INDIANA STATE News *The Annual Brain Injury Conference-Includes The Annual: Silent Action; 50/50 Raffle; Exhibitors; Poster Presentation; and the Borders Book store pertaining further info of the material discussed at the conference. Keynote speakers this year will be: ---NASCAR driver, Ernie Irvan, 1994 was diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after a crash at Michigan International Speedway. In 1998 a crash at Talladega. Then another crash Michigan International Speedway. ---Sgt. Patrick Campbell, combat medic serving in the National Guard, based out of Louisiana. Awarded the Combat Medical Badge & Meritorious Service Medal. Also a prominent blogger by MSNBC while serving in Baghdad. Day 1-Conference Sessions Include: Brain Injury Substance Abuse; Coping within the family after TBI strikes a family member, Managing Executive Deficits with TBI. (Continued info in September 2007 New Beginnings Newsletter.) *Legislative Action Alert-The Brain Injury Assoc. (BIA) is supporting new legislation, “Traumatic Brain Injury Access to Options Act.” This bill provides an effective way to immediately address the rehab needs of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) individuals (survivors) of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) & Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). This bill will provide a one year medical extension for the soldiers suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) to retain active duty status, allowing them potential access to rehab services in private rehab hospitals & facilities. The bill was Introduced by Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) & in the Senate & Rep. Joe Donnelly (D-IN) in the House of Representatives. The bill has been referred to the Senate & House Armed Services Committees. BIAA has endorsed this legislation as a “temporary fix” to help service members with TBI gain access to the timeliest & best state-of-the-art TBI care whether the care is delivered through public or private sectors. *Thank you for participating in BIAI brain injured & the caregiver survey. Over 400 surveys were returned. The next step includes surveying facilities & professionals who provide services. This will be web-based in July. # ____________________________________________________________ Drinking from My Saucer Submitted by Mark & Vicki I’ve never made a fortune, It’s probably too late now. I don’t worry about that much, Because I’m happy any how. And so I go along life’s way, Reaping more than I sowed. I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘cause my cup has overflowed. I haven’t got lots of riches, And at times the goings rough. I’ve got lots of love ‘round me, That makes me rich enough. I thank God for His blessings, The mercies He has bestowed. I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘cause my cup has overflowed. In my life things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin. But the dark round me broke, An’ sun peeped through again. So Lord, help me not to gripe, About the roads I’ve hoed. I’m drinking from my saucer, ‘cause my cup has overflowed. God give me hope & courage, When my way is steep & rough I’ll not ask for more blessings, I’ve been blessed enough. May I never be too busy, To help others with their load. I have much to share, And my cup has overflowed. # ____________________________________________________________