In Albany at Advocacy Day–David Mosenson, Jenna Mosenson, Erica Rossin (BIANYS Development Director) Gayle Mosenson and Eileen Reardon (BIANYS Executive Director)

March 6th, 2017, I had the opportunity to participate in the Brain Injury of New York State (BIANYS) Advocacy Day in Albany. It was a day where survivors of brain injuries, loved ones, professionals and friends came to Albany to spread awareness and ask for support from legislators. I joined advocates from all over the state to educate legislators about how services support successful outcomes for New Yorkers with brain injury. I had the opportunity to speak to a few New York State legislators and tell them my personal story and explained to them how important it is to take concussions seriously. I got to meet many people, both young and old, who are suffering from concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI). We were trying to help stop the TBI Waiver Program from being transitioned by the NYS Department of Health for individuals on the Waivers into Medicaid Managed Care programs. We discussed how much this change would negatively affect people’s everyday life that are currently on the waiver. It was enlightening to hear everyone’s personal story about how they have suffered, and made me even more thankful that I started this organization.