March is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness and Prevention Month

By Thomas Lehrich, President of the Board

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), is a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. Approximately 166 Americans die every day from TBI-related injuries. TBI is an injury caused by a blow, jolt, or penetrating object that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain at any age. This can result in serious damage to the brain that can lead to long-term complications and death.

TBI affects the totality of health and the different locations of the brain injury matter. A TBI to the frontal lobes of an individual’s brain may affect their ability to control emotions, impulses, and behavior or cause difficulty in recalling events or speaking. TBI to the temporal lobes may lead an individual to demonstrate difficulty with communication or memory. Injury to the parietal lobes may cause an individual to experience trouble with their five primary senses. TBI to the cerebellum may affect an individual’s balance, movement, and coordination. TBI to the occipital lobes may cause an individual to have trouble seeing or perceiving the size and shape of objects.

However, there is hope and healing for this chronic condition. Here at the Plus One Foundation, we provide life-changing programs and opportunities for individuals and families affected by TBIs. Please take a look at our website for more information.

Education is also at the heart of what we do; our Think aBout It campaign aims to dig deeper into all aspects of TBIs and neurological conditions. Look for the upcoming segment this spring on the newest medical developments in treating TBIs.

Celebrate Spring with Haiku Poems!

The Plus One Foundation is celebrating the beginnings of spring with haiku poems from board members and staff! Take a look at all the creativity within our team!

Flowing Strength Within, By Karen Grady of PIVOT Movement Studio

Flowing strength within
Breath and movement intertwined,
Grace in every step.

Lifting Blossoms, By Kacey Kroeger, Founder and Executive Director

I reach out my hand,
lifting hearts and minds with hope—
strength begins to blossom.

Adios Winter, By Kyle Bain, Development Officer

Very good to see you spring,
See you later, cold.

Straw in the garden for nesting birds, By Thomas Lehrich, President of the Board

Straw in the garden,
Birds need a little spring help,
Nests emerge with life.

Spring Mother Nature, By Kevin Johnson, RN

Mom’s love is so strong
Nurture me as a young child
Now it’s gone too soon.

Muddy Spring Dog Park, By Maple the Dog

The snow has melted
Mud and sticks are at the park
Can you bring me there later?

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

By Thomas Lehrich, President of the Board

The Plus One Foundation acknowledges that this is the start of Brain Injury Awareness Month. There are more than 5.3 million individuals in the United States who are living with a brain injury-related disability. At least 2.8 million Americans sustain traumatic brain injuries in the United States every year. 

Plus One joins the community to raise awareness and advocate for treatment and care for those with TBIs. Please help us be a voice for brain injury this March by talking to friends and family about the importance of supporting people with brain injuries. 

We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting the STAND UP! for Plus One Foundation, our annual Gala that will take place next month. It will be a night featuring comedy, silent and live auctions, door prizes, and much more. Join us on Saturday, April 26th, at 7 pm.

Plus One will also be in Washington, D.C. this week. We have board members participating in the 2025 National Brain Injury Conference and Awareness Day! We are dedicated to supporting this community as best we can, and encourage you to do the same.

Bibliography

How does a traumatic Brain Injury Change Your Life?. How does a traumatic brain injury change your life? | Trillium Health Resources. (2025, March 1). https://www.trilliumhealthresources.org/article/how-does-traumatic-brain-injury-change-your-life#:~:text=There%20are%20more%20than%205.3,traumatic%20brain%20injuries%20every%20year.

Announcing our Spring Segment for TBI 2025!

By Thomas Lehrich, President of the Board 

Education on new and emerging treatments for TBIs is coming this spring!

With forty million new cases each year, the global incidence of TBI affects vast amounts of individuals and families. TBI treatment remains elusive because each TBI is different, but treatments are not. The latest medical developments are seeking to change that. 

This spring, TBI 2025 will explore a new area of biomarkers, covering the work doctors are doing to create a more accurate and interactive atlas of the brain for treatment. Never before seen are opportunities for physicians to target TBIs at the molecular level, potentially improving treatment outcomes. 

With brain research as one of the last frontiers in medical research, our year-long education campaign on neurological conditions and TBIs continues.

Education is at the heart of what we do; our Think aBout It campaign aims to dig deeper into all aspects of TBIs and neurological conditions.  

In April, look for our exciting segment on the newest treatments for TBIs here.