In recognition of National Brain Donation Awareness Day – May 7

safEAdm1in • May 28, 2025

“A single brain donation can impact generations—offering answers, improving care, and turning one family’s pain into another’s hope.”

At the Jimmy Simpson Foundation, we are committed to providing exceptional long-term care for brain injury survivors through our Safehaven residential program and related outreach within the community. By understanding the daily challenges faced by individuals living with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their families we are able to provide support and increase awareness. 

We know caring for today means learning for tomorrow.

Each year on May 7, we recognize National Brain Donation Awareness Day, a time to honor those who make the extraordinary decision to donate their brain to science. Their legacy fuels vital research and paves the way for medical breakthroughs that will benefit generations to come.

What Is Brain Donation?

Brain donation allows scientists to study the effects of injury, disease, and aging on the brain. It’s not for transplant—it’s for research. These donations are essential to advancing our understanding of:

  • TBI and other acquired brain injuries
  • Pediatric and adult stroke
  • Disorders of consciousness
  • Dementia, Parkinson’s, and more

For families who have experienced the struggles of severe brain injury, this decision can offer purpose in the midst of grief. It turns loss into legacy.

Why Does Brain Donation Matter to the Brain Injury Community?

Without brain donation, many of the advances in brain injury rehabilitation, diagnostics, and care simply wouldn’t be possible. 

Researchers rely on these gifts to:

  • Understand how brain injuries evolve over time
  • Create better treatments for cognition, behavior, and movement
  • Offer factual resources for caregivers and families of those affected by TBI
  • Inform best practices in 24-hour traumatic brain injury care

At JSF, this aligns directly with our mission to deliver quality care, expand brain injury community outreach, and advocate for TBI research through our Foundations for the Future initiative.

 A Legacy of Healing

Choosing to donate is a deeply personal decision. But for many families, it becomes a way to honor their loved one’s, and keep spirit alive—ensuring their story makes a difference. It’s a final act of love that opens the door to understanding, empathy, and hope.

Join Us in Moving Brain Injury Care Forward

As a dedicated 501(c)(3) organization, we invite you to get involved in advancing research and compassionate care:

A blue heart is on a white background.Make a donation to  support our mission and expansion

Three books are stacked on top of each other on a white background.Learn more about brain donation through  The Brain Donor Project

A red flag is sitting on top of a green golf course.Support our annual golf and clay shoot fundraisers or volunteer with our team

A pair of yellow hands making a heart shape on a white background.Help us spread awareness throughout Northwest Georgia and beyond

Together, we can ensure that individuals living with brain injuries are not only supported—but also seen, studied, and understood.

A dart is hitting the center of a red and white target.Join us for the Targets for TBI Clay Shoot!

Friday, June 6, 2025 | Garland Mountain Sporting Clays, Waleska, GA

Support the expansion of The Jimmy Simpson Foundation and make a difference for individuals living with traumatic brain injuries.

A gray chain link icon on a white background.  Register, donate, or sponsor at givebutter.com/c/jsfclay25

A blue ribbon with a drawing of an angel on a blue background.
By safEAdm1in June 18, 2025
Beyond the Battlefield: Understanding PTSD in the Brain Injury Community In recognition of PTSD Awareness Day – June 27 “Healing from a brain injury isn’t just physical—it’s emotional. PTSD can be part of that journey, and no one should face it alone.” At the Jimmy Simpson Foundation, we often say that healing from a brain The post Beyond the Battlefield: Understanding PTSD in the Brain Injury Community appeared first on Jimmy Simpson Foundation.
Brain injured man and female volunteer plant flowers.
By Stephanie Freeman April 7, 2025
Because Showing Up Changes Everything At The Jimmy Simpson Foundation, we often say that healing begins with connection. But connection doesn’t just happen—it’s built by people who choose to show up. They show up with open hearts, listening ears, and helping hands. They show up to remind survivors, caregivers, and families navigating life after The post Celebrating National Volunteer Month at The Jimmy Simpson Foundation & Safehaven appeared first on Jimmy Simpson Foundation.
Disorders of Consciousness Conference
By safEAdm1in February 7, 2025
When: March 25-26, 2025 Where: Clarence Brown Conference Center | Cartersville, GA The Disorders of Consciousness Conference is coming to Cartersville, Georgia, and we invite you to be a part of this groundbreaking event! With easy access from both Chattanooga and Atlanta airports, this conference offers an incredible opportunity to gainvaluable education, connect with experts, The post Join Us for the Inaugural Disorders of Consciousness Conference! appeared first on Jimmy Simpson Foundation.
A lit candle is sitting on a table with a wreath of leaves.
By safEAdm1in December 23, 2024
The holidays are one of those magical times when everything is merry and bright but sometimes everything that’s merry and bright reminds us of everything that’s different. In between the parties and the lights and the gift giving, sometimes the memory of what was compared to the reality of what is, is a lot to The post How To Navigate The Holidays As a First-Time TBI Caregiver appeared first on Jimmy Simpson Foundation.
A young boy is throwing a football to his father.
By safEAdm1in November 7, 2024
The crisp fall air is back and if you’re from the South, you know this means football season! While we love watching sports and our kids love playing them, it’s important to remember how common sports-related injuries are so we can help keep our kids safe. Some injuries are obvious like a cut, or a The post Concussions & Sports: Tips For Protecting Your Kids appeared first on Jimmy Simpson Foundation.
A man is holding a woman 's hand while sitting at a table.
By safEAdm1in September 27, 2024
It is not uncommon for families of people living with TBI to get caught up in the daily tasks of caring for their loved one. While loving a family member with TBI is always an honor, sometimes keeping up with daily routines and tasks is difficult. Add in doctor’s appointments, tests, physical therapy, etc and The post 5 Ways You Can Support Your Friend in the TBI Community appeared first on Jimmy Simpson Foundation.
A man is holding his head because he has a headache.
By safEAdm1in July 11, 2024
Summer is here! The kids are out of school and everyone is outside walking, playing, and being active. We love to see everyone enjoying the warmer weather but with increased activity comes the increase of potential accidents. Like it or not, some things can’t be avoided but the good news is, you can be prepared! The post 5 Signs of A Traumatic Brain Injury appeared first on Jimmy Simpson Foundation.
A boy scout and resident Kim are sitting at a table building a birdhouse.
By safEAdm1in May 30, 2024
As we wrap up a beautiful month of warm weather and exciting events, we wanted to take a moment and share a testimony from one of the people that makes SafeHaven so special. Our volunteers not only contribute a meaningful presence to our residents, they find enjoyment and meaning for themselves too.  Volunteering at SafeHaven The post Volunteer Spotlight: Eli Bowman appeared first on Jimmy Simpson Foundation.
long-term care resident in a wheelchair is looking at a chimpanzee through a glass window.
By safEAdm1in April 22, 2024
This year the Jimmy Simpson Foundation has been blessed with the opportunity to do many events! When we reflect on these beautiful opportunities and plan for upcoming events, we are reminded of why we started to do things like this in the first place. While these reasons live with us everyday, we wanted to take The post Why We Do Events appeared first on Jimmy Simpson Foundation.