Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness

Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness

Our Story

What began as an ordinary day changed our lives in an instant.

My name is Patricia Cotton, the founder of Wired Up TBI Foundation. In the year of 2018 my son, Tory Frazier, was involved in a one car accident, and as a result he suffered from traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury not only affects the survivor - but it also ripples through families, friendships, and entire communities. For us, it started with a moment we could not have predicted and a journey we were not prepared for. The confusion, the fear, and unanswered questions had those early days overwhelming. We soon realized how little we understood about brain injury, recovery, and what “normal” would look like moving forward.

As the days turned into months and the months into years, we faced challenges that tested us in ways we never imagined. Simple tasks became milestones. Progress was not always sequential. There were setbacks, frustrations, and moments of doubt—but also resilience, strength, and small victories worth celebrating.

When my son was born, I wanted to name him Tory. For no particular reason, I just love the name. Since his accident we have been claiming VICTORY, that means asserting that he has won or succeeded, even before it’s fully confirmed. Now I see God gave me that name, it has a triumphant meaning, and God knew we would need that in this season.

A woman standing beside a man in a wheelchair, holding his hand, inside a home with bright natural light, a dining area in the background, and a framed artwork on the wall.

OUR MISSION

OUR MISSION is to provide support, resources, and hope for individuals and families navigating life after a traumatic brain injury. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, years into recovery, or supporting a loved one, this is a place where your experience is seen, understood, and valued.

We believe in sharing real stories, offering practical resources, and building a community grounded in compassion. Recovery looks different for everyone, but together, we can make the journey a little less isolating.

We created this space because we know we are not alone and neither are you. This is more than our story—it’s yours too.

What is a Brain Injury?

A brain injury is any damage to the brain that affects how it functions. The brain controls everything from movement and speech to memory, emotions, and thinking, even a mild injury can have noticeable effects.

Types of Brain Injuries

  1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - caused by an external force such as falls, car accidents, sports injuries, or blows to the head. A traumatic brain injury can range from mild (like a concussion) to severe, potentially causing long-term complications.

  2. Non-Traumatic Brain Injury - caused by internal factors such as stroke, lack of oxygen (anoxia), infections and tumors.

Digital illustration of a human brain made of interconnected lines and nodes, with a small blue circle nearby representing an idea or thought.

Neuroplasticity

The brain rewires itself through a process called Neuroplasticity - it’s ability to change, adapt, and form new connections throughout life.

Your brain is made up of billions of nerve cells call neurons. These neurons communicate through connections called synapses. When part of the brain is injured, it can:

  1. Strengthen existing connections - Neural pathways you use often become stronger and more efficient.

  2. Form new connections - Neurons can create new pathways to bypass damaged areas, helping restore lost functions.

  3. Reassign functions - In some cases, healthy parts of the brain can take over jobs that damaged areas used to handle.

The Beginning of Our Mission: Honoring Our First Foundation Family

As part of the soft launch of the Wired Up TBI Foundation, and because of your generosity, we were able to help our very first family affected by a traumatic brain injury and together we can help many more. This moment represents more than financial support—it marks the beginning of our mission to bring hope, encouragement, and practical assistance to families navigating the challenges of life after a brain injury. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference, and we look forward to serving many more families in the years to come.

We invite you to continue partnering with the Wired Up TBI Foundation by donating, sharing our mission, and helping us reach those who need us most. Together, we can make a lasting difference—one family, one life, and one act of kindness at a time.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for being part of this journey with us.

We are here to listen, support, and collaborate in making a difference for those affected by traumatic brain injury and their caregivers. Reach out today and be part of our mission to empower recovery and raise awareness.

Contact Us

If you are a caregiver of a loved one with Traumatic Brain Injury and you would like to Zoom with us, click the button below for more information.

ZOOM WITH US
A digital illustration of a human brain made of interconnected blue lines and nodes, with a blue dot labeled 'Artificial Intelligence' pointing towards the brain on a black background.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We currently provide services for individuals and families in Wake, Durham, Wilson, and Nash counties of North Carolina. For those outside our core service area, we will be happy to help connect you with resources nearby.

  • Yes, our services are specifically designed for individuals 21 and older who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI). We also provide guidance and resources to caregivers and families as part of supporting the survivors’ overall care.

  • At this time, we do not have formal partnerships established; however, we are actively working to build collaborative relationships with organizations that align with our mission.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page, email, or phone number listed on the website. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one to two business days.

  • Yes, we are a nonprofit organization committed to service the community and advancing awareness of traumatic brain injury.

  • Wired Up TBI Foundation provides support, resources, referrals (not clinical treatment); insurance is not a barrier.