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…)
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…)
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
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.
At the Brain Energy Support Team (BEST), this quote means a lot to us. There are perceptions and stereotypes out there about individuals with brain injury. Since it’s Brain Injury Awareness Month, we are looking to change those perceptions and stereotypes, not only this month, but every month. And here’s what’s happening at Our BEST (more…)
There are many ways to share to share stories and information about brain injury and brain injury awareness. So, how about using the art form of comics to deliver the message? The University of Washington TBI InfoComic team is excited to announce that they have just released their first two InfoComics, “Emotional Changes After Traumatic Brain Injury” (more…)
We think that everyone should be a “Bettie.” What’s a Bettie you say? Well, a Bettie is a member of the terrific JBLM Bettie Brigade, an all-female, nonprofit, player run and flat-track roller derby team comprised of skaters in the local military community in Tacoma. These athletes are the real deal; they work hard, play (more…)
