Organized by Victor Medina and Roxana Delgado, the nonprofit organization aims to support the community through three core programs, including rehabilitation and vocational counseling, access to care, and caregiver support.
How it started
Medina served in the Army as a sergeant first class prior to retiring, and is a Purple Heart recipient.
During his service, Medina experienced an injury which would be diagnosed as moderate TBI.
Medina said his experience with rehabilitation and the diagnoses is what led to the creation of the TBI Warrior Foundation.
“While TBI is very prevalent, it is a very underserved community,” he said. “In a lot of cases, it is very costly to get rehab, so we wanted to help with that.”
The need
Medina said brain injuries can be caused through accidents, medical emergencies, falls or any type of trauma or condition that can lead to the brain being damaged. Because this condition can happen to anybody, Medina said the nonprofit focuses on serving all community members who have traumatic brain injury.
“Brain injuries are one of the top leading causes of disability in the nation and a leading cause of death,” he said.
Since starting the nonprofit, Medina said the organization has helped over 13,000 people.
While the organization focuses on TBI support, support is also available for those who have been diagnosed with strokes or cerebral palsy.
In his experience, Medina said his wife, Delgado, had to step in as his caregiver, which is a role that many relatives of individuals with TBI take on.
To assist caregivers, the organization hosts a monthly group focused on talking through challenges and working as a support network. A monthly veteran-specific group is also available.
Get involved
As a nonprofit, the TBI Warrior Foundation relies on support from the community, such as volunteer work and donations.
While the organization serves the region, Medina said the focus is mostly around the Boerne and Fair Oaks Ranch area, and support is provided based on the areas that donations are coming from.
“We try to be very fiscally responsible,” Medina said. “If someone from Boerne donates, we are not going to put that money in San Antonio. We keep our donations where the donors want them.”
Alongside programs and assistance for members, the organization hosts events throughout the year that help raise awareness for TBI and give members a group setting to attend.
The month of March is recognized as National TBI Awareness Month, which cities such as Fair Oaks Ranch have previously highlighted through proclamations.
A list of volunteer and donation opportunities can be found on the organization’s website.
