Donations Welcome!
Your kind donation makes
sharing our resources possible!
Tax ID #: 27-1690965
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!
If you are feeling alone, please email info@tbibridge.org and include your phone number. We'll reach out!
Meetings
Holiday Schedule of Zoom Meetings
This holiday season, our meetings at 9 AM and 11 AM will only be held on the following dates:
Tuesdays at 11 AM — Caregiver Meeting : Zoom Only
Please call Celeste at (909) 260-0980 or send her an email at info@tbibridge.org for Zoom meeting ID and passcode.
Wednesday sessions will remain the same at 9:30 AM:
Reading Bridge Book Club — 1st and 3rd Wednesdays reading Healthy Brain, Happy Life by Wendy Suzuki
Inspiration Circle — 2nd and 4th Wednesdays discussing any book or writing you choose to bring (including your own!)
Visit Helpers' Corner for the Zoom links to these Wednesday meetings.
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.
The capital city of Peru, Lima
Cheers to Kirk, our own Bridging the Gap friend, who traveled solo to Peru to see the wonders of the Inca Kingdom at Machu Picchu!
Here are a few photos he shared with us.
Click any photo to view larger.
Jim's Exhibit at Mt. San Antonio Gardens
Closer Looks at Nature with artist Jim Manley
Many of our group had the pleasure of attending the official opening of our friend Jim Manley's
photography exhibit, "Closer Looks," at Mt. San Antonio Gardens on June 8th. The photos are large versions
of close-up nature subjects. These images can, in the artist's words,
"immerse people in a restful moment for the eyes and brain. Like a little sanctuary."
Click any photo to view larger.
Great Connections: PVHMC's Stroke Awareness Day
Mike and Norma on a beautiful SoCal 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.
TBI and Nature Journaling with John Muir Laws
Sketch in a nature journal
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!
Video replay of our meeting
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!
Beautiful Claremont Campus of PVHC
"Life After Stroke: New Beginnings" is the stroke support group of Pomona Valley Hospital, held in Claremont at Pomona Valley Health Center on Monte Vista.
Meetings are held every fourth Thursday of the month from 10 to 11:30 AM.
Reading Bridge Book Club
Build back language skills with Suzanne, reading for fun and therapy.
Inspiration Circle
Jim guides us in the healing act of writing and reading inspirational poetry and quotations —
your own or a favorite author.
Welcome from Celeste Palmer
Founder and TBI Survivor
Neuro-optometrist Dr. Doug Stephey Video
How the brain and eyes work together
Holiday Happiness Strategies Video
Tips for keeping spirits bright all year long
Chiropractor Dr. Martin McLeod Video on Successful Living
This dynamic speaker makes sense of getting to know your body and emotions, how doctors and patients should communicate,
and how diet can be the key to everything.
Our Stories - Video Edition!
Catch up with us live on video.
My Happiness Project Video
Celeste speaks about our pursuit of happiness
Celeste's Journey Video
Sharing her adventures at a booksigning event
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!
Donations Welcome!
Your kind donation makes
sharing our resources possible!
Tax ID #: 27-1690965
We appreciate our business donors so very much!
Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater
Citrus Community College and Haugh Performing Arts Theater
Claremont Courier
Espiau's Restaurant
Human Interface
In-N-Out Burger
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
Salt Oasis
Stroke Department, PVHMC
Tea with Sherry
... and to all the people who give to help us. You allow us to continue the tradition of
scholarships to Veterans who are students at Citrus College. You also expand our reach
to find and provide resources, education, and advocacy for survivors' families and friends
— our gratitude is endless!
If you would like to contribute to the Susan Reis Carroll Memorial, please make a note of it in your donation. Susan was a TBI survivor and a member of our community.
Media
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.
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
TBI and Visual Consequences Podcast — August, 2018
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.
Gentle Intro to TBI: Celeste on the Radio — July 26, 2018
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
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 on Zoom every Tuesday at 9:00 AM. We'd love to meet you!
Our Gang at a recent meeting
Bridging the Gap is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Inspiration for Recovery in 101 Doses
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!
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.
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)