By Angelina Soria and Vi Lam
October 2025 | 2025 Fall Newsletter
An estimated 5.3 million individuals in the United States are currently living with a long-term disability resulting from a brain injury, which stands as a primary cause of both death and disability. Brain injuries can manifest in various forms and can affect anyone, including those close to us.
During Brain Awareness Month, we honor individuals who confront the challenges posed by brain injuries. This month serves to enhance understanding, improve care, and create more opportunities for recovery.
Public Authority Registry Manager, Angelina Soria, offers a glimpse into her
family’s experience with an Anoxic brain injury.
Anoxic brain injuries can happen when the brain is deprived of oxygen, which can occur during an event like cardiac arrest, severe asthma attack, heat stroke or other events that affect airways. The severity of the injury depends on how long a person goes without oxygen, and the potential for recovery can differ from one person to another.
For Angelina, a regular day suddenly transformed into one she and her family would never forget. Her son, Angel, who had always been vibrant and energetic, had been working outside in extreme heat for an extended period, resulting in his body temperature soaring to 109 degrees and causing a heat stroke. This altered his life and that of his family. Doctors let Angelina know the alarming prognosis of permanent brain damage, leading her to fear that they might never witness the return of the “old” Angel.
The journey toward recovery following any brain injury can be long-lasting and unpredictable. Angel’s path to recovery is characterized by resilience, bravery, and optimism. The injury has affected numerous aspects of his life, including memory, mobility, and, at times, his ability to communicate effectively. He has faced challenges with fundamental cognitive skills, such as recalling information, maintaining focus, and coordinating his movements. His once-vibrant personality now appears obscured by confusion and frustration.
Although Angel’s experience with anoxic brain injury continues, his progress serves as a profound source of inspiration for Angelina and all who know him.
Brain injury presents a range of symptoms such as loss of consciousness, headache, confusion, speech difficulty, and blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
It’s essential to raise awareness about these injuries because many of them can be prevented, and seeking help early can significantly aid in recovery. Visit cdc.gov/heads-up/about/severe-brain-injury-basics.html for more information on brain injury and where to get help.
The Brain Injury Association of America also has many resources for people who want to help, have a brain injury, or are caregivers to someone with a brain injury. Visit them at biausa.org.
An estimated 5.3 million individuals in the United States are currently living with a long-term disability resulting from a brain injury, which stands as a primary cause of both death and disability. Brain injuries can manifest in various forms and can affect anyone, including those close to us.
During Brain Awareness Month, we honor individuals who confront the challenges posed by brain injuries. This month serves to enhance understanding, improve care, and create more opportunities for recovery.
Public Authority Registry Manager, Angelina Soria, offers a glimpse into her family’s experience with an Anoxic brain injury. Anoxic brain injuries can happen when the brain is deprived of oxygen, which can occur during an event like cardiac arrest or heat stroke. The severity of the injury depends on how long a person goes without oxygen, and the potential for recovery can differ from one person to another.
For Angelina, a regular day suddenly transformed into one she and her family would never forget. Her son, Angel, who had always been vibrant and energetic, had been working outside in extreme heat for an extended period, resulting in his body temperature soaring to 109 degrees and causing a heat stroke. This altered his life and that of his family. Doctors let Angelina know the alarming prognosis of permanent brain damage, leading her to fear that they might never witness the return of the “old” Angel.
The journey toward recovery following any brain injury can be long-lasting and unpredictable. Angel’s path to recovery is characterized by resilience, bravery, and optimism. The injury has affected numerous aspects of his life, including memory, mobility, and, at times, his ability to communicate effectively. He has faced challenges with fundamental cognitive skills, such as recalling information, maintaining focus, and coordinating his movements. His once-vibrant personality now appears obscured by confusion and frustration.
Although Angel’s experience with anoxic brain injury continues, his progress serves as a profound source of inspiration for Angelina and all who know him.
Brain injury presents a range of symptoms such as loss of consciousness, headache, confusion, speech difficulty, and blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
It’s essential to raise awareness about these injuries because many of them can be prevented, and seeking help early can significantly aid in recovery. Visit cdc.gov/heads-up/about/severe-brain-injury-basics.html for more information on brain injury and where to get help.
The Brain Injury Association of America also has many resources for people who want to help, have a brain injury, or are caregivers to someone with a brain injury. Visit them at biausa.org.