Headstrong For Life: Support for survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Upcoming event:

Recreating Me: 2nd Annual TBI Artistic Showcase
Exploring & Healing Through Artistic Expression
Opening Night: Tuesday, July 6th
Date: July 7th-11th
Time: 5pm - 8:30pm
Location: Burke Museum
Click here for more information>>

Distracted Driver Task Force of Washington State

The Distracted Driver Task Force of Washington State (DDTF) is launching an effort to make talking on a cell phone while driving a Primary Offense as opposed to a Secondary Offense. They need your support in the form of stories and testimonials about the real and personal impact of driving while on a cell phone. One of our HeadStrong families testified in Olympia in 2007 and their story was instrumental to passing the first cell phone/driving bill. The DDTF needs more individuals and families who have accidents caused by cell phone use while driving as they launch the effort to make a stronger cell phone driving bill. Please contact Lowell Weiss at
206-856-7035 or lowellweiss@mac.com or Desiree Douglass at 360-220-1422 dld@headstrongforlife.org.
Click here for more information>>

Jasmine Life After the Accident
Jasmine Z. Brown Senior Project 2009

When I was born June 30th , 1991. I was a perfectly healthy baby girl. I reached all of my physical and mental milestones like any normal child and surpassed many. You could say I was a normal feisty kind of a girl.

Until I was eleven years old, I use to run track, play tetherball, double-dutch, ribbon dance, roller blade, ice skate and play basketball. I’m not bragging when I say that I was good at each and every one of these sports and hobbies. As a matter of fact, I qualified for track and field nationals with SCAA because I could run so fast. I even have the medals to prove it. Read full Life After the Accident story>>

Islandwood Camp IslandWood Adventures

On Sunday, September 20th, 2009, Headstrong is hosting our second day outing at IslandWood Outdoor Learning Center on Bainbridge Island for youth, soldiers, and veterans, and families recovering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Headstrong Mentors and IslandWood staff will lead youth through programs on the lake and at the art studio and garden. We invite soldiers and veterans to share survival skills with our youth. Parents and family members will tour of IslandWood and begin planning to host a TBI respite/renewal camp at IslandWood beginning summer 2010.
Last year, the day was filled with exploration, fun, and great connections. We thank all of the IslandWood staff, the Mentors, and families for a memorable day.
We hope that you will be able to join us! Please RSVP by September 11th to alice@headstrongforlife.org or call 206-412-6284. The total cost of the day camp with meals and activities is $62.30 per person. We have 50 spots reserved for the day and scholarships for 15 attendees available. Please let us know if you need assistance with cost and/or transportation. For those who can, your contribution is greatly appreciated.

Tim Feeney, Ph. D. On Saturday, March 7, Tim Feeney, Ph.D. looked out over a full auditorium. In his presentation, Dr. Feeney led the audience through the concept of a structured system designed to address very unique situations, emphasizing that we can't afford to count on a one-size-fits-all solution for brain injury. With conceptual framework that centered around finding a strong sense of identity and engaging in project-based learning experiences, he regaled the audience with personal stories that ranged from heartbreak to hilarity. The experience left everyone present feeling connected to a community larger than themselves, and optimistic that with hard work, there is much more we can accomplish right here in Washington state. Read more>>

A Problem of the Brain, Not the Hands: Group Urges Phone Ban for Drivers

In half a dozen states and many cities and counties, it is illegal to use a hand-held cellphone while driving - but perfectly all right to talk on a hands-free device. Read more>>

After 6 Months, Drivers Ignore Cellphone Ban

After Washington's ban on drivers' use of handheld cellphones took effect July 1, observers noted an initial drop in the practice. But now, they say, cellphone use on the road is on the rise, and advocates hope the law will be strengthened. Read more>>

July 1st, 2008 WA state Cell Phone Ban takes effect

Just 30 feet over the hum of northbound Aurora Avenue traffic, Cindy Baker-Williams and others held a banner Monday with a clear and concise reminder to drivers: "Hang Up and Drive." The handheld cellphone ban for drivers begins today. Read more>>

Cellphone crackdown: 113 tickets and counting >>

Is it safe to Drive and Talk on your Cell Phone at the same time?

Dr. John Medina, a molecular biologist, has written a book called “BRAIN RULES.” He is currently the head of the Brain Center for Applied Learning Research at Seattle Pacific University. There are 12 Brain Rules that he discusses in his new book, specifically one of them is that the human brain is not designed to multi-task. Dr. Medina, states that humans are not capable of driving and talking on the phone at the same time. In fact, this combination is the equivalency of driving under the influence with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of .08%(the legal limit) up to a BAC of 1.25%.

Brain Rules: the book
John Medina, Billy Baker-Williams and family interview
More Videos on You Tube about Brain Rules
Seattle Times article

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The images at the top of the page are young people who are recovering from a traumatic brain injury in the Seattle Area. Every year 1.5 million people in the United States suffer a Traumatic Brain Injury, 44% of these are caused by vehicle crashes. And half are children.

HEADSTRONG is a 501c.3 non-profit organization based in the Puget Sound region that provides support for survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

HEADSTRONG formed after six separate pedestrian-motor vehicle crashes in the Seattle Area caused the death of Tia Townsend and severe Traumatic Brain Injuries to Katie Fournier, Joe Robinson, Nick Messenger, Dominick May-Douglass, and Joseph Green. Each of these children was hit in Seattle area crosswalks. We soon found there were many people surviving Traumatic Brain Injury in our communities. While vehicle crashes are the single leading cause of TBI, there are other causes: falls, drowning, assaults and firearms, and sports. We are family, friends, and community facing the realities of Traumatic Brain Injury with courage and hope.

HEADSTRONG supports TBI survivors through companionship, community, and family support. You can join us in many ways.

SURVIVOR SUPPORT