Brain Injury Recovery Foundation

Transitions are something we experience every day, moving from one task, place, or moment to the next. While they may seem simple, transitions require the brain to shift attention, process new information, and adjust focus.

After a brain injury, these shifts can take more time and energy. What may feel like a small change to one person can feel overwhelming to another. Increasing awareness around transitions helps create more understanding, patience, and support in everyday situations.

The brain is responsible for how we process stress, influencing attention, memory, sleep, and emotional regulation. When stress becomes chronic, it can affect how the brain communicates and manages everyday tasks.

April is National Stress Awareness Month, a reminder to better understand how stress impacts overall brain health. For individuals living with brain injury, stress can sometimes make cognitive fatigue, focus challenges, or sensory sensitivities feel more noticeable.

Conversations about stress and brain health help build greater understanding and support for those navigating recovery and daily life after brain injury. 💚

We’re proud to be the official beneficiary of the BE FAST 5K and would love for you to join us! 🏃‍♀️💛

Registration is now open, and this event is all about bringing the community together while helping raise awareness.

Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/OK/Tahlequah/BEFAST5K

When: Saturday, May 16th
Where: Tahlequah, OK
What: Includes an in-person 5K, a fun run/walk, and even a virtual 5K option for those who can’t attend in person.

As a beneficiary, BIRF is proud to support an event that focuses on stroke education, awareness, and community. Whether you run, walk, or simply come out to support, every registration helps bring more attention to brain health and recovery.

We’d love to have survivors, caregivers, families, and supporters join us, sign up, invite a friend, and help us spread the word! 💙

We’re excited to be part of Camp Bandage in Broken Arrow this year! 💜

This hands-on, interactive camp gives students the chance to explore careers in healthcare through real-world experiences and activities. It’s a fun and educational way to learn more about the medical field while building confidence and curiosity.

The Brain Injury Recovery Foundation will have a booth on-site sharing information about our Helmet Safety Program, helping raise awareness about brain injury prevention and the importance of protecting your brain. 🧠⛑️

If you’ll be attending, be sure to stop by and say hi, we’d love to connect with you!

📅 Date: May 2nd
⏰ Time: 12 PM–4:00 PM
📍 Location: 1500 S Main St, Broken Arrow, OK

Join us this month for our Tulsa Brain Injury Support Group, a relaxed evening focused on connection, community, and a little fun 💜

We’ll have games, snacks, and plenty of time to get to know others who understand life with a brain injury. Whether you’re a survivor or caregiver, this is a space to unwind, share experiences, and build new friendships in a supportive environment.

📅 Date: March 16
⏰ Time: 5:30–6:30 PM
📍 Location: Brain Injury Recovery Foundation (DEFY Tulsa)
5950 E 31st St., Suite 200

At the Brain Injury Recovery Foundation, our programs are designed to support survivors and families at every stage of recovery. From our Care Program and support groups to the Helmet Safety Program and DEFY Neuro Rehabilitation, each program focuses on connection, education, and meaningful support.

Every recovery journey looks different, which is why our programs are built to meet individuals where they are and help them move forward with the support of a caring community. 🩷

Understanding brain injury starts with hearing the stories, experiences, and challenges that survivors and caregivers share every day. Listening creates space for empathy, respect, and meaningful support.

When we take the time to truly listen, we build stronger communities and help ensure that those living with brain injury feel seen, heard, and supported.

Are you a brain or spinal cord injury survivor? Share your story in the comments below!


Save the Date!
Join us for the Cherokee Nation Health Services B.E.F.A.S.T. 5K on May 16!
A portion of the proceeds will support the Brain Injury Recovery Foundation and our mission to serve stroke survivors and all individuals impacted by brain injury.
Come run, walk, and help raise awareness for stroke prevention—while making a meaningful impact in our community.

Join us for the B.E.F.A.S.T. 5K — Stroke Awareness Run on Saturday, May 16, at the Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center in Tahlequah.

In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month, Cherokee Nation Public Health, Cherokee Nation Health Services, and Regional Brain Institute are bringing our community together for this meaningful event. The B.E.F.A.S.T. 5K is open to runners, walkers, and supporters of all ages and abilities.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Every minute without treatment means lost brain cells, which is why recognizing the signs and acting quickly can make the difference between recovery and permanent disability.

Stroke survivors — Your presence is powerful!
Whether you walk, cheer from the sidelines, or simply attend, you are the reason this event exists. Red event t-shirts can be purchased by following the link below. If you are a stroke survivor, we would be honored to see you there in our special red shirts.

Event Details:
• 1-Mile Fun Run: 8:00 AM
• 5K Run/Walk: 8:30 AM
• Free on-site health screenings (blood pressure, glucose, and more)
• Diabetes and nutrition education
• Stroke awareness resources
• Cholesterol and hyperlipidemia information
• Smoking cessation support

You don’t have to participate in the race to be involved — all screenings and educational resources are free and open to the public, with no registration required.

Register for the race here: https://runsignup.com/Race/OK/Tahlequah/BEFAST5K

Event Shirts:
WINGS Program members: Shirts will be distributed after the race.
Non-WINGS participants (registered for the race): Shirts can be picked up the morning of the race at packet pickup.
Supporters not participating in the race: Must place a shirt order by 9 a.m. on May 4 to receive it by race day

Order here: https://befast5k26.itemorder.com/shop/product/57984636/
Shirt colors:
• Red — Stroke Survivors
• Baby Blue — Participants and Supporters

Together, we can build a healthier, stroke-aware community — one step at a time.

Brain recovery isn’t only physical, it can also include activities that support memory, focus, and cognitive function. Simple things like reading, puzzles, music, and mindfulness can help keep the brain engaged during recovery.

Everyone’s recovery journey is different, so brain-boosting activities may look different for each person.

What’s your favorite activity that helps you stay focused or relaxed? 💙

Each year, traumatic brain injuries result in millions of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the U.S.

Through our helmet safety program, we assist individuals in understanding the importance of a properly fitting helmet, which will reduce these numbers!

Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a story. Awareness turns numbers into understanding.