Our BEST Stories: Meet Natasha Pietila of the Brain Injury Caregivers Alliance of Seattle

For caregivers, connections are critical. While connections to resources, information and various forms of support are important, connecting with other caregivers who share a similar experience is life-changing. That’s what Natasha Pietila was looking for. Twenty-five years ago, when Pietila was baby, her father acquired a brain injury due to a cerebral aneurysm hemorrhage. Her (more…)

Our BEST Stories: Tawnya Padilla, The Journey Forward (Part 3)

For the last two days, we’ve shared the story of Tawnya Padilla’s personal journey. We started at the beginning of the journey and watched a new life emerge in part one. We were inspired by her strength and commitment in part two. Today, we conclude with this three part series with the path going forward and (more…)

Our BEST Stories: Tawnya Padilla, The Journey Forward (Part 2)

Yesterday, we introduced you to BEST Team Member, Tawnya Padilla. In part two of a three part blog series, today, Padilla discusses brain injury awareness, advocacy, support and activism. Read on. An Advocate  This month, two years ago, Padilla, along with other BESTies, participated in the Independent Living Rally in Olympia, Washington. Here’s what that (more…)

Our BEST Stories: Tawnya Padilla, The Journey Forward (A Three Part Blog Series)

The Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) loves personal stories.

In fact, so much so, that we have developed an ongoing blog series called “Our BEST Stories;” these stories highlight the people of BEST and their personal journeys going forward from brain injury.

Because it’s Brain Injury Awareness Month, we have an extra special story. BEST team member, Tawnya Padilla, sat down with us and talked about her journey. Padilla gave an open, honest and raw portrayal that touches the heart, soul and mind.

We decided to break up this story into three parts that will post over three consecutive days, beginning today.

Here is part one of series.

Emergence and the Journey Forward

Padilla at work and play! Courtesy photos
Padilla at work and play! Courtesy photos

Tawnya Padilla is making a difference in many profound and beautiful ways.

Padilla is the Board President for the Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) and a leader and advocate in the brain injury community. She is a loving and caring friend and supporter of fellow BEST team members and their families. She is a devoted and loving wife and mother. Padilla owns and operates two local businesses and adores and cares for her business clients like family.  She is a good friend to many, including being an understanding friend to herself, too.

And while she has always had a lifelong passion about making a difference in the lives of others, whether it is through her many life roles or with her warm and kind personality, that passion has become even deeper.

For the last seven years, Padilla has moved forward from a brain injury she received in an accident in 2008. It hasn’t always been easy; she’s had to really challenge herself and some days are tougher than others.

Yet, she’s determined to live her BEST life possible, with her “BESTies,” friends and family by her side, and she by theirs.

Quote of the Week and This Week at Our BEST Space

              One of the things we love BEST, is sharing our stories. Being that it is Brain Injury Awareness Month, sharing our stories takes on a whole new meaning; stories create awareness, not just this special month, but every month. So, instead of just ONE quote of the week about (more…)

A Mini-Interview with Local Author and Brain Injury Survivor, Mia Dalene Marcum-McCoy

The Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) is honored to welcome local author and brain injury survivor,  Mia Dalene Marcum-McCoy, to the BEST Learning Center on Friday, March 6,2015 at 6:30 p.m. for a celebration and book signing event of Marcum-McCoy’s new book, “Phenomenal Brain Power: From Brain Injury to Brain Awakening.” We took a few (more…)