HEALING DOESN’T HAVE TO HAPPEN ALONE

Welcome to concussionbox.org. This is a platform where people recovering from concussions and those supporting them can find a community. Listen to people who had a concussion reflect on their recovery, or hear someone whose family member had a concussion reflect on their experience, or get the perspective of a medical professional. Feel free to use the tags and the search bar to find stories with specific themes. Every story on this website is available in both audio and written form. Let’s make this isolating injury a little less lonely, one story at a time.

What We Do

Concussion Box is a an organization dedicated to making the experience of having a concussion just a little less isolating. We have an online audio library of concussion stories. Hear from current concussion patients, those who have already recovered, medical professionals, and friends and family who have supported a loved one with a concussion. The audio format allows listeners to adjust the volume, close their eyes, and pause at any point.

Why We Do It

Humans survive in communities. When someone goes through a hard experience, having a strong community can bring them endless comfort and hope. Concussions hinder people from finding community. Usually, when someone is looking for connection, they can go talk to a friend, watch a video, or read a book about others who are going through similar experiences. A concussion makes those methods of connection painful, if not impossible. But it doesn’t have to be this lonely. Concussion Box is dedicated to finding creative ways to support concussion patients and their loved ones through the recovery process.

Where We’re Going

We are a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit. As we continue to expand, we plan on launching several new initiatives such as recovery gift boxes, specialized concussion meditation recordings, and physical community centers where those who are recovering can recover together. Help us achieve our goals by spreading the word, submitting a story, and donating.

Who We Are

In the beginning of high school, I took a soccer cleat to the head and spent the following year of my life recovering. I felt so isolated. Now, with many years of distance and seeing several friends suffer from concussions too, I’ve come to see that the very nature of concussions prevents people from finding a sense of community. Concussion Box is my way of trying to change that.

When I’m not working on Concussion Box, I attend Wesleyan University, play frisbee, run, backpack, and cook.

eliana@concussionbox.org

Sai Kesari (Website and Marketing Consultant, Board Member)

I work with many organizations to develop websites and market their services. Although I have never had a serious concussion myself, a few people who I hold dearest to my heart have suffered from traumatic brain injuries. Working for Concussion Box is more than just a job for me; it’s a new opportunity every day to utilize my skill set to extend my love to the entire concussion community.

When I’m not working on our website or creating marketing content, I spend my time exploring the outdoors with my dog.

sai@concussionbox.org

Vanessa Cornwell Chiu PT, DPT, OCS (Board Member)

I am a practicing Physical Therapist, wife, and mother of two daughters in Vacaville, CA. I have worked in the rehab world for over 22 years, and have been a licensed PT for 11 of those years. Currently, I am a board certified specialist in Orthopedics and greatly enjoy treating athletes. In 2015, I began working at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, where I was trained in treating concussion patients. I later helped lead the concussion program and have provided numerous lectures at schools regarding post concussion syndrome. I also greatly enjoy dancing, playing with my children, kayaking, playing piano, and cooking.

vanessa@concussionbox.org

Sofia Butler (Storytelling and Outreach Coach)

I am a storyteller at heart and believe strongly in the healing power of sharing and receiving stories. The intention of Concussion Box to engage with the holistic and community aspects of healing drew me to this organization. My work at Concussion Box is centered around my belief that recovery begins with the permission to be seen and heard. I aim to be the person who sees and hears others’ truth by collecting and uplifting real individual’s concussion stories. I bring a sense of curiosity, empathy, creativity, and love to my work here. 

When I’m not working on Concussion Box, I attend Boston University, write music, lead a meditation group, bike, hike, garden, and thoroughly embarrass myself by dancing in public. 

sofia@concussionbox.org

France Theriault (Podcast Producer – Blooming in Harmony)

I have a BA in Education from Universite de Montreal, and am the founder of  Standing By Your Side 65, where I use my life experience to guide, mentor and support people who had their lives altered by a Traumatic Brain Injury.

I am a passionate activist, mentor and leader who held monthly meeting for people affected by concussion. I also raised awareness in my community by giving talks, hoping to shed a light on the reality many concuss people are experiencing in their daily life and how we can heal from this invisible injury.

I am also a restorative yoga teacher, accredited Health and Life Coach, public speaker, writer, blogger, published author, abstract artist, beauty seeker, and transformational leader.

Stay tuned for some exciting new projects…

france@concussionbox.org

Marta Symkowick (Data Insights and Research Coordinator)

At the beginning of high school, one of my closest friends received a severe concussion.Watching her slow recovery was incredibly painful because I felt so utterly useless. In my first year of college, I got concussed playing rugby. Recovering in a new place while I was still solidifying friendships and adjusting to the intense academic rigor was one of the most isolating experiences of my life.

Working with Concussion Box allows me to help those suffering from concussions feel less alone while granting family and friends educational opportunities to better understand and support recovering loved ones. I am excited to explore the intersection between storytelling and data analysis to help Concussion Box better reach those it can benefit the most.

Outside of Concussion Box, I also am working on the civil rights court case surrounding the
Dakota Access Pipeline by conducting some data analysis. You can also find me playing rugby, soccer, writing, and climbing!

marta@concussionbox.org

Jessica Van Valkenburg (Digital Design and Outreach Specialist)

I have a passion for facilitating connections between people who have shared experiences, and working with Concussion Box allows me to integrate this love with my interests in psychology, education, community outreach and sports. I am lucky to have the ability to support the growth of the Concussion Box community through our many platforms and promote the process of healing for those who have been affected by concussions. Although I have never suffered a serious brain injury myself, I have experienced the repercussions of past teammates’ injuries and am devoted to helping others find peace as they recover and beyond.

ork in broadcast operations for CBS Sports and perform education research for Digital Promise. I love hiking on the Appalachian Trail with my friends and family, kayaking, reading and walking my beloved dog, Toby. 

jess@concussionbox.org

Matt Sorkin (Board Member)

I experienced multiple concussions during college, which led to a challenging recovery and the postponement of my final semester. This personal journey ignited my passion to support those suffering from post-concussive syndrome. Post-college, I’ve worked in strategy and innovation, helping numerous companies develop new products and services. I’m currently an Associate Director of Strategy at a start-up called Proto.

When I’m not working on Concussion Box, you’ll find me hiking, scuba diving, or performing with my improv troupe.

matt@concussionbox.org

Shradha Kesari (Search Tool and Categorization Specialist)

I am a dedicated high school student from California. I enjoy studying science, specifically biology, and I love dancing, playing basketball, and staying active. While I have been fortunate enough to evade personal encounters with concussions, some of my closest friends and teammates haven’t been. Seeing them suffering drew me to this crucial issue. My interest in the medical field coupled with curiosity led me to become an intern at ConcussionBox.

shradha@concussionbox.org