New Nonprofit Supporting Traumatic Brain Injury Boasts Rare Collection in Auction Fundraiser
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NORWICH, Vt. & HANOVER, N.H. - illiNews -- Unmask the Invisible's first fundraiser supporting resiliency and inspiration through art, education, and advocacy has signed baseballs from each legend. The virtual silent auction runs November 20 - December 4, 2023. Visit unmasktheinvisible.org/auction

In July 2020, Sierra Longmoore suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and wasn't expected to survive. Not only did Sierra survive, she exceeded expectations. Sierra's miraculous recovery inspired a donor to contribute the rare baseball memorabilia, including the three signed baseballs, to be used to raise funds for the nonprofit.

"We are grateful for the outpouring of love from the community and God's intervention. We want to give back." Sierra's mom, Amy, speaks about the nonprofit's inspiration.

In February 2023, Unmask the Invisible was designated a 501(c)3. As Amy began connecting with other caregivers, patterns emerged that revealed unmet needs for survivors, caregivers, and siblings. The nonprofit aims to fill gaps in TBI support, launching programs focused on art, community connection, spiritual resources, and reintegration.

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Instrumental in Sierra's rehabilitation was the transformative power of art. Scientific research is demonstrating the profound benefits of art to the brain. It's valuable for both TBI survivors and the families that support them. Unmask the Invisible's Sierra Project houses several art-based programs as connectivity and engagement tools.

The most resilient caregivers have both a community rallied around them and have built relationships with other caregivers who understand the journey. Siblings of the traumatically brain-injured, especially young teens, suffer alone with no programs to connect them to other siblings in the TBI community. Unmask the Invisible manages two private Facebook support groups for caregivers and siblings to strengthen and build a voice to advocate and educate others.

Studies show the real benefits of a spiritual approach when facing life's challenges. Many caregivers and survivors navigate the challenging journey more gracefully with reliance on spirituality. Unmask the Invisible crafted and maintains a website dedicated to short "sips" of inspirational quotes paired with art and offers a resource page that houses links to a broad spectrum of spiritual resources.

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Disabilities and physical scars may fade, but internal challenges persist long after injury, making managing school, work, and relationships complex. Unmask the Invisible is collaborating with providers, schools, employers, caregivers, and survivors to create in-person and online education about reintegration to unmask this invisible side of TBI.

For more information on the Virtual Silent Auction and Unmask the Invisible, as well as events and volunteer opportunities, please visit unmasktheinvisible.org or connect via Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.