Brain Injury Association of New York State

06/16/2026

Save the date! The Brain Injury Association of New York State's March On for Brain Injury Walks are returning this September.

Now is the perfect time to start building your team, recruiting friends and family, and getting ready to make a difference for New Yorkers affected by brain injury.

Join us on September 26, 2026, as we come together to raise awareness, support survivors and families, and celebrate the strength of our community. Join us:
Hudson Valley: Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland Side
Long Island: Eisenhower Park, Scarlett Oak
Rochester: Seneca Park, Longhouse Shelter

Learn more and start planning your team today!

https://bianys.org/2026-march-on-for-brain-injury/

06/15/2026

More than 300 professionals, advocates, survivors, family members, and supporters came together last week for the Brain Injury Association of New York State's 2026 Annual Conference, Strength in the Journey.

Events like this simply would not be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors. Your commitment to education, advocacy, and improving the lives of individuals affected by brain injury helps make meaningful connections, valuable learning opportunities, and lasting impact possible.

Thank you for investing in our mission and helping us bring the brain injury community together. We are grateful for your partnership and support.

06/15/2026

While many of us spent the weekend recovering from two incredible days at the Brain Injury Association of New York State's 2026 Annual Conference, BIANYS Senior Director of Programs, Karen Thomas, CBIST, was already back on the road sharing her expertise with rehabilitation professionals.

Karen presented "Connecting to the Community" as part of APTA New York's conference, Managing the Neurological Patient Throughout the Lifespan, at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. T

We are grateful to NewYork-Presbyterian for the opportunity to be part of this important educational event and to help connect clinicians with resources that support patients beyond the healthcare setting.

06/12/2026

The Brain Injury Association of New York State's 2026 Annual Conference brought together hundreds of survivors, family members, professionals, advocates, and community partners from across New York and beyond for learning, connection, and inspiration. Despite the summer heat, attendees embraced this year's theme, Strength in the Journey, and made the event a tremendous success.

Highlights included an inspiring keynote address from brain injury survivor, author, and advocate Carole Starr, who shared powerful lessons from more than 25 years of living with brain injury. Attendees were also moved by the unforgettable Unmasking presentation, which offered a deeply personal look at the hidden realities many individuals face after brain injury and the strength it takes to navigate life beyond what others can see.

From educational sessions and networking opportunities to meaningful conversations and shared experiences, the conference reinforced the power of community and the importance of supporting one another along the journey.

Thank you to our attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and staff for making this year's conference one to remember. We are already looking forward to next year!

06/11/2026

Day 2 of the Brain Injury Association of New York State's Annual Conference began with our Annual Meeting, bringing members together to reflect on the year behind us and look ahead to the future.

Congratulations to the 2026–2027 Slate of Officers who will help lead BIANYS and its Board of Directors:

• Bob Gundersen, President
• Dr. Brian Im, 1st Vice President
• Kristine O'Rourke, 2nd Vice President
• Joe Vollaro, Treasurer
• Kaiti Pierce, Secretary

Thank you to these dedicated leaders for their commitment to advancing the mission of BIANYS and supporting New Yorkers impacted by brain injury. We look forward to another year of progress, advocacy, education, and community.

06/10/2026

After months of planning, packing, printing nametags, loading vehicles, and preparing every detail, the Brain Injury Association of New York State team is excited to welcome attendees to our sold-out 2026 Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs.

We are grateful to the survivors, family members, professionals, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and volunteers who make this event possible. Together, we are building connections, sharing knowledge, and strengthening the brain injury community across New York State.

Safe travels to everyone joining us—we cannot wait to see you!

06/09/2026

Planning to participate in New York's upcoming primary elections?

Make sure you are registered to vote. The voter registration deadline is June 13. Registering now not only allows you to participate in the primary election, but also ensures you are ready for the general election in November.

Visit the New York State Board of Elections website to register, update your information, or check your registration status.

Your vote is your voice. Be prepared and make it count! https://elections.ny.gov/

06/08/2026

https://cbs6albany.com/news/local/brain-injury-association-of-nys-sells-out-annual-conference-for-first-time-saratoga-springs

The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) is bringing annual conference to Saratoga Springs this week. The theme this year is 'Strength in the Jou

06/08/2026

Just days before the Brain Injury Association of New York State's Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs, our office is buzzing with activity. Boxes are being packed, name tags are printed, schedules are finalized, and plans are underway for loading up the cars and heading up.

While preparations continue behind the scenes, our team is also helping spread the word about this incredible event. This morning, Michelle Kellen, Professional Development Manager, joined WRGB CBS 6 to discuss the conference, its educational value, and the remarkable brain injury community it brings together.

We cannot wait to welcome attendees from across New York State and beyond for two days of learning, connection, inspiration, and shared strength. Saratoga Springs, here we come!

06/05/2026

Our Professional Development Manager, Michelle Kellen, was out and about again! Were you able to catch her at the New York State Athletic Trainers' Association (NYSATA) Annual Conference in Henrietta?

Michelle was on hand sharing information about the Brain Injury Association of New York State's programs, services, and educational opportunities available to athletic trainers and other professionals.

Congratulations to NYSATA on celebrating 50 years. Their conference theme, "50 Years Strong: Advancing Athletic Training Through Science, Care, and the Whole Athlete," highlights the important role athletic trainers play in supporting the health and well-being of athletes across New York State.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to connect!