Retreat FundRaiser Spotlight
Meet Mike and Amy!
Mike (he/him) and Amy (she/her) attended their first LoveYourBrain Retreat this Spring in Colorado, and together they have fundraised over $2,500! While LYB Retreats are free, we ask participants to help fundraise to pay-it-forward for future Retreat attendees, and we are deeply grateful to Mike and Amy for sharing their story and fundraising to support more people in attending our transformative Retreats.
We sat down with Mike and Amy, to learn more about their Retreat and fundraising experience. Here’s what they shared:
What did attending the LYB Retreat mean to you?
Mike: I felt more alive after the Retreat. To know that there's a community out there for us. I felt loved and accepted in a way I haven't been able to feel since my injury. The volunteers and staff were so kind and welcoming. Everyone's story was so amazing- they were truly beautiful people. It's been about 6 years since I felt the way I felt in Colorado at the LYB Retreat.
Amy: After Mike's injury, he no longer was able to work and coach--the things that he loved to do. He was so sad afterwards and would constantly tell me, "I just want to help people, just because I am disabled now doesn't mean I can't help people." He was so lost on figuring out how he could still fulfill his passion in helping others. LoveYourBrain was exactly what he needed. He was able to still help others, while helping himself. For me, being able to connect to other caregivers was exactly what I needed. I have felt so isolated and alone during this journey. Even talking to other brain injury survivors helped me process and understand what it's like to have a brain injury. The week at the Retreat allowed us to slow down and take time to process this journey together in a safe, nurturing environment. I will be forever grateful to Loveyourbrain for this.
Tell us about your fundraiser! What made it so successful?
What made our fundraiser so successful was our family and friends! They have been witness to our journey these last few years and have seen how passionate we are about being in the brain injury community and bringing more light to the challenges the brain injury community goes through.
What have you found in the LYB community?
Connection, Acceptance, Support, Love, Hope, Laughter and Life Long Friendships. It's a truly magical community and we are so blessed to be a part of it.
“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” -Dalai Lama.
Our 9 year old son was so inspired by our Retreat, and the minute we got home from Colorado he began a rock selling business with his friends--half of the proceeds go towards people with brain injuries. He has raised around $100! He is also spreading brain injury awareness among his friends and classmates.
What advice would you give to other fundraisers?
Just start! I didn't know if anyone would donate any money, but they did. I think it goes to show that people enjoy helping others, especially if they can see the impact their donation has. That is why we love LoveYourBrain. It did not feel like we were raising money for someone in an office building and donors can clearly see the impact of their donation. It's a very grassroots kind of feel that people like to get behind!
We are so grateful to Mike and Amy, all of the wonderful humans joining our Retreats!