05/19/2026
In awe of the work being done for the brain injury community in Jacksonville, Florida. It was a pleasure being invited out to visit the Brooks Rehabilitation Brain Injury Clubhouse.
I met Vanessa (pictured 3) in DC at the BIAA National Convention earlier this year. Unbeknownst to me, she had ordered my book and has been reading it to the clubhouse every Friday. HOW COOL!!! (They asked me to read a chapter to the club today!)
This clubhouse is a long-term community support program for people living with traumatic or acquired brain injuries. Five days a week, the clubhouse doors are open for brain injury survivors. By doing so, members are rebuilding independence, confidence, social connection, and vocational skills long after formal rehab ends.
Vanessa invited me to join their committee several months ago, where I assist on the marketing team as this nonprofit looks to open more clubhouse doors across the state of Florida.
On days where I am in agony because the head pain feels all consuming, I often wonder why I survived if it’s just to suffer.
It’s days like this that help me answer that question.
It’s to make these connections, build these friendships, and use my lived experience to advocate for the brain injury community.
