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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. 
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%. 
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.
