I Know You Won't Forget

I KNOW YOU WON'T FORGET is a story about a young boy whose mother suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI). After being embarrassed by and ridiculed for his mom's inability to act according to their community's idea of "normal" behavior, the boy helps his mom with coping strategies, showing how a TBI affects everyone in a family and how issues can be resolved. The book was written by a group of TBI survivors participating in a structured day program through Living Resources in Albany, NY. Conceived as part of a group therapy project, the book has given the clients a sense of pride and accomplishment which many mundane activities do not provide. The book's illustrator is also a TBI survivor, professional artist Carol Jordan. Suitable for readers ages 8 and up.

Author bio: This book was written by survivors of traumatic brain injury participating in the New York State Department of Health/Medicaid Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver program. They receive support in their homes and communities throughout New York's Capital Region as they pursue their individual goals. In 2003, they established their first weekly group, "Brainstormers," through Crotched Mountain Community Partnership. In 2007, the authors chose to participate in a self-directed group program through Living Resources. Together they provide and receive peer support, plan and participate in social activities, and create projects designed to help others and raise awareness of TBI. Today, they have established ten different groups, and several more groups are being developed. More than 30 survivors have contributed to the creation of this book under the pseudonym, "Truly Blessed Ink."

Illustrator bio: Carol Jordan is a wife, mother and grandmother who owns and operates a small arts and crafts studio in Amsterdam, New York. She holds classes almost daily for individuals with disabilities, many of whom are supported by programs through Liberty Enterprises, an ARC agency. In 2003, Carol suffered a traumatic brain injury following brain surgery to remove an acoustic neuroma. She now suffers from total hearing loss in her left ear, mild facial paralysis, and difficulties with balance. As someone who has enjoyed drawing and painting her entire life, Carol believes that art is an effective way to bring out the feelings hidden deep inside us all. She hopes that through her illustrations of the story of Joey and his mom, the family members and friends of TBI survivors will better understand the ways they can help their loved ones.