Brain Stories

Our mission at UBA is to empower every individual living with a Brain Story and to support innovative research for a cure. We feel a “cure” is about courage, willpower, endurance, and acceptance. We aim to cure brain illnesses by empowering individuals and reassuring them they’re not alone, by uniting them to share their stories, struggles, and determinations. Here are some of our empowered Brain Stories.

  • Brooke is 26, with a degree in Social Work and a passion for visual art. Her mental health journey began during childhood, and she has experienced periods of depression since then. Brooke’s upbringing steered her away from dealing with the issue.

  • Meet Steph, a 25-year-old social media manager, and content creator. She is a high-functioning individual who has always been good at completing tasks requiring periods of immense focus. She is charming, witty, and a great conversationalist. At 17, Steph was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder. 

  • Deborah Hunt reached out to UBA and wholeheartedly shared her story of her husband’s life and his tragic diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease. She notes how both his parents had it and that both herself and David were their caregivers until they passed. 

  • Peter Marshall was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at age 53 in 2018 after his wife and caregiver, Lisa, noticed his memory issues and cognitive decline. Within just three years his disease progressed aggressively, requiring around-the-clock care.

  • Meet Joshua McCune. Josh’s brain story is an inspirational one filled with courage and resilience. Nearly three years ago, Josh was in a horrific motorcycle accident resulting in severe physical injuries and a less tangible but equally severe traumatic brain injury.

  • Mike Rubesch is a father, husband, and a successfully retired soccer coach. Unfortunately, Mike is also afflicted by Corticobasal Degeneration, also referred to as Early Onset Dementia. In 2012, Mike’s daughter Justine explained that he began to exhibit signs of spatial disorientation and other minor cognitive issues.

  • Collin's Brain Story encompasses the passion and drive of an ambitious young man who also happens to be living with Tourette's Syndrome. Collin took some time to speak with the United Brain Association about the challenges he faces and some of his accomplishments and goals.

  • Meet Kaelyn! This vibrant young girl’s Brain Story is one about living with Autism and Epilepsy. While roughly 2% of the U.S. population has been diagnosed with Autism, it has been observed that more than 75% of those diagnosed have four or more other diagnosed conditions on average.

  • Meet Rowan! This delightful young boy makes his appearance in our Brain Story series as our youngest contributor yet. Rowan's Brain Story is about living with Angelman syndrome, a neuro-genetic disorder occurring in one in 15,000 live births or 500,000 people worldwide.

  • My name is Julie Dukes, and I am 51 years old. I grew up in a small rural town in Iowa.  I lived in Connecticut for 15 years, where I raised my two amazing boys. Five years ago, I reunited with my High School sweetheart, and I moved back to Iowa. Proudly, I have been a critical care nurse for thirty years. 

You Are Not Alone

For you or a loved one to be diagnosed with a brain or mental health-related illness or disorder is overwhelming, and leads to a quest for support and answers to important questions. UBA has built a safe, caring and compassionate community for you to share your journey, connect with others in similar situations, learn about breakthroughs, and to simply find comfort.

United Brain Association

Make a Donation, Make a Difference

We have a close relationship with researchers working on an array of brain and mental health-related issues and disorders.  We keep abreast with cutting-edge research projects and fund those with the greatest insight and promise.  Please donate generously today; help make a difference for your loved ones, now and in their future.                                                                 

The United Brain Association – No Mind Left Behind

Share Your Story

If you have an experience, a story, or someone in your life you want to recognize for their strength and willpower, please share it with us. We want to hear from you because listening is part of healing.

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