RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — "North Carolina State University junior Charlotte Fullbright remembers her grandfather for his smile and his optimism, despite a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and struggling to speak. He really had limited speech and limited mobility my entire life, but he was still one of the most inspirational, kind, positive people I’ve ever met,” she recalls. Fullbright knows struggling with aphasia, a communication disorder that affects the use of language, made life difficult for him".
Maintain Your Brain NC "integrated live music into this fundraiser due to music’s impact on aphasia patients. “Something fascinating is that some people with aphasia have actually been able to sing more easily than they can speak,” (Charlotte) Fullbright said. “And sometimes that's because it has a connection to like a past memory, or it has a connection to a part of the brain that wasn't damaged. And it really brings people to life sometimes.” (John) Meitzen (Professor, College of Biological Sciences and Coordinator of the Integrative, Physiology and Neurobiology (IPN) Concentration) said localization of function is to thank for this phenomenon as well. “Essentially, what's happening there is that there's a part of the brain that's being activated that either isn't damaged or doesn't have as much damage as one of the other parts that's causing the aphasia,” Meitzen said.
“I hope that [the attendees] have a fun day, they enjoy time with friends and enjoy the music, but I hope they also learn something too,” Fullbright said. “Neurological health really affects almost everyone. We all know someone who has been affected by traumatic brain injury. I hope that they learned something new and that they're able to go out and have a more accepting and understanding point of view.”
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — "A stroke took her grandfather’s ability to speak, but an N.C. State University student has become a voice for others facing neurological issues. "
“Fullbright says her passion for neurological health began with her witnessing her grandfather’s experience with aphasia, a neurological condition that leaves victims unable to communicate through speech. My grandfather had a stroke when he was 55 that left him paralyzed on the right side of his body and aphasic. The organization that this event is benefiting is called the Triangle Aphasia Project, and they help people with aphasia. … He was a huge NC State fan. He was an NC State grad, which is why I'm really proud to be able to do it here.”
"The Maintain Your Brain Battle of the Bands increases awareness of mental health, stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injury and concussion. On April 15, more than 300 people gathered to raise money for the Triangle Aphasia Project."
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — " The Maintain Your Brain Battle of the Bands brought out more than 300 people and raised more than $13,000 for the Triangle Aphasia Project, according to event organizer and N.C. State student, Charlotte Fullbright. "
"Maintain Your Brain was founded by NC State student Charlotte Fullbright, a second-year studying integrative physiology and neurobiology. The money raised at this year's Battle of the Bands was used to increase awareness of mental health, stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injury, and concussion."
"One would be hard-pressed to find a family that has not been impacted by a neurological disorder—stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, migraine, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, just to name a few. For high school student Charlotte Fullbright, it is her grandfather. With her grandfather, family and teammates in mind, Fullbright was inspired to start up an event that would raise awareness for neurological health."
"Raleigh high school student plans Battle of the Bands fundraiser to raise money, awareness of brain health" By Sarah Lindenfeld Hall, Go Ask Mom editor
"Must Go-To Event" By Maia Stewart, Reporter
"Battle of the Bands held at Broughton High School in Raleigh", March 23, 2019
"Broughton sophomore Charlotte Fullbright organized the Maintain Your Brain Battle of the Bands fundraiser to support The Triangle Aphasia Project. Six area high school bands competed and raised over $20,000. "
"This event came together from the idea and the follow-through of a young person. We hope that Saturday is a big success, that many people in our community are helped as a result, and perhaps that some will be inspired to use our time and our talent to help others."
By Dr. Todd Harris
The 1st annual Maintain Your Brain Battle of the Bands was held March 23 on the front lawn of Broughton High School to increase awareness of brain health issues including stroke, dementia and concussion.
Copyright © 2018 Maintain Your Brain NC - All Rights Reserved.