Welcome!

Looking to reinvent yourself after a traumatic brain injury? We're an online lifeline and resource connector. This has been my vision ever since a young woman ran a stop sign and sent my car tumbling end-over-end.

This website allows us to share our research, resources, and stories with each other. We're glad you are here!


Meetings

Weekly Meetings — In-Person and Zoom
We are thrilled to announce we are back to live, physical meetings! We also run a Zoom call for those who cannot attend in person (links below).

Christ Church Parish
1127 N. San Antonio Ave.
Ontario, California 91762

• Tuesdays at 9 AM — Support Group Meeting for survivors, caregivers, family and friends
  >>> Click to join Zoom meeting <<<
  
  
• Tuesdays at 11 AM — Caregiver Meeting
  Please call Celeste at (909) 260-0980 or send her an email at info@tbibridge.org for Zoom meeting ID and passcode.

Are you on the list?
Please call Celeste at (909) 260-0980 or send her an email at info@tbibridge.org. You'll be added to a list to get a reminder the day before each Tuesday's meetings.

Missed the Zoom Meeting? Watch it Here!

• May 16
  Passcode $Fw1GG*a

If you are feeling alone, please email info@tbibridge.org and include your phone number. We'll reach out!


News

Great Connections: PVHMC's Stroke Awareness Day

We were glad to see and be seen at the annual Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center's Stroke Awareness Day.

This April, we partnered with healing professionals and support groups from our area to celebrate the strides we're making in the field of brain health. Bridging the Gap was very pleased to have a table again at this excellent event, with speakers on the state of the art of stroke recovery.

Click any photo to view larger.

Radio Shorts — Brain Injury Radio Stories at Chico State

The Brain Injury Coalition promotes brain injury awareness at California State University at Chico in Northern California.

This January, the radio station KZFR partnered with the coalition and graduate students of the Communications Sciences and Disorders Program to create a show featuring the personal stories of four TBI survivors: Tom, Bev, Nikki, and Bridging the Gap's own Clay Ellington.

Listen Now


Their theme this year is "Progress Over Perfection." Let us know what these stories and heartfelt insights mean to you.


TBI and Nature Journaling with John Muir Laws

Celeste was a guest on the Nature Journaling Educators' Forum video cast in December with artist and educator John Muir Laws. She shared her TBI story and how she went on to create Bridging the Gap. And she delighted in sharing her experiences journaling and drawing in nature, especially while sitting on her favorite bench among the giant poppies at the garden!

It was great to hear John's group sharing how art and nature are healing for them, and connecting with them through these simple yet deeply enriching pleasures of life. He was kind enough to share the video of this meeting, I hope you enjoy watching it as much as we did during the live online meeting!

Visit John Muir Laws's website for more information about John's artistry, his lessons, conferences, safaris, and more!


Jim Manley's Blog

Our friend and regular participant Jim Manley has his own blog!

Jim captures events in and around Claremont, California, where he lives. His interests in music and photography take him to many events at the local Claremont Colleges, and a general lust for life means you'll also read about fun times he and his partner Krista enjoy when they venture to other spots!

Jim recently shared the entire program of the spectacular Pomona College Choir's December concert, along with links to others performing some of the same songs out in YouTube-land! Some deeply spiritual tunes were featured, older hymns such as "Ave Maria," as well as several 1930s numbers, such as "Soon Ah Will Be Done."

Thank you, Jim, for sharing your work with us!

Visit Jim's blog now to see where his latest jaunts have taken him!


Pomona Valley Stroke Classes Return

"Life After Stroke: New Beginnings," the stroke support group of Pomona Valley Health Center in Claremont, has begun holding regular meetings again!

Meetings are held every fourth Thursday of the month from 10 to 11:30 AM.

For more information please email Stroke.Support@PVHMC.org.

View Schedule


Latest Video Interviews are Live!

The latest "Our Stories" videos are now live here on the website! See new faces, and some familiar ones too!
Watch Now


Spring Into Action "When one flower blooms, spring awakens everywhere."
— John O'Donohue

Spring is a a season ... but it's also a reason.

Why do I say that? I feel there is no time of year that provides us with more reasons to come out of our shells.

There's no time more ripe with promise, more encouraging to us humans. Springtime bursts with inspiration in the form of flowers, baby animals, and birds chirping up a racket after a long quiet winter.

I dare you to stroke a bunch of pussy willows and not feel that life is a little bit better!

As the sun begins to warm us, it invites us outdoors, and invites us to open our hearts. To consider a better outcome. To soften ... just a bit.


You're Invited

You are not alone. We're there for each other. As our videos show, our support groups are tremendously helpful in allowing us to hear what works for others, and also to discuss the things that are difficult.

We cover current topics about brain injury, cutting-edge research about concussion and stroke, and we discuss what's currently available to us in our recovery. We address the issues of survivors, caregivers, family, and friends.

Join us at Christ Church Parish in Ontario every Tuesday at 9:00 AM. It's free. We'd love to meet you!


Special Insight Into "The New Normal"
With COVID-19, people struggle to process "the new normal" when life keeps throwing them curve balls. The TBI community may be better prepared for the "new normal" than the average person. We understand how constant re-adjustment can challenge our memory, mood, and decision-making ability.

We have learned coping strategies such as meditation and distraction to calm the brain during times like these. Our Stories page has lots of inspiration, and Celeste's Holiday Happiness video contains steps to help you get your groove back.

We are on Amazon Smile!
When you make a purchase through Amazon Smile and designate "Bridging the Gap Connecting TBI Survivors", we receive a small donation. It's the same as your normal Amazon shopping, but this way Amazon donates to our group. We would greatly appreciate it if you would click here to make us your Amazon Smile charity.


Our own Celeste was a guest on Brain Injury Radio with Terry Smith! She gave a wonderful introduction to the world of traumatic brain injury, shared her personal experiences, and offered some great tips on how to venture forward and find help. (Note: Celeste's segment runs from 19:40 to 56:48 minutes)
Listen on Terry's Website


Inspiration for Recovery in 101 Doses
Celeste is honored to be one of the 101 people who were asked to share their brain injury journeys in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injuries: 101 Stories of Hope, Healing, and Hard Work.


Our Resources page contains many listings we have found helpful. From medical centers to massage, in-home care to brain boosting techniques, please make use of these great opportunities. Email Us if you have a resource to share with others!


Media

Celeste's Story in Crash Support Network Newsletter Looking for more connections with the TBI community? Dawne McKay's website is Crash Support Network, and she publishes a quarterly newsletter called "Sharing Our Recovery." Both are full of stories about survivors as well as helpful resources. Her Spring 2020 newsletter features an article about our own Celeste Palmer!
Read the PDF newsletter
Visit the website


Celeste was a guest on neuro-optometrist Dr. Doug Stephey's "Move, Look, and Listen" podcast, with host Tim Edwards. This audio is a mind-boggling "look" at how the brain and vision interact in so many fundamental ways.