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Fundraiser to support brain injury and stroke victims

Synapse House, a nonprofit established in 2011, is raising funds to establish a center in the suburbs for those affected by brain injury and stroke.

The clubhouse will be the only one of its kind in the Chicago suburbs where, outside of short-term hospital and rehabilitation care, members can continue to relearn life skills that are often affected by their injury or stroke, organizers say. While filling roles that involve cooking, repairs, writing and member outreach, the clubhouse will help give its members the chance to feel productive and engaged.

Carmelina Concialdi, 43, of Niles, said it's also a place where members get to interact. Concialdi suffered a traumatic brain injury at 12 when she was hit by a car near her Niles home. Since then, Concialdi has had some speech and walking challenges.

“I've had to make a lot of adjustments after all this time, all these years,” she said.

Patricia Zinski of Wheaton, believes the center will be a great help to her husband, too. Chris Zinski, 52, experienced a brain aneurysm while working at his Chicago law office in 2012.

Before his aneurysm, Chris Zinski was in great health, competing in triathlons and running 10K fun runs.

“He went from being a very, very smart guy to being someone with a lot of challenges, physical and cognitive,” Patricia Zinski said.

Once acute rehabilitation is over, Patricia Zinski and families like hers are often left to deal with the long-term challenges alone.

Deborah Giesler, a Chicago resident and executive director of the Synapse House, hopes the clubhouse will change that. Synapse House is hosting a Nov. 6 gala at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oakbrook to jump-start a campaign aimed at raising $2 million to purchase and operate a clubhouse for those affected by brain injury and stroke in the Chicago suburbs. Tickets cost $75 for the event.

The Synapse House is also in need of donors, board members and volunteers. Giesler is looking to connect with more families affected by brain injury and stroke as well. As a former speech therapist, she has seen firsthand the struggle families go through. Those affected by brain injuries and stroke often have memory challenges meaning they can wander and get lost or turn the stove on and walk away.

“That's the toll on the families.” she said. “The families are always on, they always have to watch.”

By giving its members a place to be, she believes the clubhouse will provide families a respite, too.

Until the nonprofit establishes a center, the group is currently meeting at a church in Wheaton. So far, Concialdi said she's learned how to use Excel to keep track of donations. She also likes to keep others in good spirits.

“We work together,” she said. “We help each other out.”

To attend a meeting or for more information on how to help, contact Deborah Giesler at deborah@synapsehouse.org or call (877) 932-1120, or visit www.synapsehouse.org.

With traumatic brain injury comes a tale of hope

At a Glance

<span class="fact box text bold">What: </span>Synapse House Gala

<span class="fact box text bold">When:</span> 6 p.m. Nov. 6

<span class="fact box text bold">Where:</span> Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook

<span class="fact box text bold">Cost:</span> $75 per person, includes light dinner, open bar and auction

<span class="fact box text bold">Information:</span> Tickets can be purchased at www.synapsehouse.org

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