your team or donate to the event
at www.bowlforbrain.org. It’s a great team building event for
professionals and a perfect event for survivors and families. The
event assists the Brain Injury Association of Arizona (BIAAZ)
with programs and services, such as Camp Can Do, family and
survivor education and professional education and provides
funding for support groups and other supportive services.
Contact the BIAAZ if you have any questions at 602-508-8024
or register at www.bowlforbrain.org.
Delaware
In 2011, the Brain Injury Association of Delaware (BIAD)
worked with two local nonprofits to produce and
implement the BIAD Art Club Pilot Program focused on
creative expression in a group environment. For nine weeks, 13
Art Club members (those with brain injury) from the community
gathered weekly for two-hour sessions to produce art projects
that were displayed in a professional art gallery. The Art Club
members were honored at the BIAD Art Club Closing Gala, held
immediately following the gallery showing. The program ended
with a tour of the Delaware Art Museum on June 8. The BIAD
Art Club was funded in part by local foundations, the Delaware
Foundation Reaching Citizens and the Delaware Developmental
Disabilities Council, and was supplemented by donations from
individuals and local businesses. The BIAD Art Club Leadership
Committee is working to expand the program to run throughout
the year in multiple locations. While some of the Art Club
Members had very little experience in artistic expression, they
attacked their projects with gusto. One member produced a
set of three-dimensional characters based on the Renaissance.
Another hadn’t picked up a paintbrush in 40 years but produced
ten pieces of art. One of the BIAD Art Club members passed
away suddenly after the eighth club session; he was in the midst
of creating a clay model of the Coliseum, complete with a
resident – a rat named Janus Flavius. The volunteers were asked
to participate in the process and produce their own works of art,
and two of them found their love of art reignited as they recalled
training they thought they had forgotten. Check out pictures of
the BIAD Art Club at www.biade.org.
The Brain Injury Association of Hawaii (BIAHI) was successful
this year in obtaining a contract from the state of Hawaii’s
Neurotrauma Fund through the Department of Health to develop
the framework for a facility focused on brain injury. The Brain
Injury Resource Center would be a first for the state. The steering
committee envisions the center to be a vibrant, communitygathering
place where resources and programs are available for
those with brain injury living in the community. Groundbreaking
is targeted for sometime in 2012. BIAHI welcomes new board
members John Wingard and Julia Price to our ohana (‘ohana’
means family in the Hawaiian language). John is a successful
business owner specializing in brand development and design. He
has long participated with BIAHI in the design of our brochures
and website. We are grateful for his added contribution as a
new board member. As a mother of an adult son with a brain
injury, Julia brings her passion for ongoing rehabilitation to the
Board. Julia’s son was injured in a car accident and his story was
featured in the BIAHI newsletter. Board members and directors
for 2011 are Ian Mattoch, president; Karen Lopez, vice president;
Tony Hustiger, treasurer; Cortney Chambers, secretary; and board
of directors Lyna Burian, Peter Rossi, M.D., Sally Mist, John
Wingard and Julia Price.
Indiana
The Brain Injury Association of Indiana (BIAI)
is pleased to announce the 2011 Indiana General
Assembly passed a new law requiring the Indiana
Department of Education to disseminate guidelines, information
sheets and forms to schools to inform and educate coaches,
student athletes, and parents of athletes about the nature and risk
of concussions and head injuries. This measure also requires
that a high school student athlete who is suspected of sustaining
a head injury or concussion be removed from play at the time
of the injury and may not return to play until the athlete has
been evaluated and received written clearance from a licensed
health care provider trained in evaluating head injuries. BIAI
is also busy planning a number of events, including the 2nd
Annual Golf Fore Thought Golf Outing on October 4th as a
kick-off event to the Fall Research and Education Conference
on October 5-6, 2011, in Greenwood.

State Affiliate News
Kansas
Memorial Day, May 30, marked the 24th
Annual Amy Thompson Run for Brain Injury,
the major fundraiser for the Brain Injury Association of Kansas
and Greater Kansas City (BIAKS). This event featured an 8K
and 2 mile Run/Walk with more than 2800 participants and
hundreds of spectators. The Run, one of Kansas City’s premier
family events, took runners through the scenic neighborhoods
of the Ward Parkway area and Loose Park. This year, the event’s
focus was on brain injury among returning military service
members. We were honored that 239 soldiers from Fort Riley,
KS, participated by running the 8K in formation. It was quite
a memorable sight! Our honoree was Master Sergeant Kevin
Walker who did a great job of sharing his story of recovery
and life following brain injury due to IED blast in 2004 while
deployed. All did a wonderful job bringing awareness to brain
injury in our community. The Amy Thompson Run has raised
more than $2 million dollars for BIAKS since its inception! For
additional information please visit, www.amythompsonrun.org.
Maryland
On May 19, 2011,
members of the Brain
Injury Association of Maryland (BIAM)
were on hand as Gov. Martin O’Malley
signed HB 858 and SB 771 into law. The
new law, which went into effect July 1,
2011, provides protections for students who
are suspected of incurring a concussion
during practice or play. The law calls for the
Maryland State Department of Education to
implement concussion awareness programs
and requires student athletes under the
age of 19 and their parents/guardians to
acknowledge they have received concussion
information prior to participating in any
sport. Students demonstrating signs of a
concussion during practice or play will be
removed and returned only after clearance
by an appropriate licensed health care
professional. Maryland becomes the 18th
state to enact such legislation, which came
as the result of the work of numerous legislators and organizations, lead by the BIAM. In addition, BIAM celebrated the unveiling
of its reinvigorated website, www.biamd.org, at the beginning of July. This is the first full overhaul of the website in a number
of years and is the culmination of the efforts of our dedicated staff and volunteers who brought the project to life. In addition to
being more user friendly, the site provides real time updates of important events and news stories for the brain injury community.
(Continued on pg. 24)
22

23
THE Challenge!

State Affiliate News
State Affiliate News
BIAM also partnered with First Giving to improve its online
fundraising and event registration. By providing our volunteers
and participants the ability to register, create teams, and post
pictures and stories online, we hope to enhance the overall
experience while broadening our outreach into the community.
With the Eat a Peach Bike Challenge in August and Scarecrow
5K in October, our new website and First Giving initiatives
could not have been more timely. Stay tuned for further
developments!
Missouri
The Brain Injury Association of Missouri’s (BIAMO)
7th Annual Statewide Conference will be held on
October 20-22, 2011, at the St. Charles Convention
Center in St. Charles, a suburb of St. Louis. National and
regional experts will share innovative therapies and treatments,
best practices and current research in the field of brain injury.
Keynote speakers are Jeffrey S. Kreutzer, Ph.D., ABPP,
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth
University; David Brody, M.D., Ph.D., Department of
Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine; and
Kate Adamson, author of Paralyzed But Not Powerless and
a survivor of a stroke. Information regarding sponsorship or
registration is available at www.biamo.org or by calling 314-
426-4024 or 800-444-6443. The Brain Injury Awareness Run:
5K/10K Run & 1-Mile Walk will take place on Saturday,
October 15, 2011, in Downtown Mount Vernon on the Square
with proceeds to benefit the BIAMO. Registration is $17 for the
10K Run, $15 for the
5K Run and $5 for the 1-mile Walk. Each participant receives
a free t-shirt. For more information contact John Klay,
417-776-1079 or Charity Shelton, 417-619-5225. The 3rd
annual Journey for Hope 5K Walk/Run to raise awareness
about brain injury will be held Saturday, September 24, 2011,
at the Missouri State Fair Grounds East Entrance in Sedalia.
Registration is $20 per person and includes a t-shirt. Survivors
of brain injury receive free registration. BIAMO is one of the
benefiting agencies from Journey for Hope. More information,
go to www.JourneyforHope.net.
Montana
(Continued from pg. 22)
The Brain Injury Association of Montana
hosted a support group leader training in
June that was sponsored by a 2010 Quality of Life Grant from
the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. The two-day
training was held at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, including
presentations on Creating Space for Grief (Melanie Trost),
Substance Use and Abuse after Brain Injury (Kristen Morgan),
Fundraising (Jim Mickelson), and Leadership and Self Care
(Terry Stephens). Support group leaders shared their personal
experiences and knowledge with their peers and offered support
and encouragement. The association is grateful to have received
the Quality of Life Grant, which allowed us to provide the
training and show our appreciation for our leaders. Support
group leaders and monthly meetings are a valued community
resource. Each support group received educational materials
for their group library to support members of their community
affected by brain injury. The grant also provided funds for the
development of a new display board for outreach to veterans.
This display will be instrumental in our continued efforts in
bringing awareness to our returning soldiers and their families.
New York
Albany was the place to be on June 2-3, when
more than 300 enthusiastic supporters gathered
for the Brain Injury Association of New York
State’s (BIANYS) annual conference, “Uniting as the Voice
of Brain Injury.” We’re thrilled to report the conference was a
great success, bringing together individuals with brain injury,
family members, professionals and advocates for two days
of education, networking, sharing, caring and fun. We were
honored to welcome recently-appointed NYS Commissioner
of Health Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H. In his opening remarks,
Commissioner Shah discussed the challenges of health care,
along with other key issues the Department of Health will
address over the next several years. Of key significance to
our members was Commissioner Shah’s reaffirmation of New
York State’s commitment to supporting the needs of its citizens
with brain injury and other disabilities. After Commissioner
Shah’s informative comments, our attendees were treated to
a truly inspirational keynote speaker - Kevin Pearce, a worldrenowned
professional snowboarder and TBI survivor. Kevin
holds numerous snowboarding titles, including three medals
at the 2008 Winter X-Games, and a bronze medal at the 2008
U.S. Open of Snowboarding. He was considered a leading
contender for the 2010 Winter Olympics before sustaining
a TBI in December of 2009, while training for the Olympic
halfpipe trials. Kevin’s recovery was a source of inspiration
for thousands of fans and brain injury survivors nationwide.
The BIANYS Annual Conference marked the first time that
Kevin has spoken publicly to other brain injury survivors.
His humor and resolutely positive attitude shone through in
Kevin’s presentation. After showing a short film highlighting
his professional career and his journey post-injury, Kevin shared
his insights about his ongoing recovery and the challenges of
living on his own. He urged his fellow survivors not to “beat
themselves up” when they make mistakes and to embrace
the humor in everyday life. Despite the knowledge that his
snowboarding days are in the past, Kevin is grateful every day to
be alive and able to enjoy his family and “frends” (because there
is no “I” in friends.) With his mother, Pia, by his side, Kevin
then cheerfully signed posters for his new-found “frends,” posed
(Continued on pg. 25)
24

THE Challenge!
State Affiliate News
for pictures, and charmed everyone with his upbeat attitude. He
was truly an inspiration to all, and we hope to see him again
soon. After the morning presentations, guests enjoyed 15 diverse
workshops. The conference concluded with a BIANYS Film
Festival featuring our newly released documentaries, Coming
Home, which shares stories of the impact of brain injury on
families, and Keep Moving Forward, looking at brain injury and
children. It was a truly special morning. The first Brain Injury/
Concussion Awareness Day was held at Citi Field in Queens, as
the BIANYS partnered with the New York Mets to bring more
awareness to our issues. 500 BIANYS members and friends
waved special pennants to show their support. BIANYS received
a Spirit Award from the Mets, and a special Marine Color Guard
were part of the ceremonies.
North Carolina
(Continued from pg. 24)
The Gfeller-Waller Concussion Awareness Act
was signed into law on June 16, 2011, by Gov. Beverly Perdue.
The new law, which is similar to laws that have been passed in
other states (such as the Zackary Lysted law in Washington),
mandates that an athletic concussion safety training program
will be developed for the use of coaches, school nurses, school
athletic directors, volunteers, students who participate in
interscholastic athletic activities in the public schools and the
parents of the students. The program shall include, but not be
limited to: (1) Written information detailing the recognition
of the signs and symptoms of concussions and other head
injuries; (2) A description of the physiology and the potential
short-term and long-term affects of concussions and other head
injuries; and (3) The medical return-to-play protocol for post
concussion participation in interscholastic athletic activities.
The Brain Injury Association of North Carolina (BIANC) will
be involved in the development and implementation of the
concussion management training protocol that will help prevent
and appropriately manage sport-related brain injuries in student
athletic events. BIANC's statewide camp for people with brain
injuries is scheduled for Sept.16-18, 2011, at Camp Carefree
in Stokesdale. This is the 17th year that we have sponsored an
outstanding camping event, and we expect slots to fill quickly.
Anyone who is interested in attending camp can find more
information and an application on our website at www.bianc.net.
BIANC and Wake Area Health Education Center (AHEC) are
holding our annual conference entitled “Brain Injury 2011: After
the Big Bang, Managing Your New Universe,” October 27-28,
2011, at 111 Place in Cary. The audience for this educational
activity will be brain injury service providers and treatment
specialists, including nurses, psychologists, therapists, care
coordinators and other community practitioners. For the past four
years, Wake AHEC and BIANC have partnered to offer similar
programs and the attendee feedback has been excellent. We
are pleased to offer the same high level of professional content
this year. We have a very special guest joining us as a featured
25

State Affiliate News
speaker: Dr. Catherine Rogers, Clinical Neuropsychologist at
Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. We are also excited to offer
a half-day workshop on sport concussion management with
staff from UNC’s Sport Medicine program, who will discuss
innovations in identifying and treating sport related concussions.
The workshop will address how new sport concussion laws will
be implemented including the use of cell phone applications to
help correctly manage a potential concussion.
OHIO
Advancing legislation to promote recognition and
appropriate management of concussion among
young athletes has been the focus of the Brain
Injury Association of Ohio’s (BIAOH) advocacy efforts since
introduction of HB 143 in March. Compelling data recently
released by the Ohio Hospital Association was among the
factors that spurred State Reps. Michael Stinziano (Columbus)
and Sean O’Brien (Youngstown) to introduce HB 143. The
data, reported through the Ohio Department of Health,
showed an increase of 142% in the number of youth (18 years
and younger) treated in emergency departments for sports/
recreation-related TBIs over a 7-year period: 2,859 in 2002 as
compared with 6,040 in 2009. Increased public awareness of
concussions in sports, and the national momentum to pass state
and federal legislation to protect youth athletes, also factored
into Reps’ Stinziano and O’Brien’s decision to advance this
critically important legislation. BIAOH is honored to be among
a group of prevention-minded advocates and partners invited to
help shape HB 143 and offer testimony to members of the Ohio
General Assembly’s Health & Aging Committee. In addition
to BIAOH’s board president and executive director, testimony
was convincingly offered by board member Susan Davies,
who teaches graduate students in school psychology at the
University of Dayton. A researcher and recent author of articles
detailing best practices in school response to concussions,
Dr. Davies noted in her testimony that “points outlined in the
proposed bill fall in line with these best practices in policies and
procedures.” Among HB 143’s greatest champions is BIAOH
member and advocate Sam Nesser of Hilliard. Over the course
of her promising high school athletic career, Sam experienced
multiple unrecognized, undiagnosed and untreated concussions,
and now lives with a range of challenges associated with brain
injury. Her testimony perhaps best expressed the importance of
passing HB 143:
“I hope my story can help prevent this from happening
to other young athletes. If HB 143 had been law when
I was playing basketball and soccer, I think things
would have been much different. You see, back when I
was playing basketball and soccer there wasn’t much
information about concussions or the effect they could
have on you. I suffered concussion after concussion, not
even knowing what they were at the time or knowing that
I needed to see a doctor or trainer for each one of them.
There was always so much pressure to come back from
any injury as fast as possible, including concussions.
There was pressure from the other parents, pressure from
the coaches and pressure from your own teammates.
Had HB 143 been law, I would have been forced to see
a doctor or trainer and maybe this would have never
happened. My parents would have never allowed me to
come back into the game so fast, and they would have
never allowed me to come back until my symptoms
were resolved. My coaches would have been forced to
face the facts, and have more training to allow them to
know more about concussions, and how to look for the
symptoms of concussions. Maybe there wouldn’t have
been as much pressure to come back sooner.”
As can be expected, BIA of Ohio, along with members,
partners and supporters will continue to “beat the drum” toward
successful passage of HB 143.
South Carolina
The Brain Injury Association of South Carolina
(BIASC) just wrapped up its annual statewide
conference, Life With Brain Injury, which was held
June 16-17, 2011, in Columbia. We were honored to host BIA
of America President and CEO Susan Connors as our keynote
speaker. She motivated, inspired and informed the audience
with her update of the wonderful things happening at BIAA on
the national level as well as an update on healthcare reform. We
were almost “busting at the seams” with nearly 300 attendees
each day! Now, BIASC is hard at work on its 8th Annual Golf
Tournament, which will be held October 24, 2011, in Columbia.
Online registration will be available for the first time this year
at www.biausa.org/SC/. We are in the midst of planning our
first-ever awareness event and fundraiser in historic Charleston
and are excited to strengthen our presence in the Low Country.
Check our website for the amazing things happening at BIASC!
BIASC also found success in its advocacy efforts during the SC
Legislative session. BIASC advocated for no further cuts to the
SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs budget, which
is the main provider for individuals with special needs in our
state. Fortunately there were no cuts to the budget. BIASC also
advocated for the SCDDSN Post Acute Rehabilitation Funding
within the budget for un-insured and under-insured individuals
with TBI and SCI. Our efforts were rewarded with an increase
in that funding.
Texas
The Brain Injury Association of Texas (BIATX)
will hold its 3rd annual golf tournament,
“Fairways to the Brain,” September 16, 2011, in
Austin at the Onion Creek Gold Club. Come one, come all for a
day of golf and camaraderie benefiting BIATX!
(Continued on pg. 27)
26

THE Challenge!
2012 BIAA
Business Practice College
Feb. 21-23, 2012
Las Vegas, Nevada
The seventh BIAA Brain Injury
Business Practice College will
be held February 21-23, 2012,
at the Platinum Hotel and
Spa, 211 E. Flamingo Rd.,
Las Vegas. Content will
focus on the continuum of
care, including the everpopular
case study, round-table
discussions, and networking
opportunities. Details will
be available soon at
www.biausa.org.
STATE AffIlIATE NEWS
Virginia
It’s been a busy few months for the Brain
Injury Association of Virginia (BIAV).
We held our annual conference in March of more than 150
attendees, and Commissioner Rothrock of the Virginia
Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) received an award
for his contributions to improving the lives of Virginians with
brain injury. DRS and BIAV conducted a Caregivers Forum in
April to provide an opportunity for family members to meet
each other and learn how to manage stress, deal with difficult
behavior, and supports and services. In addition, in April, BIAV
held its 3rd Support Group Leader Training with 19 leaders
from 15 groups attending. Each one said the materials presented
and the opportunity to meet and support each other was very
helpful. In May, Anne McDonnell, executive director of
BIAV, was honored as one of the “2011 Influential Women of
Virginia” by Virginia Lawyers Media. In the next month BIAV
will be partnering with the Virginia Department of Health and
Safe Kids to conduct five concussion clinics, featuring BIAA
Board member Chris Nowinski, to facilitate implementation
of the state’s new sports concussion bill and with the Virginia
Department of Education to begin the development of regional
brain injury specialist teams to improve the educational
experiences of children with brain injury in the public schools
and enhance the capacity of educators to meet their needs.
Wisconsin
(Continued from pg. 26)
“PLAY SMART WI,” a statewide health
initiative on Concussion Education & Prevention
developed by the Brain Injury Association of
Wisconsin (BIAWI), provides information on the signs and
symptoms of concussion and how to respond appropriately if
a concussion is suspected. This includes material intended for
coaches, parents, athletes, volunteer coaches, athletic trainers,
physicians, youth leagues, recreational leagues, select leagues,
school teams and anyone interested in concussion prevention.
BIAWI is currently working on legislation mandating that
an athlete be removed from practice/play if a concussion is
suspected. The athlete cannot return to practice/play until he/
she has been assessed and cleared to return by an appropriate
medical professional. BIAW is a co-sponsor of this legislation,
along with the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association,
the Department of Public Instruction, and several state
representatives and senators.
For more information on PLAY SMART WI please visit
www.biaw.org or call 262-790-9660.
27

Expressing emotions shouldn’t be
left to chance • Many people who have had a traumatic brain injury also suffer
from a neurologic condition called pseudobulbar affect (PBA),
which causes sudden, involuntary outbursts of crying or laughing
• Up to 10% of people with traumatic brain injury are thought to
have symptoms of PBA
• More than a million Americans suffer from PBA, including people
with other underlying neurologic conditions such as Lou Gehrig’s
disease (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), and stroke
If you or someone you care for shows signs of having PBA, talk to your doctor or visit
PBAinfo.org. You can also share your PBA experiences at facebook.com/PBAinfo
© 2010 Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All Rights Reserved. PBA-0071-ADV-0911
28

THE Challenge!
resources
A Guide to Clinical
Research Trials
By Gregory Ayotte, Director of Consumer Services, Brain Injury Association of America
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH),
clinical research either directly involves a particular
person or group of people or uses materials from
humans, such as their behavior. Clinical research trials may
be conducted by government health agencies such as NIH,
researchers affiliated with a hospital or university medical
program, independent researchers, or private industry. There
is great interest among those with brain injury in considering
research trial participation. Following is information about
research trials and what to consider if you would like to
participate in a trial.
Unpaid volunteers are usally recruited for clinical trials,
although in some cases research subjects may be paid. Subjects
are generally divided into two or more groups, including a
control group that does not receive the experimental treatment,
receives a placebo (inactive substance) instead, or receives a
tried-and-true therapy for comparison purposes.
A clinical study is designed to answer specific scientific
questions. An ethics board reviews a clinical
study before researchers are allowed to
initiate their study. Participants are
selected based on certain criteria.
A participant chooses freely to
participate, or not, after reviewing
the possible risks and benefits
of participation.
What to Consider When Searching
Online for Clinical Trials
• Before starting your search, read The Bill of Rights for
Clinical Center Patients, which concerns the care you
receive, privacy, confidentiality and access to medical
records. www.cc.nih.gov/participate/patientinfo/legal/
bill_of_rights.shtml.
• There are no guarantees. You may search the clinical trial
databases – and find nothing. There is no guarantee there is
something out there that will help your particular situation.
However, you may find these sites can point you in the
right direction.
• The presence of a clinical trial does not automatically mean
you will qualify to participate, receive the treatment being
offered, benefit from the treatment being offered, or "be
cured" of brain injury. This is research and there is not yet
a cure for brain injury. Researchers set up a study because
they have reason to believe, but are not sure about, an
intervention and need more information.
• Discuss the information with your doctor before
participating. Research trials are designed to be as risk
free as possible, but by their very nature, research trials are
looking into the unknown. Take the time to read through
ALL research material, and ask questions. Consider the
potential benefits as well as drawbacks of participating
in a clinical study. Discuss the information you find with
your doctor.
• Participation in clinical trials is a personal choice
and may not be for everyone. Choosing to participate
or not to participate is an individual decision that
should be respected.
Information on clinical Trials
Check the websites for local universities or large
rehabilitation centers, which might be running clinical
trials. Some websites offer personal clinical trials
notification and will email updates on trials based on a
person’s interests. Be aware that several websites
require user registration prior to a site search,
while others may ask for your mailing
address, name, area of interest, etc.,
before allowing access to research trial
information.
29

Resources
Following is a list of resources for those interested in clinical trials.
• ACURIAN
www.acurian.com
This website features the capability to develop a personal profile
of information. Registration is required to search the database.
• CenterWatch
www.centerwatch.com
CenterWatch offers a listing of clinical trials and a personal
clinical trial notification option.
• Clinical Trials
www.clinicaltrials.gov
This site is provided by the National Institutes of Health, in
collaboration with the National Library of Medicine and Federal
Drug Administration.
• RehabTrials
www.rehabtrials.org
This website lists clinical trials focused on rehabilitation.
• The Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center
www.cc.nih.gov/recruit/index.html
The Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center has listings for
studies happening on the campus of the National Institutes of
Health (NIH).
If you have questions, contact BIAA’s National
Brain Injury Information Center at 1-800-444-6443.
30

THE Challenge!
NEWS & NOTES
BIAA Receives Contribution from TBILG
Shana DeCaro (L) of the American Association for Justice’s Traumatic
Brain Injury Litigation Group presents a very generous 2011 contribution
of $5,000 to Susan Connors (R) during the Federal Interagency
Conference in Washington, D.C., in June. The gift is used to support
nationwide efforts to increase awareness and prevention of brain injury.
The TBILG has made two similar gifts to BIAA, for a total of $15,000,
since 2008.
Funds Raised in Memory of Brian Hom
to Help those with Brain Injury
Brian James Hom passed away at age 18 from injuries sustained in a car accident. Brian was
an intelligent, loving, kind and vibrant young man. His parents, Jim and Karen, shared that
his passionate energy, honesty and love shown through in everything he did. “The sadness
is great. The grief is overwhelming. He was a wonderful gift. He brought us such joy. Brian
would be proud of all that has been raised for BIAA, and we know he is grateful to everyone
and honored that his name is associated with the important work they are doing.”
Whenever he entered a situation, Brian brought with him his infectious smile and unique
sense of humor. He left a lasting impact on all who knew him through his passion for social
equity and justice, generosity and personal warmth. He had an unwavering commitment to
excellence as a runner and scholar.
After excelling in his academics, Brian was accepted at Wesleyan University. In high
school, he was a track star and captain of the team, breaking multiple school records. He
held multiple officer positions in the Diversity Committee at school and volunteered at
ERASE Racism, a non-profit organization that works to eliminate racial injustice through
education, research and advocacy. He did all this while also working part time at a local
landscape design company. Brian inspired everyone he touched and he will be dearly missed.
Brian’s Chinese name,
Gen Hong means hero.
“That’s who he was to us and who he
will remain in our hearts always.”
One “Tough Mudder” Raises Awareness
and Funds for BIAA
Roseanne (Ro) Rhodes, a mother of three and physical therapist from
Progressive Health of Pennsylvania, a residential and outpatient facility for
adults with brain injuries, finished the grueling “Tough Mudder Challenge”
on May 10, 2011. One of more than 12,000 participants, Ro braved a
10-mile muddy, rocky and difficult 30-obstacle course at Mount Snow, VT,
to raise awareness of brain injury and to support BIAA.
brightroom.com
Ro triumphantly reported, “Just to let you know I survived!!! And I have to
say, my fundraiser helped me as much if not more than it helps the BIAA!
31

News & Notes
There were so many times when I didn’t think I would make it,
but not finishing made me feel unworthy of all the contributions
people made so I kept pushing myself. It was a crazy course,
and the hardest thing I've ever done in my life and I have given
birth three times!”
In addition to Ro’s Tough Mudder Challenge fundraiser, Rick and
Robert Bagott, twins from Ventura, Calif., recently completed the
Wine Country Half Marathon to raise awareness of brain injury
and funds for BIAA. Robert edged out Rick by mere seconds,
Last year, the twins swam 1.5 miles from Alcatraz Island to
the shores of San Francisco for BIAA. Amy Marks, a speech
pathologist at Ability Beyond Disability in Mt. Kisco, NY, which
provides residential and rehabilitation services to adults with
disabilities, many of whom have TBI, will be participating in the
HV Sports Sprint Triathlon in Danbury, Conn., on September 17,
2011. If you are interested in raising brain injury awareness and
funds for BIAA, please contact Mary Reitter, mreitter@biausa.
org or 703-761-0750 x623.
U.S. Student Wins International
Brain Bee Championship
Future neuroscientists from around the world met in Florence,
Italy, to compete in the 13th International Brain Bee (IBB)
Championship on Saturday, July 16, 2011. The IBB is a
neuroscience competition for teenage students to motivate
young men and women to learn about the human brain and
inspire them to enter careers in the basic and clinical brain
sciences. This year, Thanh-Liem Huynh-Tran of the United
States placed first.
Thanh-Liem is a senior in high school in Santa Barbara, Calif.
He won the Los Angeles local Brain Bee in order to qualify for
the USA Nationals. He then won the USA Nationals to qualify
for the Internationals. He is currently working as a summer
intern in the National Institutes of Health laboratory of Dr. Eric
Wassermann, analyzing the effects of war injuries on veterans.
He hopes to enter the medical field specializing in neuroscience/
neurology.
The IBB around the world is also helped by dozens of partners,
including the Society for Neuroscience, the International
Brain Research Organization, and many colleges, universities,
foundations, museums, hospitals, libraries, institutes, societies,
and commercial companies and businesses. Organizations, such
as the American Psychological Association and the Canadian
Association for Neuroscience, host the IBB Championship at
their annual conventions.
Acupuncture Makes Strides in
Treatment of Brain Injuries, PTSD
Military field physicians are using
the practice of acupuncture to treat
cases of mild traumatic brain injuries
(mild TBI), including concussions, and
cases of post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD). The Department of Defense is
putting its weight behind acupuncture.
For example, the most recent Veterans
Affairs (VA) clinical guidance
recommends acupuncture as
a supplementary therapy for
PTSD, anxiety, pain and
sleeplessness. The VA
is recruiting candidates
for a formal study of
acupuncture’s effectiveness on PTSD and mild TBI. Go here
for more information: http://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/dc/
Clinical/acupuncture.asp.
App Helps Identify Concussion
Symptoms in Near-Real-Time
If you think a youth athlete may have taken too hard a hit on the
field and might have suffered a concussion, your phone may be
able to help. As reported on WTOP radio in Washington, D.C.,
the Concussion Recognition and Response App for Apple and
Android devices uses information from the Centers for Disease
Control's Heads Up program to help parents and coaches
identify the warning signs of concussion in near-real-time.
“This will provide a record of what happened on the field,”
says Gerald Gioia, Ph.D., director of the Concussion Program
at Children's National Medical Center, who partnered with a
researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
in developing the app.
When a concussion is suspected, the coach or parent would
select the “New Incident” button within the app and answer a
series of questions about how the injury occurred and existing
symptoms. Based on the responses, the app suggests whether
a concussion is suspected and if so, recommends seeking
help. If the results are unclear, a list of concussion warning
signs to watch for results. While the app is not a substitute for
assessment by a trained professional, it may assist in identifying
a concussion more quickly.
Gioia says information collected from the app will be used
anonymously as part of a nationwide study on how concussions
are identified and treated. “It's really meant to bring a greater
standardization of all this to youth concussion,” says Gioia.
(Continued on pg. 33)
32

THE Challenge!
News & Notes
(Continued from pg. 32)
A similar app is under development for emergency medical
workers and other health providers.
National Center for Medical
Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR)
Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Since it was established 20 years ago, NCMRR-supported
research has led to discoveries and advances that have
improved health outcomes for those with disabilities and
chronic conditions. In 1991, the National Institute of Child
Health & Human Development established the National
Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research to become the
primary entity for medical rehabilitation research within the
NIH and the federal government. Since then, the Center has
helped to advance scientific knowledge about disabilities and
rehabilitation, while also providing vital support and focus for
the field of medical rehabilitation to help ensure the health,
independence, productivity, and quality of life of all people.
Read the full NICHD Spotlight at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/.
Traumatic Brain Injury Linked with
Tenfold Increase in Stroke Risk
Your risk of having a stroke within three months after traumatic
brain injury (TBI) may increase tenfold, according to a new study
reported in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.
“It’s reasonable to assume that cerebrovascular damage in the
head caused by a TBI can trigger either a hemorrhagic stroke
[when a blood vessel bursts inside the brain] or an ischemic
stroke [when an artery in the brain is blocked],” said Herng-
Ching Lin, Ph.D., senior study author and professor at the
School of Health Care Administration, College of Medicine,
Taipei Medical University in Taiwan. “However, until now,
no research had been done showing a correlation between TBI
and stroke.” It is the first study that pinpoints traumatic brain
injury as a potential risk factor for subsequent stroke.
Early neuroimaging examinations – such as MRI – and
intensive medical monitoring, support and intervention should
be required following a TBI, especially during the first few
months and years, Lin said. Moreover, better health education
initiatives could increase public awareness about the factors
that cause strokes and the signs and symptoms of stroke in
patients with TBI.
Co-authors are: Yi-Hua-Chen, Ph.D., lead author and
Jiunn-Horng Kang, M.D.
NIH Database to Speed
Research on TBI
The National Institutes of Health, in partnership with the
Department of Defense, is building a central database on
traumatic brain injuries. The Federal Interagency Traumatic
Brain Injury Research (FITBIR) database, funded at $10
million over four years, is designed to accelerate comparative
effectiveness research on brain injury treatment and diagnosis.
It will serve as a central repository for new data, link to current
databases and allow valid comparison of results across studies.
The database is expected to aid in the development of:
• A system to classify different types of traumatic brain
injury.
• More targeted studies to determine which treatments
are effective and for whom and under what conditions
(comparative effectiveness research).
• Enhanced diagnostic criteria for concussions and milder
injuries.
• Predictive markers to identify those at risk of developing
conditions that have been linked to traumatic brain injury,
such as Alzheimer’s disease.
• Clearer understanding of the effects of age, sex, and other
medical conditions on injury and recovery.
• Improved evidence-based guidelines for patient care, from
the time of injury through rehabilitation.
Free Webinar on
Concussions in October
There will be a free webinar: “From Concussion to
Consequence,” on Oct. 18, to address what is known – and what
is not known – about managing concussion as an acute event,
particularly in the context of sports, and as a marker within a
person’s lifetime history of effects on brain functioning. This
60-minute session will feature leading experts discussing
the latest developments in the field: Margot Putukian, M.D.,
FACSM, director of Athletic Medicine at Princeton University,
past president of the American Medical Society for Sports
Medicine, and member of the NFL’s Head, Neck & Spine
Committee; and John D. Corrigan, Ph.D., professor in the
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Ohio
State University and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Head
Trauma Rehabilitation.
The webinar is sponsored by Ovid and Lippincott, Williams and
Wilkins, in partnership with the American Medical Society for
Sports Medicine.
For more information and to register, go here: http://bit.ly/
rbCBnU
33

34

THE Challenge!
TBI MoDEl SySTEMS of CARE (Continued from pg. 12)
• Development and validation of new assistive technologies
for use by people with cognitive impairments to help them
live independently.
In addition, the TBIMS are partnering with other federal
agencies in designing and conducting research initiatives.
These agencies include the Department of Veterans Affairs,
Department of Defense, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health.
The Brain Injury Association of America called on Congress to
provide $1.5 million in additional funds in FY2012 bringing all
components of the TBI Model Systems of care appropriations
to just over $11 million in order to add one new Collaborative
Research Grant.
Over the next five years, BIAA will urge Congress to designate
a $9 million funding increase for the TBIMS program in order
to maintain the quality of research and expand the impact of
this program. BIAA detailed the specific needs to lawmakers as
follows:
• Increase funding for centers by $125,000 annually.
• Increase the number of competitively funded centers to 18.
• Increase the number of multicenter TBI Model Systems
Collaborative Research projects to five.
• Increase the annual budget for multicenter TBI Model
Systems Collaborative Research projects to $1.5 million.
• Increase funding for the National Data and Statistical
Center to $1 million annually.
BIAA continues to advocate for the TBIMS program to receive
“line-item” funding within the broader NIDRR budget.
For more information about the TBIMS, please visit the
following websites:
• Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems –
www.tbimodelsystems.org
• Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) –
www.msktc.washington.edu/
• Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems National Data and
Statistical Center – www.tbinds.org
• Center on Outcome Measurement in Brain Injury (COMBI) –
www.tbims.org/combi
cHArtered stAte AffiLiAtes
Brain Injury Association of Arizona 602-323-9165 ~ 888-500-9165
Brain Injury Association of Arkansas 501-374-3585 ~ 800-444-6443
Brain Injury Association of California 661-872-4903 ~ 800-444-6443
Brain Injury Association of Connecticut 860-219-0291 ~ 800-278-8242
Brain Injury Association of Delaware 302-346-2083 ~ 800-411-0505
Brain Injury Association of Florida 850-410-0103 ~ 800-992-3442
Brain Injury Association of Georgia 404-712-5504 ~800-444-6443
Brain Injury Association of Hawaii 808-791-6942
Brain Injury Association of Illinois 312-726-5699 ~ 800-444-6443
Brain Injury Association of Indiana 317-356-7722
Brain Injury Association of Iowa 515-274-9757 ~ 800-444-6443
Brain Injury Association of Kansas
and Greater Kansas City 913-754-8883 ~ 800-444-6443
Brain Injury Association of Louisiana 985-892-9900 ~ 800-500-2026
Brain Injury Association of Maryland 410-448-2924 ~ 800-221-6443
Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts 508-475-0032 ~ 800-242-0030
Brain Injury Association of Michigan 810-229-5880 ~ 800-444-6443
Brain Injury Association of Minnesota 612-378-2742 ~ 800-669-6442
Brain Injury Association of Mississippi 601-981-1021 ~ 800-444-6443
Brain Injury Association of Missouri 314-426-4024 ~ 800-444-6443
Brain Injury Association of Montana 406-541-6442 ~ 800-241-6442
Brain Injury Association of Nebraska 402-423-2463 ~ 800-444-6443
Brain Injury Association of Nevada 702-259-1903
Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire 603-225-8400 ~ 800-773-8400
Brain Injury Association of New Jersey 732-745-0200 ~ 800-669-4323
Brain Injury Association of New York State 518-459-7911 ~ 800-228-8201
Brain Injury Association of North Carolina 919-833-9634 ~ 800-377-1464
Brain Injury Association of Ohio 614-481-7100 ~ 800-444-6443
Brain Injury Association of Oklahoma 800-444-6443
Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania 866-635-7097 ~ 800-444-6443
Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island 401-461-6599 ~ 888-824-8911
Brain Injury Association of South Carolina 803-731-9823 ~ 877-824-3228
Brain Injury Association of Tennessee 615-248-2541 ~ 877-757-2428
Brain Injury Association of Texas 512-326-1212 ~ 800-444-6443
Brain Injury Association of Utah 801-484-2240 ~ 800-281-8442
Brain Injury Association of Vermont 802-244-6850 ~ 877-856-1772
Brain Injury Association of Virginia 804-355-5748 ~ 800-444-6443
Brain Injury Association of Washington 206-897-5755 ~ 877-982-4292
Brain Injury Association of Washington, DC 202-659-0122 ~ 800-444-6443
Brain Injury Association of West Virginia 304-400-4506
Brain Injury Association of Wisconsin 262-790-9660 ~ 800-882-9282
For any state not listed here, call BIAA National Information Center at 800-444-6443
35

WHy RESEARCH IS ESSENTIAl (Continued from pg. 6) ADVoCACy UPDATE (Continued from pg. 16)
The collaborative and systematic review, assessment,
identification, aggregation, and practical application of highquality
disability and rehabilitation research by key stakeholders
(i.e., consumers, researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers)
for the purpose of improving the lives of individuals with
disabilities.
In addition to the Brain Injury Association of America (www.
biausa.org), a clear leader in this knowledge translation process
for individuals with brain injury is the National Institute
on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) Model
Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC). The
MSKTC works with the individual Model Systems centers
to summarize research, identify health information needs,
and develop information resources to support the Model
Systems programs. The MSKTC can be accessed online at
msktc.washington.edu. Additionally, individual researchers
and organizations have made strides to follow national and
international guidelines for knowledge translation. For example,
our center provides lay abstracts to report findings of our
research, in plain English, with no jargon at www.tbi-sci.org/
research.php. We also translate information from research,
education, and outreach into easy-to-read formats in our
research newsletter Further Analysis and our Bay Area Brain
Injury Taskforce collaborative consumer newsletter Talking
Heads, available at: www.tbi-sci.org/resources.php. Other
Model Systems centers have also incorporated this type of
information into their websites and newsletters. We hope this
will soon become commonplace across all research arenas,
making interpretation and evaluation easier for all.
Stephanie A. Kolakowsky-Hayner, Ph.D., CBIST, is the director of Rehabilitation
Research at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) in San Jose, CA. She
is the project co-director of the U.S. Department of Education, National Institute
of Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) funded Northern California
Traumatic Brain Injury Model System of Care and A New Measure of Subjective
Fatigue in Persons with TBI Field Initiated Program Research Grant. Dr. Kolakowsky-
Hayner holds an appointment as a clinical assistant professor affiliated in the
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine and is
also a member of the Brain Injury Association of California Board of Directors, the
ACBIS Board of Governors, the Bay Area Brain Injury Task Force (BABIT) and the
SCVMC Rehabilitation Leadership Team. In addition to being the proud mom of five
school-aged children, she actively serves on American Congress of Rehabilitation
Medicine’s Early Career Committee, Early Career Course Planning Committee
and Policy and Legislation Committee, NARRTC’s Research Committee and
NARRTC’s Communications Committee. Dr. Kolakowsky-Hayner’s main interests
include peer mentoring, ethnicity and cultural issues, return to work, family and
caregiver needs, and substance use after injury. To date, Dr. Kolakowsky-Hayner
has published more than 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts, book chapters, and other
information materials for professionals and consumers with brain injury. She has
presented more than 80 papers, posters, and workshops at regional, national, and
international conferences and training seminars.
to work actively in the coalition to assist the bill sponsors in
moving this effort forward.
MedIcAId BlocK GRAnTS
In April, as a member of the Consortium for Citizens with
Disabilities (CCD), BIAA participated in an advocacy push
to assist Senator Rockefeller (D-WV) in procuring signatures
for a letter to President Obama expressing opposition to any
proposals to block grant Medicaid or to move towards a global
cap on federal health care spending.
This is important because when House of Representatives
Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) released his
budget plan this spring, it proposed to cut Medicaid by $771
billion over 10 years by block-granting the program. Ryan’s
proposal would allow the federal government to give states a
lump sum based on a fixed formula and rely on the states to
cover who they can. If enacted, the funding shortfall would
cripple already struggling states and force them to choose
between increasing taxes, cutting other state programs, or
cutting eligibility, benefits or provider payments. BIAA
continues to monitor the situation closely and advocate against
the Medicaid block grant formula.
yoU’LL find it in
tHe booKstore
• Living with Brain Injury: A Guide
for families with Moderate to Severe
Brain Injury (for both adults and children)
• Brain Injury Medicine Principles
and Practice
• Ketchup on the
Baseboard
• Why Did It Happen
on a School Day?
• Preparing for Life
After High School:
The Next Steps
• Brain on a String
Visit our online bookstore for the best
sellers in brain injury at www.biausa.org
36

THE Challenge!
BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
informAtion
uPcoMInG BIAA WeBInARS
Sept. 21, 2011, 3 p.m. ET
double Whammy: Managing Brain Injury
and Severe Mental Illness after Rehabilitation
caregivers’ education Seminar
Rolf Gainer PhD, CEO
Sept 27, 2011, 3 p.m. ET
hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury
Strauss Memorial lecture Webinar
David Arciniegas, M.D.
oct. 4, 2011, 3 p.m. ET
Suicide and TBI
Rosenthal Memorial lecture Webinar
Lisa Brenner, Ph.D., ABPP and
Grahame Simpson, Ph.D.
oct. 25, 2011, 3 p.m. ET
Adolescent TBI
Strauss Memorial lecture Webinar
Lindsey Piland, M.A., CCC-SLP
Registration for upcoming webinars, as they become available, is available in the Marketplace of the Brain Injury Association of
America’s website, at secure.biausa.org/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=61. Recordings of most webinars are available for purchase
in the Marketplace here: secure.biausa.org/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=12
VISIT www.biausa.org FOR MORE INFORMATION
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If you or a loved
one has had a brain
injury, call the
National Brain Injury
Information Center
toll–free for
information at:
1-800-444-6443
call for information about:
• Local treatment and
rehabilitation options
• living with brain injury
• funding for services
• legal issues
• Veterans information
• Returning to school
and work
• Coping with changes
37

38

NON-PROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE
PAID
RICHMOND, VA
PERMIT NO. 320
1608 Spring Hill Rd., Suite 110
Vienna, VA 22182
The Corporate Sponsors Program gives rehabilitation
providers, long-term care facilities, attorneys and other
leaders in the field as many as 15 ways to support
the Brain Injury Association of America’s advocacy,
awareness, information and education programs. BIAA
is grateful to the Corporate Sponsors for their financial
contribution and the many volunteer hours their companies
devote to spreading help, hope and healing nationwide.
for more information on how to become part of Brain Injury
Association of America Corporate Sponsors Program, please visit the
sponsorship and advertising page at www.biausa.org or contact
Susan H. Connors at 703-761-0750 or shconnors@biausa.org.