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Last updated on 05-15-2013

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Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association® logo

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Quality of Life
Grant Recipient 2013
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
National Stroke Association Seal

The Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association® – an organization made up of and led by volunteers – is dedicated to providing the hope, support, and resources necessary to help brain injury survivors and their families navigate the often-difficult and confusing recovery process associated with brain injuries.

We offer Hope, Support, Empathy, Education, and Information for hospitalized and rehabilitating brain injury survivors and their families, from someone who has BEEN THERE and DONE THAT. ©

Peer Visits are made with individuals who have any type of brain injury. Every brain injury is different. The brain may be injured by:

  • An impact, trauma, or an external blow to the head, which may result in a skull fracture or concussion (caused from motor vehicle accidents, falls, violence, sports, etc.)
  • Bleeding inside the brain, a hematoma (a blood clot), or a brain tumor
  • Loss of oxygen to the brain, called anoxia
  • Infections such as encephalitis and meningitis
  • Stroke

Watch a YouTube video about our association.

The brain damage may occur at the time of the injury or it may develop after the injury due to swelling or further bleeding. Patients may also have more than one type of brain injury. Physical changes, as well as cognitive and behavioral changes, often occur in the brain-injured person.

We help people with all types of brain injuries, whether caused by:

  • stroke
  • aneurysm
  • anoxia
  • tumors
  • surgery
  • brain disease
  • brain bleeds
  • car wrecks
  • falls
  • beatings
  • sports injuries
  • military service
  • etc.

Jean LeLoup

Jean LeLoup, one of my dearest friends and our most senior Brain Injury Peer Visitor, has departed from this earth. She is now illness-free and smiling down on each of us from Heaven. She always told survivors: "A good attitude will help you recover – and your will to get better." She believed and often said: "One of the reasons God let me live is to Peer Visit and help others." WE WILL ALL MISS HER – me, especially.

~ Ann


Ann Boriskie at the Pilot Inernational Convention

Ann Boriskie, a member of the Peachtree Pilot Club in Atlanta, Georgia, spoke at the Pilot International Annual Convention & Leadership Conference on July 20, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The title of her speech was "Life Will Never be the Same – But it Can Be Better!" She spoke to a room of almost 1,000 Pilot Club members from across the United States and the world.

On July 21, Ann presented an informative workshop on "First Aid for Brain Injury Survivors & Their Loved Ones; Hope, Support, Empathy, Education & Information©".

Pilot International's main mission is to educate about brain health and brain safety.


Bryan Durio Volunteer Spotlight

Bryan Durio, one of our peer visitors, was chosen for Shepherd Center's Volunteer Spotlight in their August 2012 Volunteer News! Read the article here (PDF).


Ann Boriskie & Fred Kalil
Ann Boriskie with Fred Kalil of WXIA 11-Alive

Exciting news! Our director, Ann Boriskie, was awarded one of the eleven 2011 Community Service Awards from WXIA 11-Alive for creating, developing, and implementing the Brain Injury Peer Visitor Association®! We are all very proud of Ann and are honored to be a part of this much-needed service. Congratulations, Ann!

Watch a YouTube video about Ann, her award, and our association!



Croix

New Peer Visitor on the Block!

Meet Croix, a 5-year-old Canine Assistants Golden Lab Service Dog who visits with Sue and Eileen Harrison at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta/Scottish Rite and at Shepherd Pathways! He is a sweet, gentle boy who is willing and able to share his unconditional love with all who are interested!

Read about Croix, and learn more about Canine Assistants.


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