Brainwaves

Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona Blog

Encompass Health Team – 37 Runners Strong

The 2023 Run, Walk & Roll 10K/5K/1-Mile Fun Run will feature The Encompass Health Team – 37 compassionate people strong! Their ongoing involvement in this event underscores their support of the Brain Injury Alliance, and vice versa.

Brain Waves explores this bond with Mara Goodman, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS,
Brain Injury Team Leader, Encompass Health Valley of the Sun Rehabilitation Hospital

Encompass Health Team – 37 Runners Strong

The 2023 Run, Walk & Roll 10K/5K/1-Mile Fun Run will feature The Encompass Health Team – 37 compassionate people strong! Their ongoing involvement in this event underscores their support of the Brain Injury Alliance, and vice versa.

Brain Waves explores this bond with Mara Goodman, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS,
Brain Injury Team Leader, Encompass Health Valley of the Sun Rehabilitation Hospital

BRAIN WAVES: How has the relationship between Encompass and the Brain Injury Alliance evolved over the years?

MARA GOODMAN: The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ) provides an important community resource for the people we serve at our local Encompass Health Rehabilitation hospitals. Through the many things BIAAZ provides, including support groups, educational series, and fundraising events such as the Run Walk & Roll, the connections between our programs has grown to allow for a greater continuation of care across the recovery journey. This pertains to brain injury survivors, as well as friends, family, and healthcare professionals.

BW: How does Run, Walk & Roll fit with Encompass’ objectives?

MARA: One of our core values as a company is the idea of being “Stronger Together.” This concept really encompasses what the Run, Walk & Roll event is striving to achieve. We believe that our individual strengths make us stronger together, so when we can all come together to support a common goal, great things can happen!

BW: This year’s theme is Everybody Plays! How is this relevant to your participants and professionals?

MARA: As a rehabilitation hospital, we know how important getting active and staying active is following a brain injury. Our goal is to improve the mobility and independence of all our patients and help them find ways they can continue staying active once they leave our facilities. Programs like Everybody Plays! offer a way for people to connect with others and improve their physical health while having fun. What better way is there to stay active than that!

BW: How would you like to see this race expand?

MARA: We hope to see the race continue to grow in number so that the funds raised can continue to improve the lives of people who are affected by brain injuries by contributing to specific community programs and research related to recovery.

BW: How was Encompass able to get so many participants?

MARA: This year we have had a huge number of our hospital staff sign up to support brain injury survivors in the Run Walk & Roll event! This includes physical, occupational, and speech therapists, neuropsychologists, pharmacy technicians, nurses, case managers, and even the CEOs! It is clear that the healthcare staff care about our community and strive to help and be involved even after our patients leave the hospital!

Our team is dedicated to doing all that we can to help improve the lives of everyone affected by brain injury.

ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.

What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona:

  • Works with Congressional Brain Injury Task Force
  • Houses Arizona Brain Health Resource Center
  • Hosts virtual and in-person support groups for survivors and families
  • Has Statewide Opioid Use Disorder & Cognitive Impairment Response team with peer support, training, and family wraparound services
  • Facilitates Brain Health Advisory Council
  • Manages statewide Help Line: 888-500-9165

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