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https://www.wctv.tv/2025/03/28/something-good-navy-veteran-bikes-100-miles-advocate-brain-injury-awareness/

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Our representatives engaged with veterans, caregivers, and medical staff to share information about Brain Injury Florida’s mission, resources, and support services. By participating in this event, we were able to raise awareness about brain injury, advocate for those affected, and strengthen our partnerships with other organizations working toward the same goal—improving the lives of individuals with brain injuries.

Networking with other advocates and professionals allowed us to explore new opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that those impacted by brain injuries have access to the best possible care, support, and resources.

We are grateful to James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital for hosting this meaningful event and for their ongoing commitment to brain injury awareness and recovery. Brain Injury Florida looks forward to continuing our work in the community, making a difference for those affected by brain injuries across Florida.

#BrainInjuryAwareness #VeteransHealth #BrainInjuryFlorida #CommunitySupport

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The Florida Statewide Brain Injury Advisory Board, established through a grant from the Administration for Community Living, continues its critical work in shaping policy and resources for brain injury survivors. This initiative, awarded to the University of Florida BRAIN Center and Brain Injury Florida in cooperation with the Florida Department of Health, aims to create a comprehensive framework to monitor, record, and raise awareness of brain injuries across the state.

Starting the Process

Shortly after the group’s establishment, a survey was established and made available to professionals, caregivers, and persons with lived experience of a brain injury to determine items that needed to be addressed to address the needs following the occurrence of a brain injury.

Meetings

The Board would meet virtually monthly to begin formulating the process of reviewing the data received through the survey and analyzing.   As the data was analyzed, the key objectives and strategies to support Floridians impacted by brain injuries that need to be addressed by the Board were set.

In January 2025, the Board convened in person to discuss key elements from the survey.  The process began to write the document to outline the State Plan’s primary goals.

State Plan Goals and Objectives

Three overarching objectives were presented to guide the development of the State Action Plan:

1. Improve Quality of Life
2. Create Education & Awareness
3. Develop Service System Enhancements

The Florida Statewide Brain Injury Advisory Board remains committed to fostering an inclusive, well-supported system for brain injury survivors. Through continued collaboration and advocacy, the Board aims to drive meaningful change that enhances the quality of life for individuals affected by brain injuries throughout Florida.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Timothy Sorady
Brain Injury Florida
tsorady@braininjuryfl.org

70-Year-Old Veteran Rides 100 Miles to Promote Functional Therapy for Brain Injury Survivors

Tallahassee, FL – On March 24, 2025, Ritaann Schultz, a 70-year-old disabled Vietnam Era veteran of the U.S. Navy, will embark on a 100-mile bicycle ride to raise awareness for functional therapy for brain injury survivors. Beginning at the Withlacoochee Trailhead and traveling along the Suncoast Trail, she will complete her journey at the James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa, Florida, arriving on March 26th.  The arrival will coordinate with the VAs’ Walk to Support Brain Injury during Brain Injury Awareness Month.

Ritaann, a former Aviation Boatswain Mate Handler who worked on an active flight line and served as a NATOPS Utility Aircrewman on the P-3 Orion, has spent her life pushing limits—both in the military and as a competitive athlete. After leaving the Navy, she dedicated 35 years to helping others as a licensed massage therapist specializing in injury recovery.

An avid cyclist, Ritaann had logged over 125,000 miles on her bike before tragedy struck. On February 3, 2015, while riding in a group, she was thrown off her bike at 30 mph and even though wearing a helmet, she suffered a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite her experience as an endurance athlete—including completing four Ironman competitions and being part of a four person team that won their age group in the 3,000 mile 2012 Race Across America—she faced her toughest challenge yet: a misdiagnosed brain injury that would take five years to be properly identified.

Through her own research and persistence, Ritaann helped doctors recognize her neuro-fatigue, vision, and cognitive challenges and continues to advocate for functional therapy approaches that help brain injury survivors regain mobility, strength, and independence.

Her upcoming 100-mile ride symbolizes resilience and recovery while raising critical awareness and support for those battling the long-term effects of TBIs. Donations to support Ritaann’s mission and Brain Injury Florida’s advocacy efforts are welcome.

For more information or to contribute to Ritaann’s cause, please contact tsorady@braininjuryfl.org.

About Brain Injury Florida

Brain Injury Florida is the only non-profit in the state of Florida solely serving individuals who have sustained brain injuries, their family members, and professionals who treat them. Brain Injury Florida offers support groups, events for education training, and more.

For more information or to get involved, visit BrainInjuryFL.org or contact Denny Armington at 813-330-0183, or info@braininjuryfl.org.

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Brain Injury Florida (BIF) is deeply saddened to announce the unexpected passing of our corporate Secretary, Board member and friend, Jim Gyurke.

Dr. Gyurke, a developmental psychologist and astute businessman, had served on the BIF Board since incorporation in August, 2022. Having spent 30 years in the healthcare and psychological testing industry, Jim’s wise counsel has been instrumental in the rapid growth and establishment of BIF as a trusted advocacy resource for Floridians impacted by brain injury.

Jim’s support and leadership will be sorely missed. In honor of Jim’s service, the Brain Injury Florida Board has created the James Gyurke Survivor’s Scholarship Fund to enable attendance at future BIF events for those living with brain injury who are financially challenged. A contribution to the Fund can be made using this link:braininjuryfl.org/donate.

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The volunteers demonstrated exceptional commitment and enthusiasm throughout the training, acquiring in-depth knowledge and expertise in the fundamental aspects of brain injuries. This training, offered through the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists, has equipped them with the necessary skills to provide valuable assistance and support to the community.

The Brain Injury Information Line (BIIL) is set to benefit significantly from the volunteers’ enhanced understanding of brain injury fundamentals. This initiative aims to serve as a valuable resource for individuals and families dealing with the complexities of brain injuries, offering information, resources, and a compassionate ear.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Brain Injury Florida volunteers for their hard work and dedication in completing this important training,” said Denny Armington, Board Chairman at Brain Injury Florida. “Their newfound expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the Brain Injury Information Line and enhance our ability to support those affected by brain injuries in our community.”

Brain Injury Florida remains committed to fostering awareness, providing resources, and offering a support network for individuals impacted by brain injuries. The completion of the BIIL training is a significant achievement that reflects the organization’s dedication to serving the community.

For further information, please contact:

Carrie Ditto Rayburn crayburn@braininjuryfl.org

About Brain Injury Florida

Brain Injury Florida is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and offering resources for individuals and families affected by brain injuries. Committed to making a positive impact, the organization strives to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with the challenges associated with acquired brain injuries.

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