More than 25 years ago, three mothers
whose children had sustained severe brain injuries founded the Brain
Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIAMA). Their goal was provide support,
prevention education, and lobbying services on behalf of a population that
is largely hidden and profoundly underserved.
Over the years, the organization’s programs burgeoned to the point where
BIAMA now serves as the model state brain injury association for the nation.
However, until recently, BIAMA had never been featured in a large newspaper
and remained relatively unknown outside of brain injury circles. The
organization asked Anita Harris Communications to help increase BIAMA’s
visibility among the general population.
Through a pitch to a reporter, we placed a major story featuring the
organization’s "Founding Mothers" in the Lifestyle Section of the Boston
Globe.
The article, "A Tragic Bond," by Don Aucoin, ran on October 24, 2006 in
conjunction with a statewide BIAMA conference on preventing brain injuries
in high school sports--and garnered numerous inquiries. By highlighting the
work of BIAMA's founders and the tragedy of their (now adult) children’s
lives, the article supported the organization's mission by educating the
general public about the need for brain injury prevention and services.
According to BIAMA Executive Director Arlene Korab, the organization the
Globe article serves as a centerpiece for the organization’s fundraising and
outreach activities.
