What is it like to live with a no fault brain disorder? Too often, family members, caregivers, friends, and even professionals focus on what they see from the outside. But what does the experience feel like from the inside? In this powerful and deeply personal piece, author M. Lissa Bailey shares lessons from her own…
If someone breaks their leg, care is immediate and unquestioned. They’re evaluated, imaged, and treated—often within hours. No debate about whether the injury is real. No requirement to prove they deserve care. If someone is diagnosed with cancer, the system mobilizes quickly. Specialists collaborate. Treatment plans are built. There is broad agreement that delay risks…
The Work of the Brett M. Staples Brain Disorder Awareness Coalition Over the past 12 months, the Brett M. Staples Brain Disorder Awareness Coalition has emerged as a powerful voice for individuals and families affected by serious brain disorders. Founded in memory of Brett Staples, the coalition has transformed personal loss into purposeful action—working across…
At the Brett M. Staples Brain Disorder Awareness Coalition, we know that behind every person living with a serious brain disorder, there is almost always a caregiver quietly holding the world together. Caregivers are parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents, and friends. They are advocates, record keepers, medication managers, transportation providers, crisis responders, and emotional anchors. They…
The Problem Families caring for a loved one with a serious brain disorder often hear the same painful phrase again and again: “I can’t share that information because of HIPAA.” For families dealing with anosognosia—a neurological condition that prevents a person from recognizing they are ill—this response can feel not just frustrating, but dangerous. Understanding…
Common Early Signs of Psychosis – Understanding and Supporting Loved Ones Psychosis is a brain-based condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and perceives reality. While full-blown psychotic episodes can be frightening, research shows that early signs often appear weeks, months, or even years before a crisis. Recognizing these signs early can make a…
Maine, USA, World Part I: Maine – A System in Transition Maine’s criminal courts are increasingly confronted with defendants whose actions stem not from willful criminal intent but from untreated brain disorders. Conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, traumatic brain injury, and severe depression often drive behaviors that bring individuals into contact with law enforcement….
The Sandy Pruett Project: Care Denied. Voices Rising. Behind every statistic is a story — the Sandy Pruett Project is an anonymous, family-driven platform that shines light on what happens when care for severe mental illness is denied. (from sandypruettproject.org) You can help: Read real stories of denied care and experience firsthand the impact of…
Anosognosia is a neurological condition in which a person is unaware of their own illness or impairment. It is not denial or stubbornness—it’s a brain-based symptom that affects self-awareness. This lack of insight is common in certain brain disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and some forms of dementia, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. When…
Honoring a Life, Sparking a Movement The Brett M. Staples Brain Disorder Awareness Coalition (BMSBDAC) was established in memory of Brett M. Staples, who passed away in 2024. Born in Farmington, Maine, and raised in Jay, Brett faced schizoaffective disorder and encountered the challenges many with serious brain disorders do: homelessness, inconsistent treatment, stigma, and…
