The Church Ushers Association of New York State
Dan Lewis Foundation | Winter 2024

On November 11, 2023, the Church Ushers Association of New York State held their annual meeting in Brooklyn, New York. The Dan Lewis Foundation was the recipient of their yearly charitable donation. Annually, the Church Ushers Association selects non-profits that seek to improve the lives of others. Janice Nibbs, President of the Church Ushers Association, spoke poignantly of her sister’s struggle with traumatic brain injury and the need to do better. Madeline Meryash and Lynda Helton accepted the donation on behalf of the Dan Lewis Foundation. 

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Rethinking Stroke Recovery: New Insights into Neuronal Remapping and Rehabilitation Potential

By Dan Lewis Foundation • November 13, 2024
Stroke is a common neurological condition that damages brain cells (neurons) in the affected area, leading to a loss of the functions controlled by that region. A hopeful aspect of stroke recovery is that, over time and with rehabilitation, many individuals regain some abilities. This recovery has been linked to a process called “remapping,” where neurons in unaffected areas of the brain adapt to take over the functions of the damaged areas. Although many studies have explored this remapping phenomenon, most evidence has been indirect, based on changes in brain activation patterns or neuron connections after stroke in animal models. Direct proof that neurons change functionality after stroke has been lacking, partly because measuring neuron activity in the brain over time, especially at the necessary scale and duration, is challenging.
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Devon’s Journey – Two Years Post-Accident

By Dan Lewis Foundation • November 6, 2024
After a life-altering accident in October 2022, Devon Guffey’s story is about resilience and determination. His journey has been profiled in the summer 2023 issue of the Making Headway Newsletter: https://www.danlewisfoundation.org/devons-story . Hit by a drunk driver, Devon sustained severe brain and physical injuries, including axonal shearing, a traumatic frontal lobe injury, and facial fractures. Even after contracting meningitis while in a coma, Devon fought hard to survive – and today, his recovery continues to inspire us all. In late 2023, Devon worked as an assistant basketball coach at Blue River Valley, where he had once been a student. His love for sports and dedication to regaining his physical strength returned him to the gym, where his hard work paid off. Devon’s persistence earned him another job at the YMCA, guiding gym members and supporting facility upkeep. Through all the challenges—deafness in one ear, blindness in one eye, and a permanent loss of taste and smell—Devon perseveres. He recently regained his driving license, a significant milestone that symbolizes his increasing independence and cognitive and physical recovery. While each day may not show significant changes, Devon now sees his progress over time. Today, Devon speaks to groups about his journey, the dangers of drunk driving, and finding strength in adversity. His message is clear: recovery is a process, and sometimes, "can't" simply means "can't do it yet ." Every TBI is unique, and Devon’s story powerfully reminds us of the strength that comes from resilience and community. We are grateful to Devon for continuing to share his story and for his role in uplifting others facing difficult paths. His journey is a testament to the fact that we are stronger together. #BrainInjuryAwareness #DevonsJourney #Resilience #EndDrunkDriving #MakingHeadway
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