Journal

After months (okay, years!) of planning, dreaming, and (let’s be honest) talking about it, I’m thrilled to share some incredible news: BrainSTRONG is FINALLY officially launching!

One highlight? I’ll be joined by Zenon Konopka,, a former NHL player who had to retire because of his invisible Acquired Brain Injury. Zenon’s story is a powerful reminder of why BrainSTRONG’s mission matters, and I’m so proud to have his support as we move forward.

I was medically retired, and as my injury was classified as “catastrophic” which meant my retirement from the workforce. Many of the individuals who suffered an Acquired Brain Injury are invisible sufferers, because there’s no visible evidence, and they can continue to work. Living with an invisible brain injury can be a deeply personal and complex experience, especially in the workplace. Often, others don’t see or understand the challenges you face, making it difficult to seek support or accommodations. Job retention in such a scenario requires careful planning, self-awareness, and the right strategies to balance your professional responsibilities with the realities of your condition.

When it comes to mobility, having the right equipment can make a world of difference. For those of us who rely on disability scooters to get around, comfort, and convenience are not just luxuries—they are necessities. Sure umbrellas work, but I can’t drink a coffee when driving! Recently, I’ve found myself daydreaming about the ultimate disability scooter: a fully enclosed model that not only protects me from the elements but also offers the comforts and entertainment that make any journey enjoyable.

As a blogger, maintaining a consistent and organized workflow is crucial. However, I recently learned this the hard way when my failure to keep a to-do list resulted in an error in the August email. This experience has taught me valuable lessons about the importance of organization and planning.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook small yet significant tasks. I’ve always prided myself on my ability to manage multiple aspects of my blog, from content creation to reader engagement. However, without a structured plan, things can quickly fall through the cracks. This month, it happened to me. I missed a crucial step, leading to an error in the email sent to all my subscribers.

In life, we often encounter challenges that are not immediately visible to the naked eye. Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI) are more-often-than-not exactly that. It’s remarkably strange to think of being physically disabled as not being the worst, but unlike the majority of people who suffered an ABI I’m visibly-disabled. However, the fact that I’m visibly-disabled also means that that’s what people see, and the fact that my ABI was the most significant injury that I suffered, is invisible. If I make a mistake that’s caused by my ABI I’m immediately forgiven, because I’m disabled, and people would think that that’s the cause.