My Nonprofit Reviews

About the time I was to finish High School my mother began to experience a change. In the begining, the symptoms were slight and benign. Interests she had never previously expressed began to consume her everyday life. For example, she began running daily. First one mile, then five, then up to ten miles a day. Initially this appeared to be within the bounds of normal and even beneficial. But then the doctors appointments started. Her cholesterol and blood pressure were off the charts. This from a person in prime physical condition? Soon afterwards the mental confusion began. She started to have difficulty remembering small things and then this escalated to a level which impacted not only her career but her family life as well. After nearly a year of bouncing from one doctor to another she was diagnosed with a nonmalignant brain tumor. Surgery was scheduled within the week and she was told that the tumor had been growing for the past 7 years.

Fortunately for my mother and our family she made a full recovery. Nonetheless the following months were very difficult for her. Her medical care was outstanding but there were no organizations in the area that offered support like the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation. She had no opportunity to attend support groups, no outlet for the fear and concern she had revolving her brain tumor. An opportunity like this would have allowed her to meet other people who had survived and moved on from this kind of experience. Unfortunately, we had to manage without such a resource following her diagnosis.

Years later, I moved to San Diego. I learned about SDBIF from a friend who was going to be a guest speaker. I attended a support group, introduced myself and began volunteering as a guest speaker on legal issues surrounding brain injury. In time I became more involved with the organization and I currently sit on the board of directors. I have felt the personal impact that brain injury can have on a family and I have seen first had how SDBIF has provided support to the brain injured community of San Diego. They provide a service that no hospital offers with a personal touch that can be extended only by those who have first had experience with brain injury. SDBIF is a great asset to this community.

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