Community members came together in proctor on Saturday to support those who face brain injuries. The event was hosted by the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance, an organization focused on raising awareness and education in brain injuries around the state.

Two of the participants at the event were Nevada natives Amanda Conklin and her mother Deb, who know all too well how a brain injury can impact one’s life.

“A big reason why I’m here at the walk today is I sustained the injury in Nevada. I didn’t receive medical care that whole time. When I moved to Minnesota last year in 2023, the Brain Injury Alliance helped me get medical care, helped me find different doctors and therapists that have actually helped me get better,” said Amanda.

Amanda suffers from post-concussive syndrome, meaning the symptoms of her initial concussion have yet to go away, even after two years.

“The Brain Injury Alliance does kind of two things for someone with post-concussive syndrome. They help teach healthcare workers what it is, how to treat it, what the newest research and treatments are for it. So then more healthcare workers are able to help someone with post-concussive syndrome or other traumatic brain injuries. And then they also are great at helping me find resources, which when you have a brain injury, everything’s hard.” said Amanda.

And with more eyes on head protection in high contact sports such as football, hockey, and basketball, more research on brain injuries and conditions such as post-concussive syndrome are vital.

“There are over 100,000 individuals in Minnesota living with a disability due to brain injury. And we’re trying to raise that kind of awareness and give the brain injury community a chance to gather and support each other,” said Katrina Meyer, public relations associate for the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance.

And even though the walk for thought was a small feat for many, the impact it has on those with brain injuries was large.

“So many people have brain injuries, but yeah, it’s nice to see that we’re taking care of everyone’s brain health,” said Meyer.