Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission: "From Elementary Physical Education Teacher to Award-Winning Artist: A Brain Injury Survivor's Journey"

In 2016, Ali Rheaume sustained Traumatic Brain Injuries, along with having a severe medication reaction that caused rare Tardive Dyskinesia and Serotonin Syndrome. This all landed her in the hospital at a 10% functioning level. She was unable to talk, walk, eat, or do anything herself. She couldn’t color a simple children’s coloring page and struggled to even pick one crayon out of a box. 

Ali found herself increasingly connected to the disability community as she navigated her journey, which included Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Auditory Processing Disorder, Narcolepsy with Cataplexy, Dysautonomia, and more—all diagnosed after her brain injury. During her recovery, Ali not only persevered but also unearthed new talents and purpose. She began exploring art as a calming, seated activity and a means to enhance her visual perception, fine motor skills, and decision-making abilities. Starting with crayons and pencils, Ali gradually advanced to mastering acrylics and watercolors.

Now, Ali is a member of the Franklin Art Association and created her own art business called Embracing Unique. Her main work is “painting things that are important to people”, where someone will give her a photo of importance, and she will create a watercolor painting of it - a house, an engagement capture, a pet, a wedding moment, family photos, and more. She also specializes in unique sepia tone paintings created from handmade black walnut paint, foraged in Franklin, MA. 

In addition to art, Ali is a public speaker and a disability advocate. She serves on the Brain Injury Council of Massachusetts and the Franklin Disability Commission. Ali hosts “Rise Up”, a free in-person social hour for individuals navigating life with disability, and “Life After Concussion”, a free virtual growth mindset group to help regain life after a concussion. Her mission in life is to multiply hope, to encourage people to be their true selves, and to turn mourning into dancing.

Ali hosts “Rise Up”, a free in-person social hour for individuals navigating life with disability

Follow Ali's journey on Instagram: @alison.rheaume & @embracingunique and on Facebook: Ali Rheaume & Embracing Unique. 

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission 

"The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) provides services that break down barriers and empower people with disabilities to live life in their own terms. Our programs focus on training and employment, community living, and disability determination for federal benefit programs. We are change agents and community builders. And we put the people we serve at the heart of everything we do."

shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/SS6maQLik1yqZFQy/

“The elephant in the room right now is concussions”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Fielding full rosters of varsity, junior varsity and freshmen football teams years ago was as simple as putting out a sign up sheet and watching the names pile up. 

These days, some local high school football coaches have to perform their best sales pitch to encourage students and their parents to step onto the gridiron amid fears of concussions, other injuries and a plethora of other high school sports offerings. 

“It used to be young men couldn’t wait to play high school football,” said Dan Haddad, Bellingham High School head football coach. “Now you’re a salesman. They’re just not coming out.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170924/high-school-football-participation-down-in-part-to-concerns-about-head-injuries

http://www.thinktaylor.org/concussionawarenessweek/

Taylor Twellman,  former NE Revolution soccer player who retired due to his concussion injuries, is now a sports commentator and founder of ThinkTaylor.org to raise awareness of this issue. The MIAA collaborated to hold concussion awareness week from Sep 11 - 15.

Franklin News from the Twitterverse - Saturday, Sep 26

Drug Tack-Back Day is today from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, drop off your extra prescription medicines at the Franklin Police Station, 911 Panther Way.

As part of our #StopAddiction effort, tomorrow is our state-wide Drug Take-Back Day http://t.co/nFUhj2ybop pic.twitter.com/buq8IRiqnB

— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) September 25, 2015

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Concussion Awareness week concludes but the need for concussion awareness goes on!

THIS IS AWESOME! #ConcussionAwarenessWeek #ttpledge #orange #20ForTwellman #THANKYOU @BPSportsNewss https://t.co/VWDyC8JSib

— ThinkTaylor.org (@ThinkTaylorORG) September 25, 2015

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As mentioned during the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, each Friday at the High School is a dress up theme day. This Friday (Sep 25) the Freshman Class won.

Congrats to the Freshmen who won today's Franklin Friday!! pic.twitter.com/HJf3EXdTs4

— FHS Student Gov't (@FhsGov) September 25, 2015

CDC Fact Sheet: Heads Up Concussion in Youth Sports

One of the Franklin Matters readers suggested taking this from the larger document and giving it better recognition. I concur. This is an important matter and should be shared broadly. Head injuries don't only occur on the sports fields. They can occur at home or in the backyard or playground.

Substitute "parent" for coach and this would be good to use.


SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION:

Signs Observed by Coaching Staff

If your child has experienced a bump or blow to the head during a game or practice, look for any of the following signs and symptoms of a concussion:
• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused about assignment or position
• Forgets sports play
• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows behavior or personality changes
• Can't recall events prior to hit or fall
• Can't recall events after hit or fall

Symptoms Reported by Athlete
• Headache or "pressure" in head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion
• Does not "feel right"


http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/pdf/coaches_Engl.pdf

Student head Injuries and Concussions

The presentation scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb 7, 2012


FPS_Student Head Injuries and Concussions_20120207


The draft policy and procedures document for student head injuries and concussions

FPS_Draft Concussion Policy Procedure Appendices_20120207


The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/02/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-feb.html

"lingering effects of a severe concussion"

McGrath said it became clear that Glass, the son of Diane and Michael Glass, had not been abducted, leaving officials to suspect the ordeal had to do with the aftermath of a concussion Glass received while playing football last fall. 

"Following that, in school, there was at least two episodes he was taken out by ambulance because he collapsed," McGrath said. The teen has had trouble concentrating in school and "has been dealing with the aftermath of that injury." 

A toxicology report showed Glass was not using drugs or alcohol, McGrath said. 

"This speaks loudly to the fact that it's something more related to the concussion," he said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x372775289/Wrentham-teens-disappearance-blamed-on-concussion#ixzz1YrR3kZtI