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!


Stroke Awareness Day — Celebrating A Toast to Our Homecoming


In-Person Event!
Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 9 AM to 12 PM
Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center — Pitzer Auditorium

This day offers stroke survivors, family, caregivers and our community a day of celebration, education, awareness and fun with our knowledgeable and dedicated stroke team.
View Flyer for more info


May is Stroke Awareness Month

Learn more at the National Institutes of Health's Know Stroke website.

Zoom Meetings
All of our in-person events are suspended due to Coronavirus concerns. In the meantime, please join us for Zoom Meetings online.

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.

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

Missed the Zoom Meeting? Watch it Here!

• April 19
  Passcode g7iLsva+

Please check back for updates as the Coronavirus situation improves and in-person meetings resume!

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


Go Ahead and Spring!

"Spring is the time of plans and projects."
— Leo Tolstoy

Spring always inspires me to take on lots of projects. I'm not too concerned if my plans don't all bear fruit. I take my cue from the lemon tree outside my door.

This particular tree is a Meyer Lemon, a variety first sent to the states in 1908 by agricultural explorer Frank Meyer, who wrapped up a little cutting and mailed it on a slow boat from China. The Meyer is sweeter than regular lemons, like me.

It sends up lots of blossoms, more than it probably needs. A lot of "trial balloons" are launched. Some end up on the ground, but others mature into juicy treasures.

If winter was the time to hunker down and conserve our energy, then spring is not only the time to act — it's also the verb! SPRING!


Citrus College Awards 2021 Bridging the Gap Scholarship

We are proud to introduce the latest recipient of the Bridging the Gap Scholarship — Mr. Andrew Sanchez! This is our ninth year of providing scholarships to veterans and other deserving Citrus College students

Andrew spent 5 years in the US Army, one year of which was spent in a combat zone in Baghdad, Iraq. His experiences were full of harsh challenges to face and overcome. Transitioning to life as a college student means that he now has to face a whole series of new challenges: to adapt to the familiar-yet-different environment of life back home, and to also address the PTSD that came as a result of his war-zone experiences.

Andrew partnered with mental health professionals through the Veterans' Administration, and realized school could be a part of moving forward with his life goals. He is pursuing a career in Public Works Administration at Citrus College, and now he has a scholarship to help him make it happen.

Congratulations, Andrew! We're thrilled to be a part of your future goals!


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.


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


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.

Our monthly meetings at Claremont Place are currently canceled due to Coronavirus concerns. We normally meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm. It's free. We'd love to meet you when the schedule returns to normal, so please check back for updates as the situation improves.

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


Latest Updates

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)
Listen on Terry's Website


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!


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.

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.

To buy the book, call Celeste at (909) 260-0890 or send her an email. The price is $15 + shipping and handling.

Proceeds from purchases made through Celeste go directly to our non-profit, Bridging the Gap. Your purchase will help us share our resources with other TBI survivors!