/-|Walk|-\ and ~RoLL~ for Brain-Injury!!!

Who wants to hear some exciting news?! Well, allow me to be the one to inform you... The fabulous folks over at the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts are hosting our first-annual "Walk and Roll" for Brain-Injury!

Clever name, isn't it? ;~}
Well, I can promise you this right now: the event is going
to be just as ~fun and fit~ as the name implies!!!

http://www.biama.org/walk

Sandra Madden, our Special-Events Coordinator, has pioneered the entire day. This is her first event in this new position; it would not have been possible, or even initiated without her. So, please join me in a little
Alpha Sigma Tau custom: 

❤Can we give some *SNAPS* to Sandra!?❤ 

Speaking of the necessity to dole-out some "snaps"...

As if their in-kind food donations and allowing us to utilize their stadium wasn't enough, FSU's very own Radio-Station, WDJM, will be there, not only to make announcements and offer-up their microphones for speaking, but also to
   >BUMP< those *BEATS* !!!   

Join us, won't you?? Now, I'm going to channel my inner
Elle Woods {from Legally Blonde}, but just switch-up one of
her lines: 

"Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy... Happy people are just way more *FUN* than
sad people... they just are!!!" 

*HAPPY \5th/ BiRTHDAY, "SKuLL-BABY" !!!

You know how this year [2015], has been filled with "Milestones" for me? Well, here's another one: Five years ago, I underwent the third&final surgery on my brain, to move the bone-flap out of my abdomen, and place it back inside my head (which we so appropriately deemed "the BIRTH of 'Skull~Baby'"!!)

{SKULL~BABY~TWINS!!! Sally Beach, way sweeter than a peach!} 

Performed by my second, incredibly adept Neurosurgeon, 

Dr. Mark Johnson, at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, this operation moved the bone-flap out of my abdomen, and placed it back into my skull, since the swelling had finally ceased. 

{Obviously, this photo was not taken immediately after final-operation... but there he is ~ my Second Brain_Angel!} 

Among many other factors, obviously including the first-responders, my surgeons, therapists, family, and friends... 

I would have to say that my *FAiTH* has given me strength and, most especially, hope! 

{My "Faith is a Victory" Precious~Moment} 

Everyone, take a few minutes to enjoy a song which is, without a doubt, one of the best descriptors of my journey with TBI! 

OVERCOMER ~ MUSiC-ViDEO

~>Leading By Example<~

Whether you know me on a "personal-level" or not, I think it's fair to say that you know that I love being a part of positive experiences! 

What began with one of my mom's co-workers asking if I would speak at her Insurance-Women's Group monthly meeting in March, resulted in my opportunity to be one of the Keynote-Speakers at their Annual-Conference. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to a lovely lady,
Kristin Camarra, who is President of Massachusetts Association of Insurance Women; it was she who asked if I would like to be a part of their Conference. Now, I wasn't expecting anything spectacularly out-of-the-ordinary about this speaking opportunity. But, then again, what's that they say: "...when you least expect it" !?

[No, your eyeballs are NOT playing tricks on you.. that is SNOW up there!]

I wasn't the only guest-speaker invited to share my story. Team-Members from
/|\ ~^~Ainsley's Angels~^~/|\ , Shaun Evans, along with his resilient, eight-year-old son, Shamus, compose the Power To Push faction of this outstanding organization.

We all were able to exercise our *CRAFTY~CRiTTeR~TENDENCiES* in a
Paint-Class, as well! 

{Mama~BeaR gettin' her >ART< on!!}

And finally, folks, the main reason why I was present for this Conference... to share my story of not merely "surviving", but >*THRiViNG*< !!!

Not "FOUR-YEARS" ... "FOR-LiFE" !!

HOW DID I GET *SO~LUCKY* !?!

Seriously, though... I am one tremendously fortunate gal. 

"Why this time?" you may be wondering ~ ~ ~

Well, for starters, this past Wednesday [3/25], my mom and I ventured down to New York - Marist to be exact - to take part in an event my fantASTic sorority-sisters were hosting in honor of this month, which of course is Brain-Injury Awareness Month. To say they simply "hosted" this exciting event would be a total understatement!!
 

These ~>Tremendous-Taus<~ planned, organized, and orchestrated the afternoon, from soliciting local business for raffle-prizes, to putting their fabulous flair on every, single decoration in the room. 

  

Greek-Council, the over-arching "umbrella" under which all sororities and fraternities are situated, votes once per semester which event they are going to deem
-MANDATORY- for all sisters and brothers to attend.
Well, you better believe it was OURS!!! =D ;~} =D

My extra-special advisers were there to support me, as well. An absolutely perfect "full-circle" type of moment, since I wouldn't have been introduced as 

"Our Alumnae Sister Ryan Farrell" if it wasn't for them!! 

Of course, I had to truly make it FULL of IMPACT, and bring all of my "props" I bring to all of my usual Survivor-Speeches. The oh-so *^*FANCY*^*, bedazzled, autographed crash-helmet I had to wear throughout my eleven weeks of rehab at Spaulding Hospital... ~{see below}~

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Not only was I the Speaker at our event, but I also acted as Auctioneer at the end!

~^~ My Lovely~Little, Kolbe & I ~^~

 

~*~TAU-PURPOSE~*~

... Miss America's bouquet doesn't have ANYTHING on my *ravishing roses* !! 

The official flower of AST is the  *Yellow~Rose*. Which is beyond fantASTic & perfect, since the yellow-rose, with its optimistic hue and general association with good cheer, is "the perfect way to toast friends, lift spirits and send a general wish for
well-being!" 

{As promised... here's the video!}

*BEAUTY* ~LOVES~ \^COUNTRY^/

Alrighty y'all ... get those *VOTiN'~FiNGERS* ready!!!

I honestly couldn't think of a better time for this competition to be happening. The first week of Brain-Injury Awareness Month...
Marching forward!!! ;~D

What's this competition I'm speaking of, you wonder? Well, it is the
"Beauty Loves Country" Mary Kay Makeover Contest.

The champion of this contest will win an exclusive fan experience to attend the 50th Annual Academy of Country Music® Awards. But, more importantly, a prize of $2,500 to my favorite charity benefiting
women and children!! <3

I don't think I have to go to great lengths to explain/reaffirm just how much I adore country-music and everything it encapsulates. This genre had always been my favorite, for as long as I can remember. However, that "favoritism" was only strengthened in the immediate aftermath of my TBI. I can even remember my older sister, Courtney, burning different CDs to bring into Spaulding Rehab Hospital during the Summer of 2010. Although I wasn't aware of much (if anything at all), I would still know all the words to every, single country-song she had chosen to include.

Additionally, country-music has just been a motivating factor to me all throughout, whether I am pushing through a cardio-session at the gym, or putting the "finessing-touches" on my Survivor-Speech outline.

From MARCH 2nd to MARCH 9th ~~~

Voting is open, five[5] - times per day, per account [Facebook+Twitter].
Here's the link; all you have to do is type: "Ryan F." into the search-bar at the tippity-top of the page!!! 

VOTE for *ME* !!! =D <3 =D

PROUD to BE... >*A-S-T*< !!!

Almost five years ago, I made a decision that I knew would positively influence my four-years as an undergrad: to "put myself out there", and go out for
Sorority-Recruitment at school. Little did I know then, that this would ultimately be one of the best decisions I have ever made thus far in my life. 

I proudly accepted the "bid" to begin the new-member process of Alpha Sigma Tau

~~~ Excitedly ready to start my journey towards sisterhood, I could not have ever imagined how big of a role ΑΣΤ would play in my collegiate career. Never did I think that I would be approached to be featured in the national newsletter! 

While I'll never forget any of my moments with my sisters, there is always one phrase in particular, which was said to all the new-members as we were just beginning the process: "It's not four-years ... it's for-life!" 

Alumnae *SPOTLiGHT* !!!

New Year ~~~ New {& IMPROVED} You!

Helen Keller once stated: "Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties."

I think we all can interpret that quote in a number of ways, actually. Firstly, in the tangible measurement of
+SUCCESS+ ... but then again, who really can be the judge of our own individual success? I feel that it's not only more realistic, but also more productive, to gauge one's success on his or her own terms.

Now folks, bear with me as I take you on a little journey down "Memory-Lane" of my *2014*. Because, after all, looking back in retrospect is an ideal way to look forward in anticipation!!  

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I reconnected with the first Speech-Therapist I ever worked with, the incredible Brenda Lovette. Back in May 2010, when I first arrived at Spaulding Rehab right out of the St. Francis ICU, Brenda helped me tremendously throughout those first few months of rehabilitation. I am so happy that I came "rediscovered" the sweetest card she had wrote for me as I was transitioning from Spaulding to Crotched Mountain Rehab at the beginning of August'10. 

All who know me are well-aware of my affinity for all things inspirational, especially poems or quotes! I am so happy I rediscovered this particular one! 

RyRy Lynne

February 11, 2014 ·

Keep calm, and put your *~PEARLS~* on ...

 — with Nicole Zuar and Erin Rebecca.

I had been waiting/anticipating again, since that summer, the semester when I would be able to become a "BiG" in my sorority. Well, on the first night of Recruitment, when all the freshmen ladies were taking that first-step towards becoming a member of Greek Life at Marist, I met my LiTTLE, Kolbe!
I knew, almost instantly, that she would fit-in perfectly with my Big, Big-Big, & Big-Big-Big, Nicole, Kady, and Erin!!! <3

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I <CELEBRATED> my *4th~Birthday* on April 18th. No, you didn't misinterpret the number I just wrote... it was my 4th~ALiVEDAY!!! Looking back on that day now makes me excited for what 4.5 months from now represents... 5 years _ HALF-a-DECADE!!!
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Saturday, May 24... a date which will forever be ingrained in my mind as one of the best, most fulfilling experiences of my life. I, Ryan Lynne Farrell, graduated from Marist College with a degree in Communications - Radio/TV/Film Concentration. Strolling (more like strutting) across that stage on my beautiful campus, family, classmates, friends, professors and advisers all looking on...talk about a ~RUSH~

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I was one of a group of individuals to be recognized by and honored at "A Night of Heroes", hosted by the
Lowell Spinners at a baseball-game this summer! 

The ever so lovely Laura Chagnon [lower-left],  a fellow survivor and a beautifully articulate poet, shared her words after this wonderful evening:Seven Stars
Upon this celebration of heroes,
there is a galaxy of stars. 
Seven sparkling lights gleaming, 
each one uniquely graced with its own aura.
Team Hoyt New England led by Rick Hoyt, 
the most noble of all soldiers.
Alicia, wounded warrior survivor, 
her heart aglow with this country’s pride.
Julie, confident and bold, 
a dove with tranquil eyes.
Ryan, soaring to the zenith with enthusiasm,
my spirit alive in her presence.
Jeremy, his power leaping forward, 
steel-clad brilliance, a comet in the sky.
Laura, a peaceful soul of sunshine, 
words emanating from her, 
purely compassionate.
The Hoyt Foundation, 
a legend of great dignity, 
momentously closing the night.
In this heavenly baseball game, 
God hung the moon and stars, 
a field of dreams in the dusk of this lovely summer eve."

How ENORMOUSLY lucky I was, to be recognized at the same time as those individuals! 

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Summer quickly dwindled, as Fall began briskly approaching. Only, this year, for the first-time in 18-years, I did not have school [or out-patient rehab] to attend.
What an adjustment that was!

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BIA-MA Annual-Appeal

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Anticipatory, Excited, Happy, Anxious [in a good way] ... those are just a few words that come to mind when envisioningmy  *2015* !!!