Jun
19
Written by:
Lisa Moss
6/19/2009 12:12 PM
2008 Spirit of Southwest Award
Tanya Ison
Southern California Division
Brainstorming co-founder Tanya Ison has been recognized by Southwest Gas as their Spirit of Southwest Humanitarian Award Winner.
Tanya and Las Vegas
Southwest President Jim Kane
She was recognized at an award dinner in Las Vegas. Besides a personal award, $1000 will be donated to Brainstorming4us in her name!
Her nomination:
Every 23 seconds a brain injury occurs in the United States. In August 2005 Tanya’s purpose in life took a dramatic change. Her brother, Arthur, was involved in a tragic motorcycle accident when a truck towing a horse trailer pulled in front of him causing a head-on collision. He spent the next eight months at multiple care facilities in various stages of coma before being discharged for this family to provide continual care at home. Since then he has spent additional time in and out of other facilities and hospitals.
Through each step of the process in Arthur’s care, Tanya and her family searched for someone to whom they could reach out that understood what they were going through and help them through the many changes taking place in their lives. She recognized that there was a desperate need to serve families in the High Desert who were facing the impact caused by Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI.) In 2006, with the help of her sister-in-law, Tanya established the non-profit support group Brainstorming 4 Us. The results have been nothing short of amazing.
Their mission includes a multitude of things. Topping the list is to provide support for survivors and families of TBI in the High Desert and surrounding communities. Tanya has developed a network for support and their website, www.brainstorming4us.com, has a wealth of information that includes TBI statistics, links to state, national, and international organizations, frequently asked questions, member stories, and more. They work to increase public awareness and advocate for public policy, which addresses the problems of people with brain injury, their families, and caregivers. They also assist in establishing rehabilitation programs within the High Desert and support legislation related to TBI.
The Brain Injury Resource Bag is an example of support developed for individuals and families dealing with a love don hospitalized due to brain injury. They are free of charge and are provided to hospitals and trauma centers for distribution to those facing this crisis. Successful recovery is dependent on caregivers learning as much as possible about the injury and long-term effects and the bags are full of needed items. The contents are varied, including literature that explains what lies ahead, contact information for help and support, toiletries for an extended stay at the hospital and even Kleenex to get them through the “emotional roller coaster” they have just gotten on.
Tanya has also coordinated numerous fundraisers to help cover costs and provide financial support to larger organizations such as the California Brain Injury Association. The 3rd Annual “Walk 4 Thought” is scheduled in March to coincide with Brain Injury Awareness Month. The first walk, held in 2007, had almost 100 participants and over $10, 000 received in donations and community support. In 2008 approximately 275 walkers raised $25,000. This year they anticipate 400 walkers and will include a blood drive.
While Tanya’s initial involvement in this tragic experience began as a personal journey, her loving heart and care for others led her to touch the lives of those she does not know. There is only so much medical science can do for victims of TBI. The strength for families to not just survive but to thrive in the time of crisis comes from people such as Tanya who gives the most previous gift…..herself. She is an inspiration to many and I appreciate your consideration of recognizing her with the Spirit of Southwest Award.
Nomination by Sharon Rodriguez, Director - Customer Relations