Where have we been, where have you been? Like all, COVID impacted us Traumatic Brain Injury survivors in ways that showed us how to roll with the punches. Though for SMILE #UWokeUp, this enhanced our mission of growing community support, clearly outlining SMILE #UWokeUp focus and niche to help TBI survivors.
We want to share SMILE #UWokeUp new embarkment on how we will provide additional support to those focused on continued rehabilitation through movement. (Currently, we are focusing on Northern Colorado Brain Injury survivors.)
Footwear. Feet are the foundation of our bodies. In the hospital, when you are first learning how to apply pressure to the feet and for your body to attempt to recall any muscle memory that it may have. Footwear is essential, but this also boils down to what footwear works with your feet at the time.
I remember when I first learned how to walk, and my right ankle would not fit into several pairs of shoes – it still doesn’t. So, I wore improper footwear when learning my muscle memory all over again. However, what if I was unaware of the foot issues that could occur later in my recovery from wearing improper shoes, mainly when focusing on regaining mobility and building muscle memory? What if I regained enough mobility to walk/run around the block and I wanted to continue this every day, But the only pair of tennis shoes you had were Converse’?
SMILE #UWokeUp has partnered with Runners Roost of Fort Collins to change the conversation around footwear for TBI-ers. Providing an opportunity to our community helps TBI-ers during the recovery phases, both mentally and physically. (More details are coming soon, and recovery is a lifelong journey.)
Through SMILE, #UWokeUp enhanced focus to encourage indoor and outdoor movement. However, it is essential to think about staying calm and keeping the body temperature down – Protect your Noggin’ if you will.
From every purchase, you are helping another traumatic brain injury survivor take another step on their journey in new shoes and provide confidence within. (More details coming soon.)
Don’t think we will provide a suggestion and not try it ourselves first. No. Molly Cain is rocking a SMILE #UWokeUp BoCo Performance hat on the trails at West Line Winder 50K. She said the cap was breathable, calm, and prevented sweat from the eyes allowing for a full range of visibility.
Molly leads by example, and her mission is to spread TBI awareness by showing others that it is possible to overcome the impossible. Find more about Molly and her brain injury here.
As a friendly reminder, SMILE #UWokeUp continues to hold Tuesday night support group meetings via Zoom on the 4th Tuesday of the month. Sign-up for our newsletter here, on the left side of the page, under Tuesday Support Group.
For questions, please email us at smileuwokeup@gmail.com.