NE North Dakota News

Once someone has experienced a brain injury, it can be difficult for the survivor to communicate or explain how they feel. However, one project is assisting survivors in expressing their thoughts and emotions.

The Unmasking Brain Injury project was initiated in 2017 by the North Dakota Brain Injury Network (NDBIN) as part of a national campaign that began at Hinds Feet Farms, a North Carolina brain-injury camp. Participants have the opportunity to design a mask while sharing their story and educating people about living with a brain injury.

The national collection currently contains more than 1,500 masks virtually.

Carly Endres, senior project coordinator with NDBIN, has observed the impact creating masks has had on individuals. “Over the past seven years, more than 150 masks have been designed by individuals in North Dakota who have survived a brain injury — and their voices are powerful. This really is an opportunity to allow them to use their voice and experience in a different way."

“And it can be therapeutic, especially if they have had a hard time finding a way to express how they are feeling.”

The entire collection of plaster masks will be displayed at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences from Feb. 11-14 in the West Atrium. Masks may be viewed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during those four days. This is an opportunity for anyone to learn more about brain injury, and schools, students, families and other community groups are encouraged to visit the display.

“Since our collection of masks has grown, and with the fragile nature of the masks, it is rare we are able to display the complete collection,” Endres explained. “So this really is a unique opportunity for us and for others who want to learn more about brain injury.”

Each mask shares the first name of the survivor, their city of residence, a summary of how they received their injury and an explanation of the mask design. Masks are also featured every Monday on the NDBIN Facebook page. One recent mask shared displayed this information:

Name: Willi I.

Halladay, Twin Buttes

Brain Injury: Had it in my classroom when a student, Orlando S., saved my life. He told the secretary; she came and got me to the hospital.

Explanation of Mask:

My mask illustrates two sides of me.

One side is anger, hopelessness, alone and lost. I can’t teach anymore.

The other side is faith, happy and family. They love and support me.

I’m learning how to cope with emotions.

Unmasking events where survivors can create masks are held several times throughout the year in different parts of the state. All materials are provided free of charge. The next upcoming Unmasking event will be held in Bismarck on Feb. 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. Central at the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Library.

To RSVP for this event, contact Andrea Sailer, resource facilitator for NDBIN by email or call 701-777-3297.

Endres views this project as providing personal lifelines from survivors to others: “By combining therapy art and advocacy this project presents an entirely unique perspective on life with brain injury for survivors family caregivers professionals," she said."It is way really share unique experience emotions might otherwise been keeping inside themselves."

In February all 150 masks collection will displayed showing visual representation small percentage people living North Dakota experienced whether through traumatic acquired stroke exhibition allows others see persons living disability due deserving dignity respect compassion opportunity prove value citizens communities."

Groups schools community organizations like host Unmaking event should reach out NDBIN at 855-866-1884 more information."