Help Skyler raise money

Looking forward to another Run, Walk, Roll in 2026!

I'm on team Live With Hope, captained by one of the toughest people I know. Jenny and I became fast friends in 2018 when I first visited Arizona to interview for PhD programs. We started together that fall -- Jenny in social work and me in psychology. We had the joy(?) of taking class together in statistics and wrapped up our first year of grad school together right before she experienced the life-threatening rupture of an AVM (arteriovenous malformation) in her brain. Since that day, life has looked different in many ways, and Jenny continues to work hard on her recovery. I deeply admire the ways she finds joy throughout the journey. 

Jenny and I have a lot of similarities, and I had some guesses about what it would feel like to deal with a brain injury when so much of your identity has been connected to academic achievement (and formidable brainpower). Those similarities that made us fast friends have kept us stuck to each other, supporting one another throughout life's challenges and triumphs. I am so grateful that she and Michael are two of my best friends out here in the desert. (I'm currently on the couch at their house, working on this page while they're taking care of me after a knee surgery!)

Something that has felt a bit "full circle" started in 2024 the first time Jenny walked back into the exact same building where we took statistics together, but this time as a presenter ready to share her story about brain injury as part of a summertime academic program for incoming psychology + neuroscience majors at ASU. Watching Jenny go into professional presentation mode (something she did often in her work prior to injury) and use her experience to help students as they begin their journeys in those fields... having the privilege of facilitating Q&A about her experience... watching her share messages that are serious and vulnerable but also get a bunch of first-year students to laugh by cracking clever and well-timed jokes even when discussing tough topics... seeing the line that forms immediately after, full of students looking to ask her questions 1:1... I don't think I can overstate how proud I am and grateful that she has returned to talk with the next cohorts of students in that program. In photos below you'll see some pictures from those events and a mix of faculty, graduate students, and peer mentors from ASU and that program who joined the team at last year's 5K!

Even if you don't know Jenny personally, you probably know me if you're looking at this page, and that means you probably know Jenny is an incredibly important person in my life. I appreciate you reading and learning more the tenacity of my friend. If you are inclined and positioned to support by joining the team for the 5K, donating, or just sharing the page, that is deeply appreciated, too! The funds from this event support the work of the Brain Injury Association of Arizona and its programming. Jenny (and I!) have benefitted from many activities by BIAAZ, from game nights to workshops and support groups. 

Here's to another BIAAZ Run, Walk, Roll event with the Neuroplasticity Queen herself.  🧠 👑 ✨