The Bjorndahl Foundation for Traumatic Brain Injury is driven by lived experience and dedicated to raising charitable donations that directly support inpatient and outpatient therapies, as well as recreational and holistic therapies, for fellow brain injury, concussion, and stroke survivors on their recovery journeys.

Recovery does not end—please consider donating today.

Founded and led by a survivor, the Foundation is supported by other high-functioning survivors and overseen by an engaged board of directors and local officials, ensuring accountability, transparency, and community leadership.

The Save the Brain Campaign is a non-waiver program designed to enrich the lives of neurologically affected survivors and their families while fostering unity, connection, and healing within our community.

My name is Brad Bjorndahl.

Growing up, I was mechanically inclined and always working on small engines around the neighborhood. Like many kids, I gave in to peer pressure at times—and sometimes took it a step further. Eventually, I bought my own dirt bike and rebuilt it myself, boring out the engine and installing a race carburetor and exhaust. Riding was my escape.

On March 30, 2004, everything changed.

While riding through my neighborhood trails, I crashed face-first into a mailbox and was thrown into a tree. I lay unconscious for nearly ten minutes. When someone finally stopped, they found me choking on my own teeth. That stranger created an airway and saved my life.

I was medevacked to Stony Brook University Hospital, arriving with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3. Police came to my home and told my mother that her son had been in a catastrophic accident and was airlifted to a Level 1 trauma center. Doctors told my parents I would not survive the night—and if I did, I would never wake from my coma.

My parents believed otherwise.
They told the doctors, “He’s a fighter. He will make it.”

The next morning, doctors warned that I could remain in a vegetative state. My family stayed by my side through intense facial reconstruction and critical care. After one month, I was transferred from Stony Brook to St. Charles Rehabilitation Hospital, which offered a Traumatic Brain Injury and Coma Stimulation Program.

I moved from ICU to ICU—eventually into the pediatric ICU. The alarms, the net bed—I remember them all. My mother remembers the first time my eyes opened, three months later.

Although I remained in a coma, rehabilitation was in full force. Therapists used every stimulation imaginable. Familiar smells—oil, gas—were introduced, connecting to who I was before. Months later, I picked my nose for the first time.

I was back.

I had to relearn everything—like a newborn—but I progressed rapidly through daily therapies. Soon, I began tutoring to prepare for school. The words “no” or “I can’t” never crossed my mind. My drive was life itself—and what’s more beautiful than that?

I was eventually discharged home and later returned to St. Charles as a volunteer in their Community Re-Entry Program, working alongside the program director. The structure and compassion of that program deeply influenced me and shaped my future commitment to helping others.

Meanwhile, my parents worked tirelessly with school administrators and psychologists to help me return to school. I re-entered through a special education program that supported my physical and occupational needs.

In 2006, I graduated on time with my Regents diploma. I went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from St. Joseph’s College—a milestone achieved 12 years after my traumatic brain injury. Around that same time, I was honored with the Josephine McCarthy Award from St. Charles Hospital for perseverance and achievement.

A true dream come true.

But this story isn’t about me.

It’s about giving back and paying it forward.

I am proud to say I survived a catastrophic traumatic brain injury—five months in a coma, years of therapies and surgeries—and today, my drive is to help fellow survivors navigate recovery through therapeutic, recreational, and community-based support.

The Bjorndahl Foundation for Traumatic Brain Injury is a federally tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit, created to advance long-term recovery through lived experience.
100% of proceeds go directly toward advancing fellow survivors—supporting the same kinds of programs, therapies, and opportunities that changed my life.

One Mission, One Community

Our founder also owns Happy Shots Studio Inc., a photography company dedicated to capturing life’s most meaningful moments. Through photography and community events, both organizations share the same goal: bringing people together, celebrating resilience, and supporting survivors on their journey forward. Happy Shots Studio, Inc.

With love and purpose,
Brad Bjorndahl

A Genuine Extra Layer Of Support

WWW.BRADSTBINY.ORG IS WWW.THEBJORNDAHLFOUNDATIONFORTRAUMATICBRAININJURY.ORG MADE EASY

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 The J is not silent but the BJ Next to ORN is phonetically Pronounced As [BYAWN]  And Together Sounds Like The Byawndahl Foundation For Traumatic Brain Injury

Survivor-Founded And Run: Our Mission is to provide Assistance to Fellow Brain Injury Survivors. Solidarity with Gratitude answers it all. We seek to raise the needs for fellow survivors advancing their recovery.