Hundreds of supporters are expected at the New York Institute of Technology campus in Old Westbury on Saturday, Sept. 15, to raise money and awareness about brain injuries.
The March On for Brain Injury 5K Run and one-mile Family Fun Walk this year will honor two individuals who have experienced brain injuries and are working to inspire others.
Koby Bernstein was a three-sport high school athlete when he suffered several concussions, and has become a prominent student voice on how schools across the state respond to concussions. Bernstein founded Simply Concussions to focus on raising concussion awareness.
In 2012, Colan Trowbridge’s life changed following a stroke which at first robbed him of his independence. Following therapy and hard work, Trowbridge has regained much of that independence, and has become a strong self-advocate, appearing at the Brain Injury Association of New York State’s Advocacy Day in Albany in support of traumatic brain injury awareness month.
“Our March On for Brain Injury is a way for individuals, families and friends to come together to raise awareness about brain injuries, and to raise money to support our programs and services and other important efforts in this field,” said Eileen Reardon, the executive director of the Brain Injury Association of New York State who will be participating in this year’s event. “Koby and Colan are a great inspiration about how much can be accomplished with the right resources and support.”
Registration begins at 8 a.m. for both the 9 a.m. 5K run and 10 a.m. one-mile Family Fun Walk. All events begin at NYIT’s Old Westbury campus, on Northern Boulevard.
There will be free T-shirts for the first 200 registrants, and activities for the entire family, including music, giveaways, prizes, local vendors and more. Registration is $35 for adults, $20 for youth ages 4 to 12 and free for children ages 3 and younger.
The Brain Injury Association is grateful to its sponsors for this great event, including our presenting sponsors Goldblatt & Associates, PC and iHeartMedia; as well as support from Northwell Health, J&G Associates, Inc., Rochester Regional Hospital, Northeast Center for Rehabilitation & Brain Injury, National Healthcare Associates and Skate Safe America. Further support is provided by the NY Council of Nonprofits, Bridges for Brain Injury, Advocate Homecare, NextStep Healthcare, the NYS Athletic Trainers’ Association and Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar.
—Submitted by the Brain Injury Association of New York State
