Spotlight: The Brain Injury Community (TBIC)

In 2012, Angela Kalantzis suffered a brain injury when the lid of a camper trailer fell, trapping her head against the trailer. 

The injury left Angela with fatigue and problems with language and cognition. 

‘I was discharged from hospital very quickly with no supports in place. I did get to a very dark place,’ Angela said.

Three years after her injury in 2015, a doctor helped Angela come to terms with her brain injury and gain the confidence to live her life again. In 2021, Angela founded the The Brain Injury Community (TBIC) - a charity that provides support services to people affected by an acquired brain injury.

“Starting The Brain Injury Community came from listening to other people and hearing what they were crying out for,” Angela said.

“Research is the path forward to answering long-ignored questions, and consumers must help shape that process.”

Giving a voice

Angela’s work aims to connect individuals to support networks within communities and to the right organisations, raising awareness of brain injury and to help change to the lives of those most in need.

“My advice to others is keep going,” she said. 

“Yes, life is going to be different but keep going because you will find what’s your new normal and your new normal can be exciting.”

QBI's Queensland Brain Injury Collaborative (QBIC) is an initiative that strives to build a network of researchers, healthcare, community and industry partners to improve brain injury care.