Aaron Harvie backs Beanies for Brain Injury

Monday, 11th of July, 2011

Aaron Harvie, former contestant of Network Ten’s Master Chef competition, has joined forces with author, carer, and brain injury crusader Cheryl Koenig and her son Jonathan to help raise awareness and funds for Australians affected by Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).

Over 1.6 million Australians are estimated to be affected by ABI (World Health Organisation, 2007). ABI, also referred to as the ‘silent epidemic’, is a major global health issue with estimates of over 1 billion people affected annually.

Now Brain Injury Associations across Australia have joined forces to increase Brain Injury Awareness nationally with a fun new campaign called “BANGONABEANIE”.

BANGONABEANIE.com.au is about buying a beanie and wearing it in the lead up to and during Brain Injury Awareness Week (15-21 August). You can shop online from anywhere in Australia at http://bangonabeanie.com.au. Wear it for yourself, your family, friends or colleagues.

ABI is any brain damage acquired after birth and the most common causes in Australia are from motor vehicle accidents (60%), falls (30%), violence, work and sport related incidents. ABI can also arise from stroke, cancer, tumours, degenerative diseases, drug and alcohol abuse.

Aaron Harvie, known for wearing a beanie on national television, is also happy to bang on a beanie for this good cause particularly as it has a personal meaning for him. Aaron’s uncle suffered from Acquired Brain Injury as a result of brain cancer.

“ABI not only affects those who suffer from Acquired Brain Injury but also the lives of those who care for them. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating effects this can have on people’s lives I am happy to lend my voice to those who often suffer in silence. I hope people across the nation will get behind this cause and BANGONABEANIE during Brain Injury Awareness Week,” said Aaron.

ABI in some cases is preventable particularly in the case of motor vehicle accidents.

“60% of Australians with ABI acquire their brain injury as a result of motor vehicle accidents, so making roads safer should be every Australian’s priority. You never think that this type of incident can happen to you, but it can happen to anyone at anytime. Every time you get behind the wheel of a car, you should stop and think that you have a lethal weapon in your hands – so no speeding, no driving fatigued, and no distractions like mobile phones,” said Cheryl Koenig BANGONABEANIE Ambassador.

After her 12 year old son was hit by a car, Cheryl Koenig supported her son in his recovery. Jonathan would never be the same again, battling grave odds and the medical prediction that he would remain in a ‘vegetative state’. With the support of his family Jonathan Koenig – determined to aid his own recovery - not only learnt to eat, walk and talk again but ride a bike, run, ski, drive and works 5 days a week in 4 part-time jobs.  

“I want people to understand what it’s like to have an ABI. I want them to know that it’s all right to be a bit broken, because everybody is broken in some way,” said Jonathan Koenig BANGONABEANIE Ambassador.

ABI can cause mobility problems, sensory loss, fatigue, epilepsy, speech and language difficulties. Problems may also arise with thinking skills, such as memory and concentration, and changes in emotions, behaviour and personality.

According to Jennifer Cullen BANGONABEANIE’s spokesperson and CEO of Synapse, current figures dramatically bring home the need for Australians to be more aware of the risks they take, of the impact on the community, and the need for education and support services.  

“Current statistics are so high as are the complex needs of those people having to live with Acquired Brain Injury so our Associations are striving to raise awareness and funds, to provide essential services to those affected, while promoting prevention where possible” said Ms Cullen.

To support the BANGONABEANIE campaign buy a beanie at http://bangonabeanie.com.au

For Free information about ABI visit http://synapse.org.au. To receive information call the Community Response Service on ph: 07 3137 7400 or 1800 673 074 (free call outside Brisbane) or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .