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Traumatic Brain Injury Special Edition

MAKE AN HONOR OR MEMORIAL GIFT

Recognize someone for their accomplishments, mark a special occasion or honor the memory

of a loved one while giving back to soldiers and veterans with traumatic brain injury

and their families.

With your help, we can change the lives of wounded heroes in Colorado.

1 in 5 soldiers come home from the war with a traumatic brain injury

NEW WAYS TO HONOR OUR WOUNDED HEROES

1-877-FUND-OTF • www.OperationTBIFreedom.org

D HEROES

$75$75 buys an assistive

technology device

$150$150 pays for one month

of utilities for a family

$625$625 pays for �ve sessions

of cognitive therapy

$1,250$1,250 pays for one month’sliving expenses for a family

$2,500$2,500 pays for one year of rehabilitation for a client

CREATE A TRIBUTE PAGE

Share your loved one’s story with friends and family regardless of whether they live in your

hometown or in other parts of the world. You can customize your page by writing a

personal story and adding a photo, and visitors can post messages or make a donation.

Make an honor/memorial gi� or create your tribute page online today!

Visit www.OperationTBIFreedom.org

FOR MORE INFORMATIONIf you have questions about making an honor/memorial gift or creating a tribute page,

or if you would like to request a mail-in form, call 1-877-FUND-OTF.

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The LiNK 6.4 -TBI Edition 1

Dr. James SchraaJames Schraa, Psy. D. Craig HospitalOTF Advisory Board Chair

Sincerely,

Operation TBI Freedom Advisory BoardDear Reader,

Early during the war in Iraq, the volume of soldiers who sustained traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other combat-related injuries challenged the nation to develop new systems of care. Congress passed new mandates to enhance treatment; however, the government initiatives cannot meet all important needs. The Operation TBI Freedom (OTF) program fills many of these gaps with efficiency and flexibility. In the process, veterans and soldiers are welcomed home by their fellow citizens with respect and kindness.

I have been a neuropsychologist at Craig Hospital for 27 years and have served on numerous public policy boards of the Brain Injury Association of America. I have also testified before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee in regard to issues related to traumatic brain injury. My background and experience allow me to strongly endorse the Operation TBI Freedom program, operated statewide by Denver Options.

Through OTF, Denver Options provides the care coordination to draw together diverse services so veterans and soldiers with TBI can have an organized treatment approach. This organization does an outstanding job of complementing and coordinating services that are offered by various agencies. Additionally, crisis support from OTF buys overwhelmed families precious time to reorganize and move ahead.

Operation TBI Freedom helps increase lifelong productivity and quality of life for these individuals who have served our country so selflessly. With more and more soldiers coming home from war to Ft. Carson and other locations, the need for timely and comprehensive TBI services in Colorado continues to grow. With your generous support, Operation TBI Freedom can expand their outreach to help greater numbers of veterans and their families.

James Schraa, Psy. D., Craig Hospital, OTF Advisory Board Chair

Robert Alvarez, M.A., Give An Hour, Marine

Jennifer Anderson, Denver Options’ TBI Program Manager

Dob Bennett, Founder, OTF Program

Stephen Block, Ph.D., Denver Options’ Executive Director

Chuck Bruen, Veterans Administration

Christine Cook, Army Wounded Warrior Program

Brian Duncan, Ph.D., Warrior Support Center

Janie Hirth, OEF/OIF Case Manager, Veterans Administration

Susan Holmes, Army Wounded Warrior Program

Patrick Kertson, OTF Graduate

Kathy Martin, MPA, Denver Options’ Chief Operating Officer

Christen Mason, Denver Options’ TBI Program Manager

Jason and Meghan Palmer, OTF Participants

Father Bill Pounds

Gina Ramer, Social Security Administration

Joseph Sorenson

Wesley West, US Air Force Colonel (ret.); Vice President/General Manager (ret.),

Lockheed Martin Corp.

The Operation TBI Freedom (OTF) Advisory Board is made up of a variety of professionals from the traumatic brain injury (TBI) and veteran services fields, veterans with TBI and family

members of veterans with TBI.

The purpose of the board is to offer guidance and input regarding program services to ensure that OTF isn’t duplicating services

already available in the community and that our services are meeting the needs of veterans and their families.

What is the Advisory Board?

>> link to COMMUNITY

2 The LiNK 6.4 - TBI Edition

Steady Support Helps Scott Move Forward After his second tour of duty in Iraq, Army veteran Scott Haas recalled, “I realized I had to get some help. I couldn’t rely on my memory. It was my last day in the Army when one of my buddies suggested I call Operation TBI Freedom.” The problems Scott was experiencing were the result of a combat-related traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Scott contacted Operation TBI Freedom (OTF), and he was connected with OTF Care Coordinator Fredia Johnson. “Fredia helped me get my life back on track. She encouraged me to get out of the house and make friends. She also found a therapeutic bed that helps with pain, and she arranged passes for the bus and the Boulder recreation center,” Scott explained.

The greatest catalyst in his recovery, however, has been Fredia’s unwavering support. “The most important thing is her being there for me. I call her with questions, ideas and concerns, and she listens. She finds the help I need and aims me in the right direction. That has been the most useful help of all,” he shared.

From his current vantage point, Scott is starting to look forward again. He’s decided to go back to school to earn his RN degree, and he eventually hopes to work as a nurse at the Veterans Administration. “I never dreamed I’d be headed back to school after all these years,” he said. “All the help I’ve received from OTF has made the future look hopeful again.”

She finds the help I need and aims me in the right direction.

For the FallenFreedom AllianceGive an HourGrand River Canyon ApartmentsThe Home Front CaresHope for the WarriorsLakeshore FoundationLearningRXOmbudsman ProgramOperation First ResponseOperation HomefrontOperation Life TransformedOur Homefront Heroes, Inc. Project Return 2 Work

AdoptaPlatoonArtReachAmerican Red CrossArmy Combat-Related Special CompensationBattle BuddyBrain Injury Association of ColoradoBrain TrainChallenge AspenChallenged Athletes FoundationThe Coalition to Salute America’s HeroesColorado Traumatic Brain Injury Trust FundDepartment of DefenseDepartment of Veterans AffairsDisabled American Veterans

Thank You to Our Community Partners

Operation TBI Freedom was established in 2008 by a private donor, and the program relies entirely on contributions from individuals, companies and foundations. Your generosity means we can continue to provide vital support and advocate for services for TBI survivors and their families.

Due to our partnerships with these generous organizations, Operation TBI Freedom has connected veterans to $2.4 million worth of services. (as of June 2010)

“ “-Scott Haas

Project SanctuaryRebuilding TogetherRedistribution Center, Inc.ReserveAidSocial Security AdministrationSoldiers’ AngelsStephen KingTRICARETraumatic Servicemembers’ Group Life InsuranceVA Vet CentersWarrior Support CenterWestern Hills ApartmentsWounded Warrior Project

>> link to COMMUNITY

The LiNK 6.4 - TBI Edition 3

Jose Olivero loves words. He says brain injury is like a sentence with missing words. He’s spent three years filling in the blanks. As a Staff Sergeant in Iraq, Jose survived multiple IED assaults. During his third tour, a brain scan revealed damage on both sides of his brain.

Returning home with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) brought new challenges. Jose’s wife, Lizette, said tensions were high and bills were piling up. Then they called Operation TBI Freedom for help. Jose smiled remembering his first meeting with Care Coordinator John Lenz. “He became a guiding light when things seemed the darkest,” Jose said.

John connected the couple and their four children to free counseling services through First Choice and found financial help through The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes. He also encouraged Jose to participate in a social skills group program with other veterans with TBI. Jose values all the support he’s received and says the social skills group has helped him move forward.

“Many of us as veterans don’t want to talk about emotions and coping with our injuries. When we met, we understood each other right away. Each person is exactly like me,” he said of his fellow social skills group members. “Together we are uncovering a whole world of new opportunities.” Even though Jose and the other members have completed the program, the group still meets informally on a regular basis.

Jose will be managing his TBI for years to come, but he’s turned an important corner. Life is more stable for the family, and he and Lizette welcomed the birth of their fifth child this spring. “Life has meaning again. When we called John, I experienced life in fragments. Many days were filled with confusion and hopelessness,” Jose expressed. “Now life is a complete sentence, without one missing word.”

A Healing Journey

Thank You to Our Generous Private DonorsDob and Debbie Bennett

Adolph Coors Foundation The Anschutz Foundation

Boeing Global Corporate Citizenship El Pomar FoundationThe Lighting Agency

MDC/Richmond American Homes FoundationPCL Construction Enterprises, Inc.

The Walter & Georgia Imhoff Family Fund

With your help, we can change lives. Please donate today.www.OperationTBIFreedom.org • 1-877-FUND-OTF

Read more of Jose’s story and others at www.OperationTBIFreedom.org

Now life is a complete sentence, without one missing word. “ “-Jose Olivero

Operation TBI Freedom was established in 2008 by a private donor, and the program relies entirely on contributions from individuals, companies and foundations. Your generosity means we can continue to provide vital support and advocate for services for TBI survivors and their families.

>> link to LIFE

4 The LiNK 6.4 -TBI Edition

In August, Jose Santiago completed a six-day, 330-mile bicycle ride that spanned from Cheyenne, WY, to Ft. Carson, CO. An Army veteran and traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor, Jose said the ride was challenging but ultimately rewarding. “It was a tough ride, but every moment was enjoyable,” Jose shared. “I’ve been in Colorado for 11 years, and I’ve never seen parts of Colorado like I saw on this ride.”

Jose receives TBI services through Denver Options’ two statewide programs,

Colorado Connections and Operation TBI Freedom (OTF). He became interested in biking to improve his health and get outside more, so he expressed his interest to his Colorado Connections care coordinator, Beth Burnett. Beth helped Jose obtain funds through Colorado Connections to purchase a bicycle and helmet.

Then Jose received an email from OTF Care Coordinator Fredia Johnson about the six-day bike ride, and he was inspired to learn that other veterans with disabilities were participating. Jose signed up for the challenge and has been hooked ever since. “I get on my bike every day and do 20, 30 or 40 miles,” he stated. “It’s been great to see what has come out of a simple bike purchase,” Beth said of Jose’s accomplishments. “He’s told me that the biking has helped his recovery more than any other therapy he has participated in.”

Bicycle Kick-starts Jose’s Recovery Process

-Beth Burnett, Jose’s Care Coordinator

...biking has helped his recovery more than any other therapy he has participated in.“ “

Care coordination provides a comprehensive, organized approach to recovery for people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our care coordinators work with each individual to provide information, identify resources and coordinate services to ensure each client receives the care they need at the right time.

For most TBI survivors, adjusting to their injury and moving forward can seem like a daunting ordeal. “It’s very rewarding assisting my clients through some of the most challenging parts of their lives,” shared Operation TBI Freedom Care Coordinator John Lenz. “I enjoy helping them transition to a new life and achieve independence and hope for their future.”

Care coordination helps each individual chart their own path to recovery and success. “Every TBI survivor has different ideas and goals,” said Alonda Martin, a Colorado Connections care coordinator. “The most rewarding part of my job is assisting my clients in achieving these personal aspirations.”

Care coordinators also help clients achieve long-term success by facilitating the creation of support networks with friends, family members and other TBI survivors. John makes it a point to connect his clients to each other and to other families in similar circumstances. “The natural support system that develops is something that will be in place long after the client leaves the program,” John stated.

Care Coordination Offers Unique Benefits

The natural support system that develops is something that will be in place long after the client leaves the program.

-John LenzOTF Care Coordinator

““

Alonda Martin, Colorado Connections John Lenz, Operation

TBI Freedom

>> link to RESOURCES

The LiNK 6.4 - TBI Edition 5

TBI Resources

Lots MORE! Visit www.denveroptions.org and

www.OperationTBIFreedom.org for complete listings and information.

UpcomingEvents! Army Community Service Center at Ft. Carson

Ph: (719) 526-4590http://community.carson.army.mil/ACS

Brain Injury Association of ColoradoPh: (303) 355-9969www.biacolorado.org

Colorado Brain Injury Conference SeriesPh: (303) 355-9969www.cbics.com

Colorado ConnectionsPh: (866) 245-6600www.denveroptions.org/colorado-connections

Colorado Traumatic Brain Injury Trust FundPh: (719) 592-1300www.tbicolorado.org

Craig HospitalPh: (303) 789-8000www.craighospital.org Defense and Veterans Brain Injury CenterPh: (719) 526-8636www.evans.amedd.army.mil/srp

Disabled American Veterans Service CenterPh: (719) 380-8005www.dav.org

Mental Health Center of DenverPh: (303) 504-6500www.mhcd.org

Operation TBI FreedomPh: (866) 245-6600www.OperationTBIFreedom.org

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Veterans AffairsPh: (719) 592-1300www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre

Get Your Life OrganizedTuesday, Nov. 9 – 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Learn strategies to manage finances, community resources and other supports. Sponsored by The Brain Injury Association of

Colorado, Denver Options, the Colorado Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund and Craig Hospital.

Rawlings Public Library, 100 E. Abriendo Ave., Pueblo, COhttp://www.denveroptions.org/get-life-organized-pueblo

Brain Injury Survivor Series: Surviving the Holidays

Friday, Nov. 19 – 12:30-2:30 PMLearn practical tips for managing the blues and the stress of

the holiday season.Denver Options, 9900 E. Iliff Ave., Denver

Free, lunch includedwww.ctat-training.com/training-event-calendar

Brain Injury Survivor Series: Treatment Panel and Discussion

Friday, Jan. 14 – 12:30-2:30 PMExperts will discuss different treatment options and solutions

that can help you recover and thrive.Denver Options, 9900 E. Iliff Ave., Denver

Free, lunch includedwww.ctat-training.com/training-event-calendar

Brain Injury Survivor Series: How to Remember, Save and Share

Memories VisuallyFriday, Feb. 11 – 12:30-2:30 PM

Learn fun ways to capture and preserve your memories with or without digital technology.

Denver Options, 9900 E. Iliff Ave., DenverFree, lunch included

www.ctat-training.com/training-event-calendar

A Privately Funded StatewideProgram of Denver Options

NEW!

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDDENVER, CO

PERMIT NO. 169

9900 East Iliff AvenueDenver, CO 80231

CONTRIBUTORS

Katie GouletBarb Lundy

Dr. James SchraaLayout by Rebecca Spencer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bill Parkhill, PresidentRoger Carstens, Vice President

Jim Long, TreasurerNiki F. Tuttle, Secretary

Ann Erickson GiffordBarry Martin, M.D.

Roger SchmitzScott Showalter, M.D.

Gail StrobelStephanie Townsend

Christine WesterStephen R. Block, Ph.D., CEO

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Ph: (303) 636-5624TDD: (303) 636-5602

The Denver Options’ LiNK is published quarterly by Denver Options, a non-profit organization that provides service coordination and program services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries.

www.denveroptions.org(303) 636-5600

Questions about The LiNK?Email editor@denveroptions.org

Your generous support can help the servicemen and servicewomen of your community fight the debilitating effects of TBI.

www.Operat ionTBIFreedom.org 1-877-FUND-OTF

Get Connected!Denver Options and Operation TBI Freedom are on Facebook. Become a fan today!www.facebook.com/denveroptions and www.facebook.com/operationtbifreedom

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H O N O R O U R W O U N D E D H E R O E S