(419) 214-0555
Pathways to Recovery: A Brain Health Learning Series

Pathways to Recovery: A Brain Health Learning Series

Sep 2, 2026 | Events, Featured, News

Presenting Sponsor

The Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Center (TBIRC) invites survivors, family members, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community members to join us this October for Pathways to Recovery: A Brain Health Learning Series. This free educational series brings together healthcare experts, community advocates, and individuals with lived experience to share information, resources, and inspiring stories that support brain health and recovery.

Whether you are navigating your own recovery journey, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in learning more about brain health, these sessions offer valuable insights in a welcoming and supportive environment.

When: Saturdays in October, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Center, 7430 W. Central Ave., Suite C, Toledo, OH 43617

All sessions are free and open to the public. The Center will remain open until 2:00 p.m. following each presentation, and staff will be available to answer questions and provide information about TBIRC programs and services.  We are grateful to our presenting sponsor, Mercy Health, for their financial support of this series.

 October 3, 2026

Add to Calendar (Clicking will open a new window)

Brain injury and epilepsy are closely connected, yet many people are unaware of the symptoms, treatment options, and ways to respond when a seizure occurs. Join us for a morning of learning and practical information from experts in neurology and epilepsy care.

Post-Traumatic Epilepsy & How to Manage It

Lincoln Darla, MD
Neurologist, Mercy Health

Dr. Darla will discuss post-traumatic epilepsy, including why seizures may develop after a brain injury and current approaches to treatment and management.

Understanding Seizures & How to Help

Janet Cullen, R. EEG T., RPSGT, B.S.
Outreach Specialist, The Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio

Janet Cullen will explain how to recognize different types of seizures and provide practical guidance on how to safely assist someone experiencing a seizure.

October 10, 2026

Add to Calendar (Clicking will open a new window)

Protecting brain health begins with understanding the risks and warning signs of stroke. This session will explore prevention strategies and provide information that could help save lives.

Stroke Awareness, Risk Factors & Prevention

Julie Goins, RN, MBA, EMT-P
Neuroscience Program Manager, Mercy Health

Julie Goins will discuss stroke awareness, common risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of recognizing symptoms early.

Can What We Eat Affect Our Recovery?

Jackie Moore
Brain Injury Survivor and Executive Director, TBIRC

Jackie Moore will explore the connection between nutrition and recovery following brain injury, sharing both personal insights and practical strategies that may help support healing, wellness, and quality of life.

October 17, 2026

Add to Calendar  (Clicking will open a new window)

Recovery often requires determination, perseverance, and hope. Join us for an inspiring presentation from a brain injury survivor who refused to let tragedy define his future.

Triumph Over Tragedy: A Survivor’s Return to Racing

John Mills

John Mills will share his personal story of recovery and his remarkable journey back to the racing sport he loves. His experience offers a powerful message about resilience, persistence, and the possibilities that can emerge through recovery.

October 24, 2026

Add to Calendar (Clicking will open a new window)

Our final session explores two important topics: the impact of brain injury on military service members and veterans, and the role nutrition may play in supporting recovery and overall brain health.

Brain Injury in the Military

Joshua Mayle, APRN-CNP, Veteran
Primary Care, Family Medicine, Mercy Health

Drawing upon both his medical expertise and military experience, Joshua Mayle will discuss traumatic brain injury within the military community, including challenges faced by veterans and pathways to recovery and support.

Can What We Eat Affect Our Recovery?

Jackie Moore
Brain Injury Survivor and Executive Director, TBIRC

Jackie Moore will explore the connection between nutrition and recovery following brain injury, sharing both personal insights and practical strategies that may help support healing, wellness, and quality of life.

Join Us This October

At TBIRC, we believe recovery is strengthened through education, connection, and community. We hope you’ll join us for Pathways to Recovery: A Brain Health Learning Series to learn, connect, and be inspired by the experts and survivors who are helping make a difference in the lives of individuals affected by brain injury.

For more information, contact TBIRC at 419-214-0555 or email info@tbirc.org.

All are welcome!

A Survivor’s Return to Racing

A Survivor’s Return to Racing

Jul 12, 2026 | Events, Featured

Triumph Over Tragedy: A Story of Resilience, Recovery, and Determination

Saturday, October 17, 2026
10 AM to 2 PM @ TBIRC

In 2008, John Mills’ life changed in an instant when he suffered a traumatic brain injury in a racing crash at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course that left him hospitalized for more than a month. What followed was a long and challenging journey of recovery, perseverance, and rebuilding.

Rather than allowing adversity to define him, John worked tirelessly to regain his confidence and return to the sport he loves. Over the years, he not only made his way back to racing but also turned his experience into an opportunity to make the sport safer for others by developing improved roll cage designs for race cars.

Join us as John shares his inspiring story of overcoming obstacles, adapting to life after a traumatic brain injury, and finding the strength to pursue his passion once again. His powerful message of resilience, determination, and hope will leave audiences encouraged to face their own challenges with confidence and courage.

John will also display his TBIRC-branded custom Mazda Miata that he has affectionately dubbed “Sherman” in our parking lot.   Note: To see large images of Sherman, click on any of the photos below.

The event is free and open to the public.

“Just because you can’t do something today doesn’t mean you won’t be able to do it tomorrow.”

John Mills

Learn More

You can learn more about John’s work advocating for improved safety at race tracks as part of Racing Safety United (RSU), at this link.

John sat down with Mark Greene of the Cars Yeah podcast to tell his story.  You can listen by clicking this link.

Mahlon Whitaker is a brain injury caregiver and host of the community-television program Brain Mechanics in Wayne County, Indiana.  In one of the show’s episodes, he interviewed John regarding his road to recovery.  You can watch the episode at this link.

 John was recognized in February 2017  by Mazda Motorsports with the Spirit of Mazda.  You can read the tribute to John at this link. 

 

 

 

March: Brain Injury Awareness Month Food Drive

March: Brain Injury Awareness Month Food Drive

Feb 10, 2025 | Events

March is designated as Brain Injury Awareness Month. This year, TBIRC will organize a food drive to support brain injury survivors. Contributions will be utilized to replenish our disease-specific food pantry. Maintaining proper nutrition and hydration is essential for recovery from a brain injury, with daily protein intake being particularly crucial.

The center will be open from Monday to Thursday, 10 AM to 3 PM, and on Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM throughout the month to receive donations.

Suggested items for donation include:

  • Protein shakes/water
  • Protein bars
  • High-protein pasta
  • High-protein oatmeal
  • Canned chicken/tuna

We also have an Amazon wish list.  If you would like to make a donation from the list and have it shipped directly to the center, click on the button below.

 

Wish List