I am a mother of a teenage son who suffered a severe Traumatic Brain Injury in 2004. It was out of compassion & empathy for other families experiencing the same sudden and unexpected news that someone they love has now suffered this same injury that I formed my organization.
Being notified that your child, parent, spouse or sibling has been transported in life threatening condition to a hospital by air ambulance is both devastating and frightening. Your immediate thoughts are to get to the hospital as quickly as possible to be with your loved one. There isn’t time to think about packing for yourself and the enormity of what is happening leaves everyone in a fog of uncertainty & desperation. No family is ever prepared for this type of event.
By creating a free Tote Bag Program, a unique & compassionate way to help families through this experience was born. Large canvas tote bags filled with personal toiletries, comfort items, useful tools, and information on Traumatic Brain Injury along with stories of hope & encouragement from others who have been in these same circumstances are lovingly packaged & kept on hand at 22 participating Hospitals where they are handed to an immediate family member of any person suffering this injury within 48 hours of arrival.