Traumatic brain injury week announced

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Stillwater has proclaimed this TBI Raiders Week to draw attention and continue the fight to find solutions for traumatic brain injury survivors. 

The week of activities is a poignant reminder for Director of TBI Raiders, Alicia Payne. “I am so happy and blessed to have moved to Stillwater, said Payne, I have found the best support system to progress further in my recovery.  I’m enjoying proving the statistics wrong.”  Payne sustained a left-right traumatic brain injury as a result of being  hit in November, 1997 by a driver at an intersection on Hwy 102-66 west of Wellston, Oklahoma. 

The road to recovery has not always been easy, but Payne considers it a miracle. She is a steady and determined advocate for other TBI survivors and motivates many to be leaders for the cause.  “Never say never even when you think you have taken your last step,” said Payne. She is committed to living life to the fullest.  TBI Raiders is in the process of becoming a non-profit organization.  “We are recruiting volunteers”, says Payne, and we need people who are empathetic, knowledgeable and want to make a difference in the lives of others.” 

TBI Raiders week comes as part of National Brain Injury month.

Events going on this week are: 

3/9– Wednesday Jeopardy Un-jumbled  – Classroom with video capability OSU, OU, and UCO Learn facts about TBI- Check 008 Classroom Building for directions 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

3/10 – Thursday Veteran Voices – 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., Sequoyah Rm., 280 Student Union Families and professionals discuss issues related to veterans and traumatic brain injury

3/11 – Friday  E-Xposure TBI,  15-30 sec. commercials competition 6-8 p.m., Cushing Community Youth Center, on Little St. next to United Methodist Church  -  watch a film about TBI and create info films, short bytes for uploading to social media

3/12 – Saturday TBI Raiders Walk – join Alicia and other friends of TBI Raiders to walk around Boomer Lake in honor of TBI survivors.  Meet on east side by the Pavilion.10 a.m. – noon

3/12 – Saturday Meet at Sirloin Stockade to celebrate the success of survivors of TBI. Individuals pay for dinner, but join in recognition of TBI week and survivors – 5-7 p.m.