New Tampa rehab facility to open for brain injury patients

TAMPA --

A new facility in Tampa will provide people who are recovering from strokes and brain injuries a different way to rehabilitate.

One of those people is Abby Blackburn, who suffered a brain injury over five years ago that took part of her memory. Michael, her husband of 28 years, became her teacher, but even with his help Abby wants more.

"She doesn't feel like she has a place or a purpose outside in the world, and I see Clubhouse as providing something like that," Michael Blackburn said.

Clubhouse is a branch of the non-profit Synapse House, which will open its first Tampa location next week. Deborah Giesler is the founder and director of Synapse House. She has spent 20 years working as a therapist with brain injury patients.

"A lot of times after a person has a brain injury or a stroke, they are not able to go back to work again, she said. And so what do they do? And given that most people who are injured are young, they're 20-40 years old, you're looking at a lifetime of not really having that focus again."

St. Clement's Episcopal Church was looking for a way to give back to the community when they found the Clubhouse. Now, some of their property will be used to help people suffering from brain injuries and stroke.

"In my line of work I get involved in hospital care and stuff like that and see both sides of the equation, both the illness side and the care side, and to see both of those come together it's a wonderful thing to see and to have available to the community, said Fr. Andrew Heyes, who serves as the rector at St. Clements Episcopal Church.

The Clubhouse is for patients who have already received medical treatment and rehabilitation. Since there is no cure, it is a way for them to continue to develop their skills.

Under Gieslers guidance, members will learn to answer the phones, write newsletters, cook, and run the non-profit.

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New Tampa rehab facility to open for brain injury patients