The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) has entered into a
partnership with ABC Anchor Bob Woodruff and his family to raise
awareness of brain injury and to administer the newly created Bob
Woodruff Family Fund for TBI to assist servicemen and women and their
families affected by the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Woodruff
sustained a serious brain injury as a result of an improvised
explosive device while on assignment for ABC News in Iraq in January
2006. Although he received superior care, Bob, his wife Lee, and
their extended family recognize that many individuals with brain
injury do not receive the services and supports needed to regain
their independence. They also understand the lack of funding in the
public, private and military sectors, and best of all, they want to
help. Woodruff Family Fund for TBI In an effort to "give back" to the
people who saved Bob's life, the family has established the Bob
Woodruff Family Fund for TBI. The Fund will raise money through
events and other activities. Donations will be used to make grants to
nonprofit organizations serving members of the military who have
sustained a TBI. In some circumstances, funds may be used to provide
direct financial assistance to military personnel and their families
and/or grants for medical research, public education, awareness and
prevention of TBI. Brain Injury Awareness Month Reports Bob Woodruff
will file a series of reports for World News, Good Morning America
and Nightline throughout the month of March. The reports will cover
various aspects of brain injury and will include some of the
individuals featured in BIAA's Brain Injury Awareness Month
campaign, "Living with Brain Injury: As Diverse as We Are." BIAA
gratefully acknowledges Judy Avner from BIA of New York State and
Philicia Deckard from BIA of Illinois for their assistance in
coordinating participants. We are deeply indebted to Pat Radice from
Constand Communications Group for her work with the ABC News
producers. Bob & Lee Woodruff as Honorary Spokespersons Where
appropriate, allowable and as time permits, Bob Woodruff and members
of his family will serve as honorary spokespersons for BIAA by
testifying before Congress and recording public service
announcements. Please contact BIAA President/CEO Susan Connors for
more information. The Brain Injury Association of America is grateful
to the researchers and clinicians at the Mount Sinai School of
Medicine in New York for introducing the Woodruffs to BIAA. We hope
the family's willingness to partner with BIAA and discuss Bob's
injuries will encourage other public figures to do so as well. Susan
H. Connors, President/CEO Brain Injury Association of America 8201
Greensboro Drive, Suite 611 McLean, VA 22102 703.761.0750 ext 627
(Main) 703.761.0755 (Fax) 703.584.8627 (Direct) shconnors@...