Celebrate Spring with Haiku Poems!

The Plus One Foundation is celebrating the beginnings of spring with haiku poems from board members and staff! Take a look at all the creativity within our team!

Flowing Strength Within, By Karen Grady of PIVOT Movement Studio

Flowing strength within
Breath and movement intertwined,
Grace in every step.

Lifting Blossoms, By Kacey Kroeger, Founder and Executive Director

I reach out my hand,
lifting hearts and minds with hope—
strength begins to blossom.

Adios Winter, By Kyle Bain, Development Officer

Very good to see you spring,
See you later, cold.

Straw in the garden for nesting birds, By Thomas Lehrich, President of the Board

Straw in the garden,
Birds need a little spring help,
Nests emerge with life.

Spring Mother Nature, By Kevin Johnson, RN

Mom’s love is so strong
Nurture me as a young child
Now it’s gone too soon.

Muddy Spring Dog Park, By Maple the Dog

The snow has melted
Mud and sticks are at the park
Can you bring me there later?

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

By Thomas Lehrich, President of the Board

The Plus One Foundation acknowledges that this is the start of Brain Injury Awareness Month. There are more than 5.3 million individuals in the United States who are living with a brain injury-related disability. At least 2.8 million Americans sustain traumatic brain injuries in the United States every year. 

Plus One joins the community to raise awareness and advocate for treatment and care for those with TBIs. Please help us be a voice for brain injury this March by talking to friends and family about the importance of supporting people with brain injuries. 

We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting the STAND UP! for Plus One Foundation, our annual Gala that will take place next month. It will be a night featuring comedy, silent and live auctions, door prizes, and much more. Join us on Saturday, April 26th, at 7 pm.

Plus One will also be in Washington, D.C. this week. We have board members participating in the 2025 National Brain Injury Conference and Awareness Day! We are dedicated to supporting this community as best we can, and encourage you to do the same.

Bibliography

How does a traumatic Brain Injury Change Your Life?. How does a traumatic brain injury change your life? | Trillium Health Resources. (2025, March 1). https://www.trilliumhealthresources.org/article/how-does-traumatic-brain-injury-change-your-life#:~:text=There%20are%20more%20than%205.3,traumatic%20brain%20injuries%20every%20year.

Announcing our Spring Segment for TBI 2025!

By Thomas Lehrich, President of the Board 

Education on new and emerging treatments for TBIs is coming this spring!

With forty million new cases each year, the global incidence of TBI affects vast amounts of individuals and families. TBI treatment remains elusive because each TBI is different, but treatments are not. The latest medical developments are seeking to change that. 

This spring, TBI 2025 will explore a new area of biomarkers, covering the work doctors are doing to create a more accurate and interactive atlas of the brain for treatment. Never before seen are opportunities for physicians to target TBIs at the molecular level, potentially improving treatment outcomes. 

With brain research as one of the last frontiers in medical research, our year-long education campaign on neurological conditions and TBIs continues.

Education is at the heart of what we do; our Think aBout It campaign aims to dig deeper into all aspects of TBIs and neurological conditions.  

In April, look for our exciting segment on the newest treatments for TBIs here.

Meet Gio!

By Jaclyn Hopkins, Plus One Foundation

At 6 years old, Gio is more adventurous than most kids his age. He has a passion for singing (watch out for his renditions of Bingo, Let It Go from Frozen and Happy Birthday), loves browsing at the grocery store, and never says no to exploring, swimming, or playing—he’s always moving! His favorite spot? The gymnasium slides, of course. You’ll also find Gio outside in his backyard, longing to be in the fresh air, living his best active life. 

Diagnosed with autism at 2 1/2, Gio has found a true sense of belonging through Sensory Beans. This amazing program keeps him engaged with activities that help improve motor and social skills while also making sure he’s having fun along the way. Gio’s love for gross motor play is at the heart of everything Sensory Beans does, using games and tools to support his development in a way that feels natural to him. With support from Plus One’s Occasions Grant, Gio has been able to learn and grow in a safe and joyful environment.

Gio is also a big fan of swimming through Plus One’s Mermaid Grant! His adaptive swimming lessons have allowed him to move and continue to grow his social skills. He enjoys gross motor play with a ball in the water. The Mermaid Grant Program was designed with kids like Gio in mind. Getting into the water does wonders for both kids and adults with neurological conditions, allowing them to feel fully present and in their bodies. Swimming is one of Gio’s favorite activities, especially when he gets to use a ball.

Gio and his family have discovered a supportive community of other families with autistic children through the NSASA (Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America) and through Sensory Beans. This network has been invaluable, helping them learn, grow, and connect with others who understand Gio’s needs. While Gio may be a little shy and sometimes gets overstimulated, his family has found a group of friends who embrace his quirks and encourage him to explore even more passions—whether that’s singing, swimming, or roller skating. Gio is a very happy and affectionate young boy who loves his friends and family.

Gio’s journey is a beautiful example of how a community, love, and a little bit of fun can go a long way in helping a child thrive.