PABI Plan - The Sarah Jane Brain Project

Phase Three consisted of having the Working Group of the National Advisory Board of the
Sarah Jane Brain Foundation develop the first draft of the National PABI Plan. This document is
designed to outline a comprehensive continuum of care, from prevention of pediatric brain
injuries to acute medical care to reintegration and rehabilitation in the community and transition
into adult systems.
Phase Four involves fully funding and implementing the National PABI Plan across the country.
My Daddy promised to begin Phase Four before my fourth birthday on June 5, 2009, and he did.
As my birthday present, he announced the largest healthcare collaboration in U.S. history dealing
with pediatric brain injury: 52 State Lead Centers, one leading institution or organization from
every state plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
With today’s announcement of the largest grant proposal in U.S. history dealing with pediatric
brain injury to begin funding this historic nationwide initiative, it is very appropriate this
announcement is made on Marilyn Spivack’s birthday (my daddy gives great birthday presents).
Marilyn founded The Brain Injury Association of America more than 30 years ago after her
daughter suffered a brain injury due to a motor vehicle accident. She has been a pioneer in
advocating for awareness, prevention and treatment of children and young adults with brain
injury. My daddy believes I wouldn’t be alive today if not for Marilyn’s advocacy and tireless
efforts over many decades (now you know why I like Marilyn so much). Happy Birthday
Marilyn and thank you!
My daddy tells me the money for the initial two years of implementing the PABI Plan are going
to come from “The Stimulus Funds” which he said were appropriated to create jobs, improve the
lives of as many Americans as they can and fundamentally impact the delivery and service of
health care using new technologies. It sounds like a perfect match to me!
While I still cannot talk or walk on my own yet, my Daddy has taught me his philosophy in life,
“Things work out best for those who make the best out of the way things work out!” I cannot
begin to thank the National Advisory Board enough for being my voice and the voice of the
millions of children and young adults around the country who suffer from pediatric acquired
brain injury. Someday I will thank each and every one of you myself with my own voice! Until
then, please keep talking for me.
August 18, 2009
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