Nonprofit helps launch New York Fashion Week 2022

The International Academy for the Brain, a brain injury special education program, kicked off New York Fashion week with a student-led fashion show called the “iCAN Do Anything Fashion Show” on Sept. 8. Students with the nonprofit, also known as iBrain, were able to showcase their uniquely designed clothing, all while raising funds to support research for special education and programmatic needs for students with brain-based disorders. 

"Our children are all so uniquely different and a gift to all of us,” said Linda Cohen, the mother of Marco, an iBrain student and fashion show participant. “At iBRAIN, our kids are not only educated, but also celebrated, and that was clearly evident here tonight for all the world to see. I could not be prouder of Marco and the entire iBRAIN organization.”

iBrain is one of the largest brain injury special education programs in the country, with campuses in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Research efforts hope to establish best practices for students with brain-based disorders. More than 765,000 youth are treated in the U.S. each year for brain injuries, with over 80,000 of them hospitalized. Upwards of 11,000 die. 

“Tonight was a spectacular one. Creative fashion, dedicated compassion, and the creativity of our students came together for one priceless evening” said Patrick Donohue, founder and chair of iBRAIN.

“This event was more than just entertainment; it was essential in allowing us to continue our passionate, detailed and specialized work in brain injury research and student support. I am so proud of all of our students who participated and our staff who have worked tirelessly by their sides!”