Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts

09/02/2025

In September, we are excited to offer Massachusetts brain injury survivors a variety of fun recreation activities, including:

• Pontoon boat cruise around Pleasant Bay in Harwich – September 9
• Decorative tile lamp making in the Creative Corner workshops in the Westboro & Pittsfield offices – September 10
• “Paint & Sip” event at MUSE Paint Bar in Somerville – September 15
• Harvest Luncheon at Max’s Tavern in Springfield – September 25

Want to join us? Visit our website to register for one or more of these awesome events: biama.org/forcaregiversandsurvivors > recreation activities.

09/01/2025

The BIA-MA is pleased to offer virtual monthly workshops for brain injury survivors and caregivers! Workshops will be held at 11 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. These are free workshops and registration is required. For workshop details and to register, please visit: https://biama.org/forcaregiversandsurvivors/ and click on the Educational Workshops tab.

09/01/2025

08/31/2025

BIA-MA sponsors in-person and virtual support groups across the state that provide survivors and their loved ones with a forum for sharing information, a compassionate and understanding peer group, and an opportunity to socialize and make new friends. Visit us at biama.org/forcaregiversandsurvivors then click on the “support groups” tab to see what virtual or in-person meetings are coming up. Questions? Contact us at supportgroups@biama.org or call (508) 475-0032.

08/29/2025

Brain injury survivors, family caregivers, and BIA-MA staff enjoyed an afternoon performance last weekend by the Boston Symphony Orchestra at the beautiful Tanglewood in Lenox, Mass. Truly, a great turnout for such a great day! Interested in learning more about other BIA-MA recreational opportunities like this? Please visit: https://biama.org/forcaregiversandsurvivors/ and click on the Recreation Activities tab. Questions about the activities? Please email recreation@biama.org

08/28/2025

A new study from Mass General Brigham suggests a possible link between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the risk of developing a malignant brain tumor.

Looking at data from 2000–2024, researchers studied more than 75,000 people with a history of mild, moderate, or severe TBI. They found:

• People with moderate or severe TBI had a slightly higher risk of developing brain tumors within 3–5 years compared to those without TBI.
• Mild TBI (like concussions) was not linked to increased tumor risk.
• Overall, the risk remains low—but awareness and monitoring are key.

Lead author Dr. Sandro Marini explains “While the risk is small, brain tumor is a devastating disease and often detected late. Now, we’ve opened the door to monitor TBI patients more closely.”

Published in JAMA Network Open. Traumatic Brain Injury and Risk of Malignant Brain Tumors in Civilian Populations | Neurology | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network https://ow.ly/GY9h50WNz6J

08/27/2025

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08/27/2025

Have you registered for BIA-MA’s Cere-Bration Walk. Roll. Run event? There’s still time! Visit https://biama.org/cerebration/ to get yourself or your team registered!

Cere-Bration will be held on Saturday, September 27 at the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area along the Cape Cod Canal. This family-friendly fundraiser brings the community together to support those affected by brain injury, connects brain injury survivors, and provides brain injury awareness. Register by September 1 to be guaranteed your event t-shirt size!

Event notes:
• This is a 1-mile, out-and-back paved route.
• The event is rain or shine. Please plan accordingly.
• Day-of-event registration begins at 10 a.m. The walk begins at 11 a.m.
• Food and drinks will be provided!

Questions? Please e-mail externalaffairs@biama.org. For more information, please visit: https://biama.org/cerebration/

08/26/2025

BIA-MA is accepting proposals for workshop & poster presentations for the March 2026 Annual Brain Injury Conference.

The deadline to submit workshop proposals is Sunday, October 19! Workshop proposals should outline an evidence-based presentation that fills a current gap in knowledge concerning brain injury. For proposal requirements, detailed submission instructions, or to submit your proposal online, please visit: https://ow.ly/W46y50WLBH0

Poster proposals are due Sunday, March 1. Proposals should provide a visual display abstract to convey recent brain injury-related research. For proposal requirements, detailed submission instructions, or to submit your proposal online, please visit: https://ow.ly/qqQ850WLBGY

Questions? Please email: education@biama.org or visit https://biama.org/annualconference/

08/22/2025

BIA-MA is pleased to present our new Guest Lecture Series, a transformative program designed to inspire and empower survivors, families, and caregivers on their journey. Featuring expert speakers and real-life success stories, this series offers a supportive environment for attendees to gain valuable insights into the complexities of brain injury.

Join us for "Disability Awareness", presented virtually by Alison Rheaume, taking place on Wed., 8/27/25 at 10:00 a.m. Visit biama.org/forcaregiversandsurvivors to register today!