San Diego Brain Injury Foundation

The San Diego Brian Injury Foundation has been an incredible resource for me as Traumatic Brain Injury survivor from an accident in 2008. The wonderful people there have empowered me to volunteer & support other survivors!

On August 27th 2016 I was in a near fatal motorcycle accident and suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. Throughout my recovery, as I struggled to find community and my relationships disappeared, I heard about SDBIF and how it helped people, afflicted like me, find their new path or reach their next goal. I was a 33 year old, otherwise healthy person and I had a lot to offer, I just didn't know where or how. What I have been able to achieve with their help and support is that I gained the necessary knowledge and strategies to re-enter college and pursue an Associates Degree in 2021.
Along this path, I have found and dealt with many obstacles to make it this far. I have learned invaluable strategies to deal with my social anxiety, and memory issues. Those memory strategies, I have come to notice, will continue to be used throughout my life beyond the educational setting. With each new step, a new obstacle or diversion would present itself. Thankfully, I now have specific resources and a group of folks that understand, and work to help me appropriately deal with them.

As a survivor of a brain injury, I have so much respect and gratitude for the incredible work the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation does. I can tell you from experience how difficult it is to regain your life and be the person you were before the injury. But having an organization like the SDBIF in your corner to assist and support you in that effort is wonderful. They are absolutely doing The Lord’s work, and I am one of the fortunate blessed by their existence.

The San Diego Brain Injury Foundation has been a life saver for me. With a brain injury, I was able to obtain referrals for a Neurophychologist, and a Zoom Support Group. The resources are abound to help with any issue related to a brain injury. I no longer feel so alone.

They always responded to my concerns and problems in a timely manner. Very caring and are ready to help! Thank you San Diego Brain Injury Foundation for being there for me!

I love SDBIF! I had a severe TBI in 2006. Over the past 16 years. I’ve appreciated the support, awareness, education & camaraderie they’ve provided to me. It was very confusing and scary to return to my old life after my TBI. I had changed, and I was different person. It took time to rehabilitate. In fact, it’s still happening. I’m easily distracted & have behavioral problems. I have cognitive setbacks. I forget things and have difficulty with emotional cues and coping strategies. SDBIF helped me to understand my behavioral problems. Thank you SDBIF!

This foundation is amazing in providing support, education and care for brain injury survivors and their families. My husband had a massive stroke fifteen years ago and we have been members of SDBIF ever since. The benefits have been wonderful and we have seen many other families benefit as well.

This unique brain injury community has been a huge resource and encouragement for me as I recover from a massive stroke and find people who can relate to my situation though there's might be very different we have so many commonalities. When I had my stroke I was in my mid-40s and life was moving along as it would be for any busy mom and suddenly came to a halt. It is amazing how much I can learn from other survivors and how much we can understand one another in a way that our friends and family who love us very much but do not "get it". So thankful for sdbif and creating this safe space for us.

This facility is life changing primarily due to Gail Ludwig and association

This organization provided, when we felt so alone in our quest to final normalcy within our "new normal" due to having a stroke. Their kindness and support and constant panoply of information for resources, educational lectures and/or just making us feel comfortable within our "new normal", which made life so comfortable and tolerable for us. We know that we are not alone, but amongst friends that share a unique bond.
This organization deserves a standing ovation and we are most grateful .

Absolutely a first-class organization. They truly care about helping those with brain injuries, and offer some incredible programs and support. A true game-changer; if you know anyone with a brain injury, do them a huge favor and tell them to check out the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation.

I just dove in again, when I had my accident, I was not able to absorb the possibility that I might have brain damage, Now I am

Trying to sum up what the SDBIF means to my family and I is more difficult than I anticipated. Since my brothers TBI in Sept, 2020, my family and I have been in need of help and resources, and the SDBIF has given us that and more. The programs, classes, and resources that are available have significantly helped my brother's forward progress. He is learning the daily tools he needs to start rebuilding his life and getting back on track. We could not be more grateful for the SDBIF and all those who volunteer their time to help those like my brother. The SDBIF has given my family and I hope during a dark time and I truly don't know where we would be without them.

I am a TBI survivor and found SDBIF in January when I was referred to them from my out patient therapy. What a Godsend. The programs are very helpful and spot on. Io have learned how to navigate applying to social security and my husband (caregiver) has learned tips on how to deal with me as well. The conversion to an online platform has worked well too. I'm so glad I found this organization who understands all I am going through and is there to support me and my family. Thank you for all you do.

SDBIF is a great organization for assisting those that have to handle and get through the problems that arise in the aftermath of brain injuries.

I suffered my TBI 11 years ago. When I was released from my rehab program at Scripps hospital they referred my wife and I to the SDBIF. This foundation was extremely helpful in providing TBI resources, as well as a safe place to share our experience. SDBIF was a God send!

I have survived 2 strokes and 4 traumatic brain injuries. I spent a semester in the care of the Mesa College ABI Program. I will forever be indebted to the program and the SDBIF for their support and for providing me with resources.

A great local resource for TBI/ABI survivors and their caregivers.

SDBIF was there to support my family with answers and resources when my son was injured in a ski accident and we did not know what kind of recovery he would have. We have attended many meetings and learned so much from the presenters. The scholarships they give are also a wonderful way of supporting survivors of brain injury towards continuing their journey towards their goals.

When my son was hit by a car and suffered a severe brain injury I was at a loss. I didn't know anything about a brain injury. I google help in our area and found the SDBIF. They were so pleasant when I called asking questions for aide and knowledge. Just listening to the concerned voice on the other end made me feel like I wasn't alone in this journey. When my son was able, we attended the annual brain injury walk. Love poured out from this event, seeing others further along or some a little behind my son's progress gave me such hope and happiness for our new brain injured life. I would recommend this nonprofit to those effected as well as others who just want to learn more about brain injuries and give support to the community.

I was so fearful about the future, and reeling from the overwhelming sense of loneliness I was experiencing after my husband suffered a stroke. I felt like I was the only one who was going through what I was going through, and I was desperate for relief. I learned from a friend that stroke is just one of the many types of traumatic brain injuries, and that I might find some help for myself at the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation. I called their number, and the very kind and patient person who answered the phone that day invited me to attend one of their meetings.

At that first meeting, I met other caregivers who assured me that they understood what I was going through. I also heard some very real and practical ideas for getting more support for myself as well as for my husband. Perhaps the most important benefit we have received so far from participating in just a few activities with SDBIF is that my husband now knows people with brain injuries who are living full lives. And those people and their families are more than happy to share with us what they did to get to where they are today.

I am quite grateful to the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation. I feel like I have friends there.

I was introduced to the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation around four months after I came home from college at 18 with major compound concussions and a diagnosis of never being able to care for myself on my own ever again. My parents had no idea what to do with me, and didn't understand the major change in my personality and behavior. They were given little to no instruction by my neuroscientist at the time and were just as lost as I was. SDBIF gave me life skills tools, classes, and a renewed sense of strength and hope that I could be independent again someday. They provided my family with information, support, and resources; they felt that they were empowered in their role as caretaker. I left the program feeling that I would recover - perhaps not that I would ever be the same again, but that I could live a life worth living.
A little over 10 years later, I am now in my final semesters of a masters program to become a marriage and family therapist to help other families like my own find their own strength and hope in light of the fear that TBIs bring. I am convinced that if it wasn't for SDBIF, my life would not be what it is now!

SDBIF has been by far the most helpful agency in the life of my son who is a brain injury survivor! Without the input from their staff and volunteers, my son's life would be very different and much less fulfilling. They provided me guidance after the first shock of his accident, and then ongoing care and support as he worked his way through his new life. They have an amazing array of resources to share with anyone who needs it!!

In the wake of our daughters brain injury, we were absolutely unsure of what was to come for her. The SDBIF stepped in prior to her discharge to educate us on brain injuries and their resources. We had a unique opportunity for our daughter to attend the SDBIF Brain Injury Learning Center. She is thriving. All of the staff are interested in the best interest of the clients they serve and do all things with loving hearts. I am indebted to the SDBIF and often refer people for services or simply to volunteer. Thank you SDBIF.

I had a stroke in 2005. I attended many SBIF meetings. I was able to speak with other people with brain damage. Sometimes only people who have been thru the same thing actually understand. For example, I would tell a friend that I had memory issues and the friend would insist she had them also. She had no idea about my type of memory issues and another survivor would.

The meetings always had useful speakers addressing the real needs of the brain injured community. Some of speakers spoke about accessing social services or learning to cope.

The San Diego Brain Injury Foundation creates a community of people addressing both the survivors and their caregivers.

SDBIF provides very helpful meetings every month, sometimes with lecturers that I personally had during my rehab therapy at Sharp hospital. They also provide many opportunities for brain injured people to play adaptive sports, and have various groups to join.

I Barbara Bates have been an active member of the Brain Injury Foundation for a few years. I am a brain injury survivor. I am very happy to be a part of this Foundation. I am with people that are learning strategies to cope with a brain injury. Before learning about the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation. I was in a circle that was crazy and a good life. I learned and believed that I have a brain injury. My life is not in a circle anymore. I have friends and people that are learning more strategies in coping with a brain injury. I am taking classes in their Acquired Brain Injury program at Mea College. I am learning to organize my stuff. I now can take a supply out use it.Then put it away. This makes my bedroom more livable. Along with being an artist. The Brain Injury Foundation of San Diego allows me to show and sell my art. I am coloring in an adult coloring books. It is very relaxing. I am learning to communicate better with myself and my communication is more effective to others around me. Mostly I am learning to be kind to myself and those around me. I am learning something new everyday about my injury plus I understanding things better. I am safe getting on and riding the bus. Best of all. I feel safe now.
I am a part of one big family. Thank you to The Brain Injury Foundation and Acquired Brain Injury Program teachers and friends my wonderful family and friends. I see differently now. I am very grateful for your support.

My 16 YEAR experience with THE San Diego Brain Injury Foundation has always been exceptional and timely. Whenever I phone them, I always receive prompt and totally helpful information, to aide me in my quest to try and overcome what ever obstacle I am currently facing. They have been kind and very understanding... (something that an ABI injured person doesn't always receive: It is an injury that, sometimes, doesn't show) The resources they refer me to are accurate and timely. Sometimes, it is just speaking with me kindly and slowly until I can get a handle on being able to describe my need. I feel safer because they are always there for me.... I have been, for the most part, able to navigate the 'mazes' life throws in my way, due directly to their help and kindness. We are lucky to have the resources we have in San Diego.... ONE OF A KIND!!! GREAT WORK!!!!!

Hello, my name is Raymond Ruffin, I suffered a gangolia stroke in 2011 and participated in the
SDBIF program on the Mesa college campus. It is the one major factor that have enabled me
to be a survival.

I met some the compassionate and caring friends ,teachers, and therapist there are to be found anywhere at anytime on the face of the earth. I suffered depression and cognitive
problems. These affected my self esteem, mental awareness, and memory.

When I withdrew from the program I was able to enter into mainstream life and function
acceptably and appropriate. I am still using the skills and understanding of my condition
to help me cope, and very well , I must say.

I am using memory and cognitive brain techniques learned in the classes taken during my
stay in the program, I even told my doctor about how competent the program is!
To this day, I still miss the day to day interactions that are common in the program and
I recommend the program for any patient that suffers a brain injury,no matter how sever or
simple, the program is magnificent and I can personally say I know of no one who has
participated that doesn't have high regards for the program, teachers, or comrades.

This program should be more widely recommended by physicians world wide, it offers
support and knowledge,understanding, and compassion for survivals and care givers
that can make the difference between thriving and just surviving!

THANKS SO VERY MUCH , SDBIF and ABI program

Ray Ruffin

This is a wonderful foundation that has allowed my wife to live a close to normal life that many doctors would not have seen possible. God had blessed my wife when he put these caring and loving people affiliated with this foundation in front of her. My wife suffered a severe brain injury and was only given a 3% chance of living and the the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation was the last step in my wife's recovery. Without the foundation I am not sure where my wife's progress would be. I will forever be indebted to this foundation.

In 2001 my husband had a brain injury. We saw many doctors but felt like we were on a bicycle with no seat and no handlebars! Then we found San Diego Brain Injury and became involved. There is a huge variety of various ways a brain can be injured and you will hear honest testaments from those attending the monthly meetings. Each life of the person, their families, and caregivers are all touched in numerous ways. San Diego Brain Injury reaches out to those it knows about and provides informational help and suggestions. I would suggest if you are feeling like you're on that no seat/no handlebar bike that you reach out to this valuable grass roots organization.

There are several support groups in the San Diego area, but this one is on the top of the best!
Thay provide resource information and speakers that bring valuable assistance to the survivor and caretaker. It is because of this group that I have found my major contacts and information for stroke rehabilitation. I owe much to their efforts.

SDBIF is an essential resource and support for dealing with the world of brain injury care and recovery. TBI is one of those things no one can be prepared for.

Very informative, courteous and helpful organization! Appreciated their resources, creativity and willingness to listen/understand. Unfortunately, there is a definite shortage of resources and understanding in the area of traumatic brain injury. SDBIF is singlehandedly working to dispel misconceptions around TBI, educate and inform and advocate for a misunderstood and sorely underserved population. Thank you for the work you do, we are so very grateful!!

Helping people with new and chronic challenges find resources and see around corners. SDBIF creates a supportive environment with many opportunities for interaction and education to help people understand and get perspective on brain injuries and the resulting challenges to survivors and loved ones.

San Diego Brain Injury Foundation has helped me find the resources I need to assist me in finding help as the caregiver and for my daughter who had an accident 15 years ago. The meetings they have once a month at Joyce Bearch are very helpful, they bring different speakers with a variety of themes. Susan and Stephanie will answer all your questions. Thank you for having a this free service for the community.

When I sustained my TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) 6 years ago, I felt very alone. I lost my sense of smell and taste as a result. People that you once thought were your friends didn't understand the changes sustained from the injury. This became an eye opener as who your real friends are/were. Your whole person changes as a result of the injury. People don't understand the situation because TBI is an unseen injury; therefore you're fine in their eyes. Not so. My dad didn't believe In my injury all the way to the time he died 4 years ago. The people at the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation have been my emotional support and don't know what I would've done if I didn't have them. With them, I hope that one day people will not judge and/or discriminate against people with the unseen injury, TBI.

I do not know what I would have done without the resources SDBIF have provided me and some of my BI friends! Life really changed for me after my head injury, no one seem to get me or I them. I received very little support or compassion after the injury, I felt so alone and confused. I attend a brain injury recovery center who recommended SDBIF to learn more about how to cope with my BI and meet others like me. SDBIF welcome me in like an old friend, I felt part of the family right off. The staff were helpful in finding resources, the monthly meeting provided me with much needed insights and the opportunity to meet others like me. SBIF gave me a place where I felt I belong and a home. I will forever grateful for the all the resources that were provided as well as the love and kindness I received from the staff.

With gratitude forever,

Martha Torkington

Five years ago, my wife suffered TBI from an auto accident with aphasia, balance, and cognitive problems. T the same time, I became her sole caretaker. One of the best decisions we made was to get involved with SDBIF and its guiding force Susan Hansen. Through meetings, lectures and exchanging experiences with other survivors and caretakers, we have both not only survived a most unfortunate demand on our lives, but have improved goals for our future. My wife is now in her third year working towards getting her Master’s degree in Rehab. Counseling, and help other survivors. We are very thankful for the support, encouragement, and the understanding that we received from Susan and SDBIF.

At the hand of a doctor's care and oversight while I was in back surgery the blood supply to my brain was cut off for 8 hours, a clot was created which my body threw two days late on. Hence a stroke, a brain injury. I literally had to start from the begining to speak, eat, sleep, walk, talk and so on. Learned information was in the form of a cartoon book which lacked anwers for my serios questions of many. Through association with others suviving this eye opening set of circumstances I learned of the San Diego Brain Injuy Foundation. It as as though the lights came, a door opened, and those members, volunteers and the staff of all ages knew tips, tricks and answers to my unasked questions. They were right on the money with concern and care for my well being. SDBIF is an has a wealth of information and support in many of the facets of one's life. SDBIF is one of the bigest regarding Brain Injury in the state of California. Thank goodness for the members, volunteers and the staff for all that they provide for survivors, military and civilian, their families, friends and caregivers!