Raising awareness of brain-injured

Raymond Ruru with his daughter Dyani Ruru at the Lakefront earlier this year. Photo / Supplied

Around eight years ago, Raymond Ruru suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car crash that changed his and his family's lives forever.

This weekend, they want to bring attention to the plight of brain injury sufferers and their families at a special Brain Injury Awareness Day being held at the Lakefront.

Raymond's sister Te Rina Ruru and the rest of his family have set up and run the New Zealand Brain Injury Support Network which helps let those people and their families know they are not alone and raise awareness for all involved.

Miss Ruru said her aunty also had an acute brain injury after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

"The ripple effect on our whanau has been devastating. We have tried to seek help but there was nothing anyone could do. We suffered behind closed doors.

Raymond Ruru with his daughter Dyani Ruru at the Lakefront earlier this year. Photo / Supplied

"We thought we would step up and provide some support to other families so they don't feel alone.

"This event has been a community event and the community fundraised for it. Our speakers are doing it for free, one is even flying over from the United States and is a leading expert in the field."

Miss Ruru said Professor Barry Willer from Buffalo University will speak about the impact of brain injuries, the ripple effect on families, and highlight their mission to raise awareness of brain injury in New Zealand.

The family have also set up a Facebook page - NZ Brain Injury Support Network - for brain injury survivors and their loved ones. "Brain injuries do not discriminate, they can happen to anyone at anytime, anywhere. It is a life-changing event that can affect every aspect of an individual's life. The effect on families can be devastating as they grieve for their loved one, and learn to love the new."

Brain Injury Awareness Day

* Saturday from 11am to 3pm at the Rotorua Lakefront

* Guest speakers Professor Barry Willer and Phil Morse

* Live entertainment, education and awareness stalls, food, spot prizes