Support Groups

The BIAC 25th Anniversary Butterfly Quilt

by Sage Cochran Support Group Coordinator

This BIAC 25th Anniversary Butterfly Quilt is a tender representation of and tribute to all whose lives have been transformed both by brain injury and by our beloved organization.

About 10 years ago I met a woman named Cathy Schora at a brain injury support group meeting. Cathy was a registered nurse at the time of her injury, which occurred as she was assisting a patient who was having a seizure. The patient unintentionally kicked her in the jaw forcing it up into her skull.

It was she that first introduced this beautiful idea of having quilt fashioned by other survivors from BIAC's support groups. She had a need to feel connected with others who have been altered by brain injury in a meaningful way. Cathy also longed for an opportunity to use her talents — which she hadn’t lost. Her healing demanded that she discover a tangible way to redefine herself. While Cathy’s journey has been unique to her, I have seen this common thread of intense determination among many others.

Similar to the many patchwork squares used to make up this quilt, there are many individuals to thank for their contributions. Firstly, I’d like to say, “Thank-you” to the staff at BIAC for being the vehicle we use for this type of expression. I wish to say that personally and as a collective voice.

Next — and most especially, I’d like to thank all of the amazing artists who submitted a square both last year at our Annual Picnic or at our Annual Personal Enrichment Retreat.

After that comes equally sincere gratitude towards Karen Rhodes for all of the many hours of designing and stitching that went into putting this exceptional quilt together. I was with Karen at one point during this project and she had the entire collection of butterfly squares laid out on her kitchen table. We came to realize that one more square was needed. Well, I mentioned this concern while at a support group meeting in Manchester, and as things turn out, it was a woman by the name of Kathy who created the final missing piece.

How fitting is that?

BIAC's beautiful Butterfly Quilt is on display at the BIAC offices, where we invite everyone to stop by and see it. Until you can see it in person, however, please scroll down for a look at some of the magnificent squares created by brain injury survivors throughout Connecticut — who also happen to be exceptional artists!

We here at the BIAC thank you, one and all, for this amazing testimony to the courage, determination, and hope you share so generously with each other and with all those who know and love you!