Ryan Blaney Family Foundation Expands Its Commitment to Caregivers with New Grant to LoveYourBrain
Grant supports accessible programs that empower caregivers of people impacted by brain injury and concussion.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laurel Crosby, Director of Development & Communications, LoveYourBrain
Email: laurel@loveyourbrain.com
Norwich, VT - The LoveYourBrain Foundation is proud to announce a generous $25,000 grant from the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation to enhance vital programs for caregivers of individuals impacted by brain injury and concussion. This marks the second year of funding from the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation and represents the largest grant ever awarded to caregiver-focused initiatives since LoveYourBrain’s founding in 2014.
“We are deeply grateful to the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation for their continued support of our mission to provide critical support for caregivers,” said Adam Pearce, co-founder and executive director of LoveYourBrain. Pearce, who became a caregiver after his brother Kevin sustained a life-changing traumatic brain injury in 2009, understands firsthand the challenges caregivers face. “Caregivers offer essential support in the process of healing after brain injury, yet their needs are often overlooked. Our programs ensure caregivers are recognized, supported, and empowered with the tools they need to heal themselves while caring for others.”
Research highlights the significant toll caregiving can take, often contributing to anxiety, depression, physical strain, and diminished quality of life. LoveYourBrain’s comprehensive approach directly addresses these issues by offering evidence-based programs — both in-person and online — that improve mental, physical, and emotional well-being for individuals with brain injuries and their caregivers. These programs, which include mindfulness, yoga, and peer support, are entirely free to participants and have proven effective in promoting healing and resilience. Notably, in its most recent year of LoveYourBrain programming, caregiver mental health improved by 56%.
The Ryan Blaney Family Foundation, established in 2018 by NASCAR Driver and 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney and his family, is dedicated to raising awareness about brain health and providing support for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and concussion, the most common form of traumatic brain injury.
Pictured: Ryan Blaney
“Partnering with LoveYourBrain again this year is an honor,” said Ryan Blaney Family Foundation Director of Marketing and Programs, Leah Blaney Reeves. “The impact they have on TBI patients and their caregivers is truly inspiring, and we’re thrilled to contribute through our sponsorship of caregivers.”
Pictured: LoveYourBrain Retreat
This year’s grant expands on the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation’s previous support, including scholarships for LoveYourBrain’s Community Retreats, and now extends to provide scholarships for LoveYourBrain’s Online Caregiver Retreat, along with additional storytelling workshops throughout the year. These expanded opportunities will make crucial programs more accessible to a wider network of caregivers.
A recent participant of the LoveYourBrain Caregiver Retreat shared, “After attending, I now approach my caregiving with more mindfulness and self-compassion. The tools I gained have helped me set healthier boundaries, listen more effectively, and, most importantly, take care of myself so that I can give more to my loved one.”
About LoveYourBrain
The LoveYourBrain Foundation is a national non-profit that improves the quality of life of people impacted by traumatic brain injury (TBI) and raises awareness about the importance of brain health. Guided by their family’s experience, brothers Kevin and Adam Pearce established LoveYourBrain in 2014 following Kevin’s severe TBI from a snowboarding accident before the 2010 Olympics. Kevin’s remarkable resilience was transformed into the award-winning HBO Documentary, “The Crash Reel,” which brought to light the challenges and prevalence of TBI. In response, LoveYourBrain developed programs and resources designed to create community and foster resilience for the TBI community. Now, LoveYourBrain’s research-backed programs are offered at no cost across the globe to empower the TBI community with new tools, resources, and connections. In 2023, Adam Pearce was named a Top Ten CNN Hero of the Year in recognition of his leadership and LoveYourBrain’s impact in the world. To learn more, visit www.loveyourbrain.com.
About the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation
Founded in 2018 by NASCAR Driver Ryan Blaney and his family, the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 based in North Carolina. The Ryan Blaney Family Foundation is dedicated to raising brain health awareness and resources to support people and families who are dealing with an Alzheimer’s disease or concussion diagnosis. For more information, visit www.ryanblaneyfoundation.org.