Our Blog
Navigating Challenges and Triumphs: My Journey as Executive Director of the Victoria Brain Injury Society
By: Pam Prewett Taking on the role of Executive Director at the Victoria Brain Injury Society (VBIS) has been a transformative experience, both professionally and personally. The journey has been filled with challenges, learning opportunities, and profound moments of...
The Future Is Bright in Traumatic Brain Injury Research
By Kianna Csolle Research in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is expanding in Canada. This year, three innovative research projects have been funded through grants from the Canada Brain Research Fund, Health Canada, Brain Changes Initiative and Brain Canada. One of these...
Survivor Stories: Show Curiosity over Judgement
With Remembrance Day so recently passed, it’s crucial to acknowledge the hidden struggles of veterans, which can persist long after their service. This story briefly highlights the journey of a veteran whose military experience led to a challenging battle with traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Brain Injury Basics: Homelessness, Poverty, and TBI
This sixth segment focuses on the intersection with TBI and Intimate Partner Violence, and possible practices to support IPV survivors.
Survivor Stories: An Unseen Battle
With Remembrance Day so recently passed, it’s crucial to acknowledge the hidden struggles of veterans, which can persist long after their service. This story briefly highlights the journey of a veteran whose military experience led to a challenging battle with traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Survivor Stories: From Brain Tumor Survivor to a Source of Inspiration
In the quiet, reflective moments of life, we often find ourselves pondering the twists and turns that have shaped our journey. Catlin's story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the unwavering human spirit. Looking back, Catlin had a life brimming with...
Brain Injury Basics: TBI & Intimate Partner Violence
This sixth segment focuses on the intersection with TBI and Intimate Partner Violence, and possible practices to support IPV survivors.
Survivor Stories: Resilience and Renewal
At many of the VBIS’ community awareness booths at various farmers markets, individuals often open about their personal experiences with brain injuries. During one of these heartfelt exchanges, Debbie, an active VBIS volunteer found herself deeply moved by a...
Brain Injury Basics: TBI & Indigenous Peoples
This fifth segment focuses on the intersection with TBI and Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and addresses factors that influence this complex issue.
Brain Injury Basics: Overdose
This is the fourth segment of the Brain Injury Basics, on the topic of Overdose and Drug Use. International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31.
Survivor Stories: A Brain’s Battle for Healing and Sobriety
Meet Chris, a remarkable client who has been an integral part of VBIS for over 12 years. His incredible journey with brain injury began like many others, with a lack of understanding about how it would impact his life. In fact, before discovering VBIS services, Chris...
Survivor Stories: Striving for Answers
There are so many people who experience abuse at the hands of those closest to them. And 92% of the time, that abuse involves strangulation or a blow to the head. Sara* is one of the 92%. Donations are helping VBIS shed light on this very issue so others with brain...
Survivor Stories: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Bruises, broken bones or black eyes are easy to see, and the pain that radiates from them is understandable. But when it comes to brain injuries, they often go unnoticed. That’s why they are known as an invisible injury. This is often the case for victims of domestic...
Survivor Stories: You gave Krista the Gift of Compassion
Managing day-to-day tasks has allowed Krista to regain independence. On a mid-November day, things unfolded like every other day for Krista. After a long day of university classes, she packed up her stuff, hopped on her bike, and started her 45-minute ride home so she...
Brain Injury Basics: TBI Infections
This is the third segment of our new blog series, “Brain Injury Basics”, written & researched by UVic neuroscientist, Kamal Narayana.
Survivor Stories: Eric’s Journey of Hope
Thanks to VBIS, the biggest thing for me was learning that I’m not the only one. Eric, VBIS client Donations make it possible for VBIS to help over 600 people every year. Thanks to your generosity, Eric has been able to change his life. Here’s Eric’s story: Eric...
Brain Injury Basics: Overstimulation
This is the second segment of our new blog series, “Brain Injury Basics”, written & researched by UVic neuroscientist, Kamal Narayana.
There’s no place like home for the holidays
Victoria Brain Injury Society launches fundraiser to support new housing program for brain injury survivors.
Brain Injury Basics: Stroke 101
This is the first segment of our new blog series, “Brain Injury Basics”, written & researched by UVic neuroscientist, Kamal Narayana.
Can a Video Game Improve Your Brain?
Victoria Brain Injury Society launches new cognitive training program for brain injury survivors.
Faces of Brain Injury: Full Length Film
Faces of Brain Injury is a film showcasing the unique stories of five VBIS clients, each an inspiring retelling of a life impacted by brain injury.
Dozens of BC Leaders “Get Tossed” for VBIS Annual Fundraiser
Business executives, university professors, and local politicians all joined together on September 23rd to support the 2nd annual Toss The Boss
Nanaimo City Councillor Prepares for Toss The Boss
Councillor Ben Geselbracht gets ready to be tossed off bridge for VBIS’ annual fundraising event.
Helping Survivors Return to the Workforce
VBIS partners with John Howard Society of Victoria, creating job opportunities for potentially hundreds of brain injury survivors.
Face to Face with Acquired Brain Injury
Brain injury awareness month in June has come and gone, but the challenges faced by survivors will persist year-round.
Toss The Boss Promotional Video
Toss The Boss is a fundraising event that challenges teams to raise funds in support of the Victoria Brain Injury Society & the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society.