Krempel Brain Injury Foundation Factsheet
Last updated: June 2008

About Us. The Krempels Brain Injury Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by traumatic brain injury and stroke. People who suffer a traumatic brain injury – and their caregivers – often find themselves isolated and facing radically new personal challenges.

Programs. Two programs are offered: An innovative and highly successful post-rehabilitation program, SteppingStones, and a support program for caregivers and SteppingStones members. At SteppingStones, members engage in a variety of functional activities that increase independence, encourage community reintegration and enhance life quality. The Family Support Program provides individual case management, support groups and resource assistance through referrals and grants to eligible NH residents.

History. The organization was founded in 1995 by David Krempels, who suffered a severe brain injury in an auto accident that also killed his wife. He received a sizeable jury award as compensation and used a portion of the funds to establish an emergency aid program for brain-injured N.H. residents. That program grew into SteppingStones and the Family Support Program. David Krempels continues to support the foundation, but is no longer involved in its day to day operation.

People. The Krempels Foundation is governed by a board of directors and administered by a paid staff of six. Volunteers are a big part of the organization. In 2006, 240 volunteers contributed more than 8,600 hours of their time. In addition, each semester 45 student interns from the University of New Hampshire assist the SteppingStones program. Seventy members are registered at SteppingStones. Average daily attendance is 35.

Finances. The 2008 annual budget is $275,000. Funds are raised from individual and corporate contributions, grants, and annual fund-raising events, such as the Runners Alley and Redhook Memorial 5K Road Race. It costs $4,840 a year, or $55 a day, for a brain-injury survivor to attend SteppingStones.

Location. Programs are based at the Community Campus, 100 Campus Drive, Portsmouth, NH 03801, (603) 433-9821.

Brain Injury Facts

How many. 1.5 million Americans sustain a brain injury each year.

Who. Traumatic brain injury is often described as the No. 1 killer and disabler of children, teens and young adults. Each year there are 3,000 deaths, 29,000 hospitalizations, and 400,000 visits to hospital emergency rooms by children and youth 14 and under because of traumatic brain injury. The deaths are 6 times the number the number of deaths related to HIV/AIDS, 20 times the number of deaths from asthma, and 38 times the number of deaths from cystic fibrosis. Males are almost twice as likely as females to sustain a brain injury.

Primary causes. Falls and motor vehicle crashes are the leading causes of traumatic brain injury.

In New Hampshire. In 2004, the most recent year statistics were available, 4,323 New Hampshire residents suffered a traumatic brain injury.

FACT SHEET, printer-friendly version -   Adobe Acrobat required.