More than 45,000 people in Arizona are living with a traumatic brain injury.

Luke Fadell, director of veteran services for the Brain Injury Association of Arizona, will address Jewish War Veterans Copper State Post 619 on Sunday, Nov. 16.

The talk will be given in the Oakwood Clubhouse Ballroom, 24218 S Oakwood Blvd, Sun Lakes, 10 a.m. Lox, bagels, donuts, and coffee will be served at 9:30. The public is welcome.

“A brain injury is a monumental obstacle in anyone’s life,” Fadell said via a news release. “Too often, common brain injury symptoms are part of combat-related PTSD and struggles with addiction.”

Fadell, a U. S. Army Desert Storm veteran, is dedicated to supporting all veterans and their families statewide who are striving to live well after experiencing service-connected or post-deployment brain injuries and trauma, the release states.

This is accomplished by connecting them with BIAZZ’s approved neuro-provider database, alongside the Veterans Administration, healthcare providers and human service organizations, it states.

Support for service members caring for a parent or child with a brain injury is also provided.

The BIAAZ helps survivors with all types of brain injury, whether from an accident or acquired, as in cases of drug overdose or severe illness.

The work has directly improved the lives of thousands of survivors of brain injury, their loved ones, and caregivers by helping them rebuild rich lives with accessible social events and support groups.

Their work has gotten brain injury survivors off the streets and into homes and out of rehabilitation centers and back into the workforce, the release states.

BIAZZ’s Client Emergency Assistance Fund is used to close vital gaps in care and support that insurance or other resources won’t cover.

That could mean transportation, food for their “fur family,” internet access to keep job searches active, or other needs that simply aren’t covered elsewhere.

“Recently, I helped a veteran who had been experiencing several months of homelessness get back home to Manilla in the Philippines so he could reconnect with his family and support network,” explains Fadell. “This entailed finding necessary documentation, helping him get cleared for international travel and gaining funding for a place to settle in Manila.”

Fadell holds certifications in traumatic brain injury and other medical disciplines. He serves as the board chair for the Phoenix VA Mental Health Advocacy Council and is on similar Arizona boards and councils.

Anyone with a brain injury seeking help is encouraged to reach out to BIAZZ by calling their helpline at 888-500-9165, emailing info@biaaz.org or visiting the website at biaaz.org. Calls are returned within 48 hours.

Jewish War Vets Post 619, which meets the third Sunday of every month from September to June in the Sun Lakes area, boasts members represent a wide range of religious affiliations and participate in philanthropic activities to help veterans of all faiths.

To learn more about JWV activities and membership, contact Arthur Uram, 702-884-4175 or uramarthur@gmail.com.

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