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!


Weekly Meetings — In-Person and Zoom
We are thrilled to announce we are back to live, physical meetings! We also run a Zoom call for those who cannot attend in person (links below).

Christ Church Parish
1127 N. San Antonio Ave.
Ontario, California 91762

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

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.

Missed the Zoom Meeting? Watch it Here!

• November 15
  Passcode 6wR38%RO

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


News

Pomona Valley Stroke Classes Return

"Life After Stroke: New Beginnings," the stroke support group of Pomona Valley Health Center in Claremont, is happy to announce they are starting regular meetings again!

Meetings will be held every fourth Thursday of the month from 10 to 11:30 AM. Meetings, beginning October 27.

For more information please email Stroke.Support@PVHMC.org.

View Schedule


Latest Video Interviews are Live!

The latest "Our Stories" videos are now live here on the website! See new faces, and some familiar ones too!
Watch Now


Jim Manley's 4th Photography Show at Claremont Forum

We had a ball on August 6 visiting longtime friend Jim Manley's fourth photography show, featuring his macro works called the "Closer Looks" project.

Jim's photos feature the tiniest plant details enlarged to 40 inches! Calmed by the beauty — getting lost in it — is why our gifted friend got into this amazing hobby in the first place, and why he wants to share it with the world!

Click any photo to view larger.

Fall Forward "Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall."
— F. Scott Fitzgerald

Fall is upon us, and there is a promise of crisper days ahead!

I appreciate all the shapes of pumpkins in the market these days. When I was a kid, I only remember seeing round pumpkins, and only solid orange ones suitable for carving. Now there are tiny ones, white ones, green ones, bumpy ones, elongated ones, a whole selection of funky beauties! They enhance each other, don't they?

Fall brings out the serious side in some of us. Whereas summer invited goofing off and playing in the sunshine, fall is back-to-school, back to business, getting down to brass tacks. Maybe in SoCal that's because the overwhelming heat of summer prevented us from being productive.

What productive ideas do you have for this fall? Consider journaling your thoughts around this idea. Before the holidays come charging in, let's take this time — this autumnal break — to take stock of where we are now.


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 at Christ Church Parish in Ontario every Tuesday at 9:00 AM. It's free. We'd love to meet you!


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.


Media

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


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.

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.


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


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.


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!