In November 1995, my family’s lives dramatically changed when my older brother, Dan, sustained a severe TBI (traumatic brain injury). He and his friends were driving off school campus for lunch when the driver lost control of the wheel, colliding with a telephone pole. Dan was a passenger in the backseat and was lucky to survive, but not without significant injuries. After several months paralyzed in a hospital bed, Dan had to re-learn how to do the simplest of tasks, such as walking, talking and eating.

Today, at 42 years old, Dan is still significantly impacted by his TBI and resides at QLI, a facilitated living community in Omaha, Nebraska. Although far from family in Chicago, QLI provides Dan with the support he needs by coaching him on life skills and supervising his daily activities, allowing him to live a purposeful and independent life. Anyone who meets Dan recognizes his tenacity, sense of humor and inquisitive personality.

Like many brain injury survivors, Dan has overcome unimaginable mental and physical challenges and still faces many obstacles today. Unfortunately, there isn’t a specific cure for brain injuries; the injured parts of the brain don’t grow back like hair or fade like scars. Dealing with the effects of a TBI is a lifelong, day in, day out process.

When Dan first sustained his injury, my family had limited resources and didn’t know who to turn to for guidance. We eventually discovered the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), which provided us, and many other survivors and their families, the support and services needed to navigate tumultuous times. Funding is critical for BIAA to continue supporting survivors around the world, which is why I’m reaching out to family and friends to share my exciting commitment to participate in the 2020 Pikes Peak Challenge in Colorado.

The Pikes Peak Challenge is the ultimate test of our own mental and physical boundaries, as we raise money and awareness for those who have suffered a TBI. When I finish this challenge, I will have hiked 13 miles and 7,400 vertical feet to the 14,115 foot Pikes Peak Summit. Even though this will be difficult, it pales in comparison to the challenges TBI survivors face every day.

Last year, this event raised $185,000 for BIAA! This year, the hope is to surpass that number. I’d love your support in cheering on Team Dan from afar by contributing a donation of any size. I know we’re all faced with our own challenges during this pandemic, but no contribution is too small. Together, we can make a huge, positive impact for the entire brain injury community.

Thank you for your love and supporting a cause that is near and dear to my heart.

Xo, Jordyn

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   Anonymous
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   Kelly Sapkin
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   jennifer sevcik
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   Scottland and Lily Keefer
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   Alana Dritz
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