Friday, May 08, 2026

Brain Injury Association of SC: May is Stroke Awareness Month!

Focus Forward: A newsletter from the brain injuiry association of South Carolina
May is National Stroke 
Awareness Month
A stroke is, at its core, a sudden brain injury. It occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This makes stroke one of the leading causes of acquired brain injury in adults.
Graphic of the Be Fast acronym. B: Balance loss, E: eye (vision) changes, F: face drooping, A: arm weakness, S: speech difficulty, T: time to call 911
When you spot a stroke warning sign, be fast. Recognizing the stroke warning signs and calling 911 immediately may make the difference between a strong recovery or long-term disability; survival or death.
Learn More

Trauma Survivors Day Celebration

On Trauma Survivors Day, we recognize the strength, courage, and resiliency of trauma survivors during their healing journey. Join us for a dessert reception to celebrate and reunite with trauma survivors, their families and Prisma Health trauma team members.

Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands
May 20 • 6–8 p.m.

RSVP by May 15.

Celebrating trauma survivors: Hope grows here!

A Full-Circle Moment in Brain 
 

Injury Research

Dede Norungolo headshot

What does it mean to turn lived experience into lasting impact? In this powerful story, BIASC board member Dede Norungolo shares her experience of joining the Late Effects in Traumatic Brain Injury (LETBI) study at Mount Sinai. She reflects on healing, purpose, and the opportunity to contribute to research that could shape the future of brain injury care, including the deeply meaningful decision to consider brain donation.

Read the full story and learn how to get involved.


Bassmaster Run to the Weigh in 5K
What started as one stroke became a movement to raise awareness and help survivors find their comeback. 

Dreher Island State Park
Prosperity, SC
May 9 • 10 a.m.


Learn more and register now!
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Age Ready: Protecting Your Money Online and In-Person

Richland Library Logo

Attend online or in-person. 

Learn how to manage your money safely in today’s world—whether you use the bank, phone, or computer. We’ll cover how to spot scams, keep accounts secure, and use new banking tools with confidence. You’ll gain tips to stay in control of your finances and avoid fraud.

Saturday, May 16
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Learn More!


A Farewell from Jordyn, BIASC Intern
From support groups to Advocacy Day at the Statehouse, our intern shares a heartfelt reflection on a year of connection, growth, and impact with BIASC.

Read the full story.
Hamilton College, Pendleton Wind, College of Social Work

May 12, National Nurse Day
For those recovering from a brain injury, nurses are often true lifelines. This National Nurses Day, take a moment to reflect on the nurses who have supported you. Whether through a simple thank-you note, a shared story of their impact, or a kind word, your gratitude means the world to them.

An "I voted" sticker
Make Your Voice Heard!
Advocate for your community by making sure you’re registered to vote in this year’s South Carolina elections. Registration is quick and can be completed online, by mail, or in person. With primaries beginning in June, now is the time to act. 

Learn more about your local elections and register now!

BIASC Quick Links

BI Survivor Resources
Support Groups – Virtual and In-Person

SC State Museum Accessibility Mornings
2026 Online BI Survivor Series

Keep up with all the happenings on our calendar of events. 


Thanks to our community sponsors!
Community Sponsors enable BIASC to provide vital services and programs to individuals navigating life after brain injury.
Find out how your organization can get involved.
List of sponsors
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