Brain Injury Global Picnic

Hey Arkansas,

Join us and attend the upcoming Arkansas Brain Injury Global Picnic. Many people closely associated with brain injury have come together to assist in the organization of a ‘Global Picnic,’ to be held world-wide on Saturday 30th June 2012. Annie Ricketts is the creator and founder of the effort and we are encouraging everyone to participate by being involved in the biggest coordinated gathering of traumatic brain injury survivors the world has ever seen on a single day. For too long brain injury has been known as ‘The Silent Epidemic.’ For too long brain injury has been called ‘The Hidden Disability.’ But No More! With your help we can make this picnic a success!

It is estimated that there are one BILLION people on this planet living with some kind of brain injury. Many of these are managing alone without help. Many have become bankrupt and are living on the streets. What would happen to this number if we added on their care givers and medical professionals…?

We want every single brain injury association / foundation / charity /non-profit organization, and every single individual touched by brain injury, across the world, to come together in parks, sports fields, church halls,community centers, back yards and everywhere else people can think of with one shared goal – to raise awareness about the common issues surrounding brain injury. We need people and organizations to come back to us confirming that they will organize a picnic.

HERE ARE THE SPECIFICS:

DATE: Saturday, June 30, 2012

PLACE: 1000 South Main Street Little Rock, AR 72201

TIME: Food is being served starting at 12:00.

Please RSVP through facebook, phone (800-444-6443), or email (info@brainassociation.org)

This picnic is not only a fundraiser, but an opportunity to learn and understand more about brain injury and what it takes to live in the "now what" phase. In addition to the delicious food, games, raffles, and fun - there will be information tables and a chance to mingle with fellow survivors and start new friendships.

Money raised from this event will be used to support our education programs throughout the state. This event is free but donations are appreciated.

Cranestorm: Wishes in Flight

An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury. The crane in Japan is one of the mystical or holy creatures (others include the dragon and the tortoise), and is said to live for a thousand years. In Asia, it is commonly said that folding 1,000 paper origami cranes makes a person's wish come true.

The Brain Injury Association of Arkansas (BIAA) is launching a project called “Cranestorm – Wishes in Flight.” The goal of this project is to fold and collect 2,000 origami cranes, one for every Arkansan living with a disability due to brain injury. This is an excellent opportunity for students, groups or employees to acquire volunteer service hours while doing something fun. The BIAA will be holding crane stringing sessions where you can bring your kids, spouse, friends, or anyone you may know who is interested in helping us get the art installation ready.

The cranes will be linked to form a dramatic representation of all Arkansans who have a disability due to a brain injury.

If you are not able to make cranes, but would like to participate in this event, your tax deductible donation to the Brain Injury Association is welcome.

Join Cranestorm by folding cranes for individuals affected by brain injury.

 
•The selection of paper is a personal choice, but lightweight origami paper or magazine pages are best. If you or your group are making over 100 cranes, ask for a paper or $$ donation from a local business. Take pictures of your crane folding and send them to us.  
•If you would like someone to speak to your group about brain injury or to demonstrate crane folding, e-mail info@brainassociation.org.
•Groups and individuals who send over 100 cranes will receive a certificate of participation and be recognized publicly.

Making origami cranes is fun and easy. Here’s an easy folding tutorial.

When cranes are completed, please ship to:

Brain Injury Association of Arkansas

PO Box 26236

Little Rock, AR 72221-6236

Movie Day!

The Brain Injury Association of Arkansas hosted the first Movie Day on April 22, 2012 at 1000 South Main Street in Little Rock, Arkansas. We had a great time watching a film and enjoying a nice afternoon together. We want to give a special thanks to our new volunteer, Pam, for making this event happen! We also got to work on our Cranestorm project together and had some interesting conversations about brain injuries. Thanks to everyone who came out to this event! Please check back on our website to find out when our next movie day will be held!

BIAAR 7th Annual Walk for Thought

We just completed our 7th Annual Walk for Thought! Thanks to everyone who showed up and volunteered and to those who walked with us to increase awareness of Brain Injury. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather this year. This was our first year to walk at the Clinton Library Pedestrian Bridge and it was absolutely splendid. If you haven't been down there yet, we highly recommend it! If you weren't able to attend this year, we hope to see you next year!