Brain Injury Association of Michigan, Inc.

I was in an auto accident in 2008. based upon my experience, T.B.I. is now "Big Business". B.I.A.M.I. may claim to be a non profit. Take a look at the yearly conference and big parties. HUGE MONEY!!
Those of us afflicted with T.B.I.'s suffer in silence. We are herded like cattle to the B.I.A.M.I. team of T.B.I "experts" . Our needs are denied and they profit greatly by extending our suffering. Those afflicted with a T.B.I.
need support as our vulnerabilities are used for financial gain by unscrupulous "T.B.I. support thugs". B.I.A.M.I is for big business. We NEED a B.I.A.M.I for support for persons with this affliction!

This organization has help more opportunities to be informed about the issues that Soldiers are facing. The Events really helped me relate and talk to other Soldiers from different conflicts and to enjoy myself at the same time. I love the charters and the pheasant hunts, to me it helped relieve some of my stress and helped me to relax. This is important from being deployed a couple of time to Iraq.

The people that work there are outstanding. It is good to see such integrity still exists. I highly recommend donating your time, services, or money to such a worthy cause.

Brain Injury Association of Michigan host many events throughout the year which gives Veterans the opportunity to bond and talk to others who experience similar situations. This experience was not only a boost to my motivation, it really helped with the healing process of those invisible wounds.

I suffered a TBI as a result of a motorcycle accident in 1999. I struggled for years. Had I not found BIA and started attending the north Oakland county meetings, my life would not be what it is today. The information provided is extremely helpful. I learned about TTI and started receiving treatment, medication, therapy, and attending group sessions. Thank you BIA!

I would like to share the many positive things that our done by the Brain Injury Assoc. of Michigan. I have been with the association for 10 years as a caregiver for a survivor plus in leadership for a local chapter. In the ten years that I have dealt with the main office and the national office, I have been very impressed with their committment that each and very one of them put forth. You will never be able to please everyone, especially people who have trouble with TBI's, caregivers and family members that are also going through rough times. There is not an organization in this world that doesn't have overhead costs to run them. I have dealt with several over my life time and can tell you that BIAMI does a marvelous job using their funds. As for all that politicial stuff that others complain about, you don't really understand the importance of making sure the world realizes what a TBI is and the seriousness of needing help for those people. In Michigan, if we lose No-Fault Car Insurance everyone will suffer, so its extremely important that you have someone fighting for it daily. BIAMI needs to be congradulated for lobbying for it, daily.
If it hadn't been for BIAMI, we would not have come this far. We had never heard of traumatic brain injuries and will never be able to thank them enough for all the detailed literature and vast amounts of materials that our made available.
If you feel that enough is not being done, then get involved and help the rest of us, who try daily to make other people lives better.

I have to agree with what others have written about this organization focusing more on throwing parties, raising money and politics/lobbying. I tried contacting them directly through various means and was ignored almost every time. When they finally did respond their response was completely meaningless and demonstrated they really had no idea about TBI's.

I want to publicly express my deepest gratitude to the BIA of Michigan. While I've been fortunate to work on behalf of the association for the past 8 years, it was one month ago - July 17 - when my son sustained a TBI in a jetski collision up north that I came to appreciate the full extent of resources, counsel and ong...oing support it provides. Not gonna blather on about it - our story is but one of literally millions of TBI stories out there across the country. I just want to say "thank you" for everything you've done.

After joining and donating, I also became an early member on the Facebook page. After researching and asking questions I realized that the organization did not really have anybody tracking or relating current research. The paltry amount they actually spent on research sent no money in a direction that would actually help resolve current TBI victims. Further questioning, no matter how polite, instead resulted in the typical treatment given to whistleblowers which was immediate censorship once it became clear that they could not address the problems nor make the facts fit what they were stating and promising. From the 2009 annual report, they show overhead costs being over 50% (most of that being personnel costs).

I returned hone from Iraq in October of 2007. Upon returning I started getting really bad headaches. I first went to the Ann Arbor VA, they kept telling me that I just had post concussive syndrome and the only treatment I would receive from them was medicine. I became frustrated and felt that the VA was missing something. During that time period I went to the "Tips-Up for the troops" fishing tournament which was set up by the BIAMI. While at the tournament I was able to briefly talk with Rick Briggs and he became very intterested in my situation. The next week he contacted me and asked if there was anything he could do to help me, I explained the situation to him and within two weeks he had gotten me into see one of the best neurologists in the state of Michigan. The neurologist diagnosed me with TBI and I began getting physical therapy and this has helped me tremendously. To this day I still receive e-mails from Rick asking how I am doing. I am very thankful that Rick and the BIAMI reached out and helped me like they have to many other troops.

The Brain Injury Association of Michigan stands out as a state-based advocacy organization. In our national work on behalf of persons with a traumatic brain injury including civilians and service members of all ages through the TBI-Resource Optimization Center (TBI-ROC) the Association has been consistently knowledgeable about TBI challenges for the State of Michigan and nationally. Its support on behalf of returning service members from the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars is outstanding. We have also used the Association in helping us develop the Brain Injury Navigator (BIN) - a web based tool to help individuals who have a TBI, family members and caregivers understand TBI, provide service location information across the rehabilitation continuum and have information on evidence-based services. KUDOS to all of the Association's staff, especially Michael Dabbs (Executive Director) and Rick Brigg (Manager, Veterans Programs).

My Nephew Christopher was injured in Iraq and sustained head injuries and brain damage. Since returning home he has had many issues which have strained his family. He lives with his parents and cannot be entirely left for fear of regression. A program entitled "Tight Lines for Troops,a fishing adventure to be held in Manistee Michigan,is just a start for Chris to begin to realize he is not alone. That someone really cares about him and others who have given of themselves and that they are not forgotten. It doesn't take much to say "Thanks" and the "Brain Association Of Michigan,Inc. is doing just that. I wish Chris and othere like him are given every opportunity to adjust physically and mentally and that they are appreciated for the price they payed for us all.

BIAMI and Safari Club International (SCI)-Lansing Area Chapter hosted two Veterans' Pheasant Hunts this year. These events are an outstanding way to say "Thanks" to some very derserving Veterans. I participated in the northern hunt, which took place at the Muy Grande Ranch and Resort. Between events, MAJ(R) Rick Briggs took the time to explain us what BIAMI was and what signs to look for in people that may have Brain Injuries. Several Soldiers told of their experiences and how it helps to be involved in organizations like BIAMI.

I was invited to a fishing tournament for disabled vets. I have been every year since the first one started in 2007. The people are great.

BIAMI has gone above and beyond for injured veterans! They have included me on a therapeutic trip as well as recommended a strong advocate for me to contact with regards to my benefits.

Rick got me involved with getting soldiers and veterans educated about TBI 3 years ago when I started doing PTSD awareness at reintegration's with the Michigan National Guard. I have spoken at a BIA event, been to the Kinzington bass fishing tournament,and am looking forward to Tight Lines. I have seen many soldiers and families helped by Rick and this organization. It is a first class orginization. I discovered I had a TBI through this program. Donald Behm Viet Nam infantry 68-69

This organization, and Rick Briggs has a true passion to spread the word to the public concerning brain injury. Because of Rick's efforts and the events he promotes to help both veteran's and the public with brain injuries, life has been made better for these deserving souls.

I have known Rick Briggs with this group for several years and had him to speak at my Ministerial Association as well as the Interfaith Health and Hope Coalition and he did a wonderful job not only for vets with brain injuries but for all people with brain injuries. Some of the churches in the Minsterial have also had him speak, as has mine.

I was both a volunteer and a client after OIF 06-08. They help so many people, not just veterans, that it's amazing to me the amount of heart and other good willed people who donate time, money, and resources to help others especially in the Michigan economy. BIAMI and their veterans program helped connect young and old vets, as well as network with the various other great organizations who help vets. Every event is great and family oriented. I only wish there were more people and donations that could help them expand their reach.

I went to the bass tournment a couple of years ago. I was very impressed with the tournment. I could not beleive how much this organization does for there vets. Keep up the excellent work.

Rick Briggs sends out e-mails and provides literature at the Milford Post 216 American Legion. He is very helpful in assuring that we are kept up to date on events that can help make disabled Veterans lives better. His organizations services are of great value.

Fine set up workshop and organized well. Had large audience interested in access to reacreation and ways to get outdoors. Will participate again this year.,

I went to a U of M football game last fall and had a wonderful time with my family. BIAMI made it very easy to receive the free tickets and I even got a U of M practice jersey. It is nice to be recognized as a reired veteran.

I meet Rick Briggs during the Tips-Up event in 2009. As a returning Veteran of OIF he asked me how I was doing and if I ever needed anything to give him a call. A couple of the recruiter's I work with have recently had newborns one requiring a special cranium shaping helmet which cost around $1,400. which Tri-Care denied the funding to pay for it. I referred him to Mr. Briggs who work hand in hand with him and helped the soldier obtain 100% funding through various organizations, with zero out of pocket expenses. Thank you for looking out after not only soldiers but their families as well. SSG Zdral, John C.

Awesome with Vets. Thank you for all of the support that you continue to give to the members of the uniformed services.