Headline Magazine: Winter 2010 Issue

8/7/2019 Headline Magazine: Winter 2010 Issue

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/headline-magazine-winter-2010-issue 1/24

MY LIFE NOWJamie Chubaty’s

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For the Loveof Mary

Story Page 13

BRITISH COLUMBIA’S VOICE FOR THE BRAIN INJURY COMMUNITY Winter 2010



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BERNIE SIMPSON C.M. E. ANTHONY THOMAS MemberOrderofCanada DealingextensivelywithMotorVehicle RecipientoftheQueen’sJubileeMedal AccidentCasesforover15years

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We can help you get your lie back on track.

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Surrey/Delta Ofce604-591-88857253 - 120th St.,Delta, B.C. V4C 6P5www.simpsonthomas.com

BRAIN DAMAGE • QUADRIPLEGIA & PARAPLEGIA • WRONGFUL DEATH • HEAD INJURY • SPINAL CORD • WHIPLASH

Major ICBC Injury Claim Lawyers Who CareDEALING EXCLUSIVELY WITH MOTOR VEHICLE CLAIMS FOR CLOSE TO 40 YEARS

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grateulness & appreciation never to be orgotten”

Katherine V. (mother of a child who suffered a severe brain injury)



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Message from the EditorJanelle Breese Biagioni

Seasons Greetings!

Headline is also available

in PDF format.

If you would like a copy sent

to your email address

contact Mary Lou by email at:

[email protected]

Please add Headline to the subject line

In the next few months, given Premier GordonCampbell’s resignation, British Columbians will behearing a great deal about politics. Regardless ofone’s choice of political party, or what any of our

personal opinions about Mr. Campbell are, everyone of us has this responsibility… we need to keepspreading the word about the good work that isbeing done in the brain injury community and showpoliticians how investing into services, supports andresources for brain injury survivors is an excellentreturn on tax payer dollars. Every association andsupport group in this province knows someonewho has exceeded medical expectations and is aninspiration in their community… call them up andask for a story that you can share with your localMLA and start writing letters. We can continue to

make a difference in those living with the outcomeof a brain injury; however, it does require they haveaccess to programs and services and that requiresmoney. Do your part to keep the decision-makersinformed of what’s needed.

In this issue, Headline features an informative articleon the use of iPhones as a way to enhance day-to-day functioning for survivors. Written from the teamat Ergo Rehabilitation Inc., readers will learn aboutthe various applications to assist in scheduling,budgeting, grocery shopping and even navigatingyour way around town. The iPhone is not just aphone; it is a very exciting tool for anyone to have.

This issue also brings information about thecontinued good work of the Maple Ridge BrainInjury Support Group and the Victoria Brain InjurySociety.

Finally, we are weeks away from the holidays. Thistime of year can be extremely stressful nancially,emotionally, and physically. It is my hope that yound ways to reduce stress and be conscious ofpacing yourself, be aware of your expectations, andincorporate some fun into your life every day.

From our house to yours… we wish you a safe and joyous holiday season!

SudokuThe rules of Sudoku are simple. Place a digit

from 1 to 9 in each empty cell so every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

Solution on page 19

9 1 8 4 3

8 4

7 4 5 3 9 2 6

1 8 5 9 3 5 8 9 1 3 6 2

9 2 4 7 8

4 3 7 8 5 9 1

4 8

9 5 2 1 3



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headline is published quarterly by

Mike Rossiter

5851 Kittiwake Drive

Richmond, BC V7E 3P1

•

Editor

Janelle Breese Biagioni

2031 Gourman Pl

Victoria, BC V9B 6A9

Email: [email protected]

•

HEADLINE welcomes letters and relevant

articles for publication, and reserves the right to

edit any accepted submissions for clarity and length. A

signature, address, and telephone number are required.

Please contact Janelle Breese Biagioni

for copy deadlines.

•

Mike Rossiter and HEADLINE editors take no

responsibility for, nor do they necessarily agree

with, the opinions contained in articles, letters

or advertising.

Contact Janelle Breese Biagioni

at 250-592-4460 for information.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS?We would like to keep our

mailing list up-to-date!

If you have moved or would like tobe on the mailing list, please

contact Mary Lou at: 604-274-1251or email her at: mlr@te lu s. ne t

(Please put HEADLINE in subject line of email)

40981507

Helene Levasseur Charron Twenty-one years ago, Helene Levasseur Charronhad an incredible career as a Trade and ConsumerShow Manager. She specialized in sales and mar-keting, and enjoyed planning events in places suchas the Vancouver Trade and Convention Center andBC Place Stadium.

On August 20, 1989, while taking some time torelax and enjoy a day of golng, Helene’s life tooka bizarre twist. The golf cart she was riding brokedown. It rolled backwards and sent her careeningoff the side of a mountain. She spent three weeks ina coma following the crash

Helene’s rst language is French. When she cameout of the coma, she no longer spoke her nativelanguage. In fact, when her mother visited her in thehospital and spoke to her in French, Helene askedthat she please speak in English. Helene reportsthat her English was not very good; nonetheless,

she no longer could speak or understand French.Helene remained in the hospital for three monthsand remembers how scattered her thoughts wereand how unpredictable her emotions were. “I would just start laughing and then crying… one to theother.”

Helene also lost her senses of taste and smell.“They are still gone,” she states. “I was extremelyfatigued and I lost my ability to focus and concen-trate. My balance, vision and hearing were alsotemporarily impaired and I lost my common sense.”

In essence, Helene had lost any lters that wouldhelp her determine what was or was not appropri-ate to share with others. Helene was no longer ableto play the guitar or even sing the songs that shehad written. “I have since been able to relearn toplay the guitar and I do sing as well; however, I can’tremember the words to the songs… I can sing thetune, but I can’t sing the words from memory.”

When reecting on the early days of her recovery,Helene shared that she made one of the biggest de-cisions of her life during that time. She reconnected

with her childhood friend when he came to visit herfour months after the accident. He asked her tomarry him. Her response was simply, “Okee dokee.”They married ten months later. “We just celebratedour 20th wedding anniversary,” she happily chimes.“It’s simply amazing, but we are still together!”

Helene is the organizer of Holy Wow Poets and a member of the Maple Ridge Brain Injury Group.To learn more about Holy Wow Poets, visit: www.meetup.com/holy-wow-poets/



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Maple Ridge and neighbouring Pitt Meadows oc-

cupy the northeast corner of Metro Vancouver.

Bordered by rivers and mountains, the area has

been somewhat isolated from the rest of Metro Van-

couver and has retained much of its rural charm.

Growth has been rapid in recent years, though,and the two communities together will soon be

approaching 100,000 residents. With new bridges

over the Pitt and Fraser rivers, access to the region

has improved. For those relying on transit, howev-

er, it is still a long journey to reach the facilities and

services not available locally.

The Maple Ridge Brain Injury Support Group has

been meeting monthly at various locations in Maple

Ridge for about the past 15 years. It is a self help,

peer support group for adult survivors of acquired

brain injury and their families. The purposes of the

group are to provide opportunities for socialisa-

tion, peer support, education, and referral to other

resources. Some members of the group attend reg-

ularly and meet for activities outside the group, oth-

ers attend from time to time, and some just come

once or twice to receive information about ABI and

other resources. In addition to monthly meetings,

the group has occasional special events such as

bowling, barbeques, and trips to brain injury confer-

ences. We have been fortunate to have a variety ofvolunteer guest speakers attend the group. These

have included various healthcare and rehabilitation

practitioners, as well as representatives from local

recreational, educational, and religious facilities.

The greatest resource of the group is, of course,

its members. The support and understanding of

someone who has shared one’s experience is a

powerful thing. Survivors and family members are

often surprised and relieved to nd that others have

gone through what they are going through, and can

take hope and inspiration from the example of oth-

ers.

Our group is grateful to the many people and agen-

cies who have lent us a hand. To mention a few:the Maple Ridge Family Education & Support Cen-

tre has donated our comfortable meeting space,

ICBC has provided funding and referrals, and the

Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association hosted us for

Christmas dinner and has kindly helped out in other

ways.

As the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows region continues

to grow, we are hopeful more services will be estab-

lished locally in support of ABI survivors.

If you would like more information about the Maple Ridge Brain Injury Support Group, please contact:

Maple Ridge Brain Injury Support Group PO Box 52507 RPO Coquitlam Centre Coquitlam, BC V3B 7J4

Tel.: 604 944-9030

Maple Ridge Brain Injury Support Group

For more information, contact:Barri Marlatt or

Lorenzo Oss-Cech

Personal Injury & Insurance Law

You’re in Good Hands.Our oal is to assist our clients by obtainin

fundin for all of their immediate needs

in order to maimize their otential for

recovery, while we roceed toward

obtainin settlement or judment that

allows a sustainable and encourain

new future.

#1-505 Fisgard Street

Victoria, BC V8W 1R3

250.360.2500

www.hom-law.com



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Selected from twelve years of post-head injury diaryentries, this eclectic collection gives a glimpse into thethoughtful post head injured mind at work. From star-tling honesty to lighthearted opinion, be inspired by thisthoughtful gift.

Among old cardboard boxes that obstructed my clean-

ing frenzy this winter, I was surprised to nd my diarythat included several entries I made during my years oftraumatic head injury rehabilitation and recovery. Afterreading some of the more memorable entries out loud,I was convinced this was something other head injurysurvivors could take part in and hopefully be inspired by.

Being uncertain about where my life was going at thetime, it is comforting to look back on who I was. Mystory is not the whole story, only what I remember. I havedecided to begin this series of diary excerpts startingwith an entry from my wife at the time of the accident.The included excerpt is her rst one entered the day ofthe accident, June 1, 1998. These entries now provide

me with a forum to share thoughts and experiences withother head injury survivors.

June 1/1998

Ater returning rom the concourse o my ofce build-ing with my coee and my mufn to start my Monday morning, I received a phone call rom Greg’s highschool principal, Derek Kirkland, asking me i Greg was home sick. It was 9:30am and Greg should have arrived at work over an hour earlier. I knew immediately that something was wrong. Greg is never late or anything especially work. As I hung up the phone another call appeared on

my display, this one rom the Ontario Provincial police.I answered in a sot voice, unsure o what was about to unold; I had a eeling the situation was bad. The ofcer immediately asked i there was someone else with me that he could speak to. All he would tell me was that there had been an accident involving my husband. My co-worker,Leanne, took the phone rom my shaking hand; the o- fcer would not confrm whether Greg was going to make it or not. While Leanne spoke to the police ofcer, I searched my day timer to fnd my ather-in-law Norman’s phone number at his dental ofce. Cathy, my mother-in-law and Norman’s hygenist, answered in a cheery voice and I

told them to promise to go to Sunnybrook Medical Centre, that Greg had been involved in a very serious car accident.

The cab ride to Sunnybrook seemed to take hours. All I could think about was the fght that Greg and I had had the previous Monday night, and the awul words we exchanged. I elt sick. How could I have said such horrible things to the person I loved so much? Was I being punished or taking this wonderul man or granted? I elt com- pletely numb looking out the cab’s window, and prayed

to God or everything to be okay. I elt guilty or asking God’s help- I seemed to pray only when I needed something, never to give thanks or all the wonderul things I already had in my lie. Leanne accompanied me on the cab ride and along the way explained what the ofcer told her regarding the accident. We entered the ER knowing that a transport truck had hit Greg’s car and that he was in the process o being airlited to Sunnybrook.

Norman and Cathy met me in the small waiting room designated or amily and riends. Not being a religous person, I ound the presence o the Chaplain oreboding a possible sign o Greg’s ultimate ate. The rest o our amily

arrived in a state o shock and I could see the pain in their aces; they would not break down, though determined to stay strong and hopeul. As or me, I could not help seeing mysel reading a eulogy, remembering my husband the way he was when I had allen in love with him.

After coming out of a three day coma and now facing thechallenge of dealing with the many physical and commu-nication problems of a frontal lobe injury, it was time to

move on to my next stage of recovery.

July 2/1998

I listen intently as my brother tells me the story o when

he did something that he had not done in years, “I cried”,he told me when describing the pivitol day in my recovery when he was inormed that I was leaving Sunnybrook Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit or The Toronto Rehabilita- tion Unit in downtown. Toronto

Sitting upright in my hospital bed, I remember shouting,“I am going to get better, I will be tough and beat this, I am leaving Sunnybrook. I am leaving Sunnybrook.” It is then that my brother Leslie told me that tears o joy were streaking down rom his ace.

Tears that he was happy to have.

Gg’s D Er

A licenced group home offering residential services and transitionalrehabilitation for adults recovering from brain injury.

Phone: 604-325-7911Fax: 604-325-7191

email: [email protected] Thornhill Drive, Vancouver, BC V5P 3T5

community therapists Building skills. Empowering people.

604-681-9293, Ext 153 #207-5740 Cambie St. Vancouver, BC V5Z 3A6

www.communitytherapists.com

• Community Integration

• Driver Rehabilitation

• Cognitive FCE

• OTs, PTs, SLPs, RAs

• GVRD, Fraser Valley,

Van. Island, Sea-to-Sky



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28yearsofexperiencehelpingbraininjured

victimsandtheirfamilies.

T: 604.683.9621

Toll-free 1.888.683.9621

Fax 604.683.5084

E: [email protected]

2020 - 650 West Georgia Street

Box 11547, Vancouver Centre

Vancouver, BC V6B 4N7

Joe Murphy, Q.C. Joe Battista, Q.C. J. Scott Stanley

Wes Mussio Steve Gibson Brian Brooke

Derek Mah Kevin Gourlay Angela Price-Stephens

Irina Kordic

When my grandather was diagnosed with cancer, ironi- cally he occupied the same room that I was in at Sunny-brook. Reerred to as the glass room, specifcally used to insure privacy or patients’, we were both lucky enough to eventually leave. I let to continue with my recovery. My desperately ill grandather, whom I called Ju-Ju (short or Junior) let or Branson hospital to pass away peace- ully and leave discomort behind. He must have let a little magic dust in that glass room or me.

Downstairs and at the back o Sunnybrook awaited an inviting ambulance that would escort my brother and I to The Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-I would be the only one staying.

“The ride was very uneventul and quiet”, my brother explained. “As a matter o act, you just looked out the back window. I think you were excited about moving orward.”

Ater arriving in my room at the rehab centre, I remember being very tired and then closing my eyes. I was going to escape rom this place or a while, via the dream. For this to happen, I would decide on one o three places that I

would let my subconscious take me, i it still had the abil-ity to do so.

I would escape to the waterront in Bronte, Ontario where I would enjoy thick hamburgers with ketchup and ried onions ollowed by mint chocolate chip ice cream with my new love (not sure who that will be yet). Or perhaps, the zoo in High Park near Toronto’s west end where I loved laughing at the knot haired animals is where I would go.

Perhaps, I would choose a venture to Woodbine Racetrack with a sot vanilla scented mini cigar nudged between my lips and a hot coee with two creams nestled between my jean covered legs. Oh, I would shout with excitement watch-ing the majestic thoroughbred racehorses rom the track’s third level as they thundered down the stretch.

My inner voice would say to me, “You’ve got to concen- trate so hard on one o these places that you can visualize almost every important detail to yoursel.” Then I would

plead with my injured head to take me there, i only or a short while. When I woke up and i I could remember my well planned dream, I was able to handle what the reha-bilitation institute would demand o me. A ull schedule o physical and cognitive therapy was awaiting me. I am sure that the rehabilitation exercises would make my body tired and demand more sleep. Another chance to visit a avorite destination was looked orward to.

To get more journal entries sent to you bi-weekly, free via e-newsletter, just send your e-mail address using the subscribe link button at: www.tbitalks.com

Learn more about Greg, book a presentation, order ‘The Organ of Intelligence’ in book or audio CD format, or to ask him a question just visit his website: www.tbitalks.com

Editor’s Note:

Headline will publish a series of Greg’s diary entries in the

four issues of 2011. We are condent you will nd his writ-

ing inspirational and enlightening.



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Brain injury is devastating. Lives are turned upside down.

We offer not just a house, but homes for people at all levels of abilities,a foundation to build relationships and be connected to the community.

Our transitional and residential rehab programs are developed and guidedby rehab professionals, designed for each individual’s unique needs

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CONNECT’s mission is simple...to make lives better.

In Langley call In Lake Country call

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Please visit our website at www.connectcommunities.ca



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THE VICTORIA BRAIN INJURY SOCIETYHAS NEW DIGS!

D & E 830 Pembroke Street, Victoria, B.C. V8T 1H9

(250) 598-9339

The Victoria Brain Injury Society (VBIS) moved intoits new facility on August 3rd, 2010. The societyhas often dreamt of having a newer, bigger and

brighter space. A bottle crushing plant was aboutto move next door, which gave us the motivation weneeded to realize our dream. Bottle crushing plantsand survivors of brain injury, with noise sensitivity,would not make great neighbours! We were for-tunate, that our hard working board raised specialfunds enabling us to afford a nicer place.

Our new ofces are colourful and bright with alovely little kitchenette off of our drop in room.Having more space, we are able to provide all staffmembers with their own ofces and some extraroom for additional staff in the future. We also have

another group room for small group activities. Thismeans we can implement even more of our greatideas for new programs. The programs we now of-fer are: Case Management, Peer Support, ABI 101,Coping Skills, Personal Enhancement, Creative Arts,Recreation, Family Support Services (individual andgroup) at VBIS and at Victoria General Hospital.

Another bonus to our move is that we are in a loca-tion that is more accessible for our members. Weare close to downtown, the Crystal Pool RecreationCentre, a park and major bus routes. Commentsfrom our members have been: “Love it – it’s bright

yet soothing. I feel safer here. It’s warm and wel-coming”.

Moving can be stressful and change difcult. Thereis always loss and sadness when you leave a placethat holds so many memories. We have beencognizant that the difculty of these emotions canbe even greater for our survivors who have alreadyexperienced so much change in their lives. But wealso know that change is part of life and “If noth-ing ever changed, there’d be no butteries.” (authorunknown)

We invite all former and new members to come andcheck us out. We are open from Monday to Thurs-day from 10:00 until 3:00.

Carmen Burnay, Director of Client Services,Victoria Brain Injury Society.

How Do You Rah…Rah…Rah…

When You Feel

Blah…Blah…Blah?~Janelle Breese Biagioni

Everyone is entitled to have a badday. However, what happenswhen your job involves motivatinga client and you could care less if

you got out of bed that morning?Unfortunately, unless your ill, inwhich case you shouldn’t go to

work anyway, you simply have to nd a way to “parkit” at the door. You need to make a major attitudeadjustment before entering the workspace with yourclient. Here are some things you can do that mayhelp you to feel better:

• Vent with a friend or supporter before going towork

• Boost your energy (i.e. a brisk walk, jogging,deep breathing, yoga etc.)

• Journal how you are feeling

If a situation in the workplace is causing you stressor affecting your attitude, then debrief with a supe-rior or seek out a colleague who is willing to let youwork through your feelings and/or offer you feed-back to help improve the situation. If the problemis outside of work (i.e. relationship issues at home)then consider working with a counselor. Sometimestalking with a professional is all it takes to gain anew perspective.



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Columbia Speech &Language Services Inc.

Providing speech and language services to children and adults throughout the Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley since 1987

1316 - 750 West Broadway Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 1J3

T: 604.875.9100

E: [email protected]

Treatment aimed at community reintegration

My Lie NowJamie Chubaty

Heel toe, heel toe, heel toe…...These are not thewords that most people wake to say to themselvesas they stumble down the hall to the kitchen everymorning. But they are the words I repeat to myselfdaily while struggling to put one foot in front of theother attempting to perform one of the rst wholebody coordination movements we develop as achild… the walk. Yet I am not a child, I am an adult.

That is my life NOW.

I am Jamie Chubaty, and I am 46 years old adult. As a child I was diagnosed with ADHD (AttentionDecient Hyperactivity Disorder), and continue tolive with it today as an adult. In my past I have beendealt with the reality that I am an alcoholic, anddrug addict. Since understanding the reality of myaddictions, however, I am proud of the hard-earned14 years I have maintained a clean and sober life-style. That is my life NOW.

I may have had an eventful youth, but nothing wasmore life changing than the day I was in a motorcycle accident; March 30, 2007. As a result of theaccident I was unconscious and then induced intoa coma. After waking up from the coma, it wasn’tuntil the end of June when I started to attemptstanding and walking a few feet with parallel bars.It was a magical time for me in the rst few days of

July of 2007, as I was nally able to walk my goal of50 meters. I was discharged from Royal ColumbianHospital on April 26, and admitted to Ridge Mead-ows Hospital for additional convalescent care untilI was nally independent enough to start rehabilita-tion and thus transferred to Eagle Ridge Hospital fortheir inpatient Rehabilitation Program. I was nallyreleased to go home and start outpatient physio-therapy, Community Occupational Therapy, andSpeech Therapy on September 7, 2007, this wasa great day! In overall, due to the multiple injuriesI sustained, I endured several surgeries to aid with

the repair of a fractured pelvis, wrist, sternum, facialbones, tracheotomy, and cranium. As a result of theaccident, I have had many injuries, but the worst ofthem all was the extensive head injury I acquired.I AM a head trauma SURVIVOR, and the conse-quences of the trauma I will have to deal with everyday from now on. That is my life NOW.

After spending over 6 months in the hospital, I stillcontinue to work on living with pain, stiffness, andresidual nerve damage. I continue to challenge



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WE WILL LISTEN AND WE WILL HELP

• Free Initial Consultation, hospital, home or ofce• No fee until you collect • We handle all expenses

• Interpretation services available in any language

Kirsten Madsen Steve Heringa Brad Garside

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604.683.1211 or toll free 1.800.669.8599Email: [email protected] / www.PElawyers.com

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PERSONAL INJURY • BRAIN INJURY • SPINAL INJURY • DISABILITY INSURANCE

myself with improving the remaining difculties thatI have with word retrieval, attention span, concen-tration, standing without support, balance, walking,stability, memory, and many other basic physicalmovements. One of the most frustrating aspectsis that everything that I try to do takes a signicantamount of time longer than it used to before the ac-cident. I get confused about why I just simply can’tdo what I used to do. I am limited. That is my life

NOW.This accident may have dealt me a tough handin terms of the physical aspects changed to mybody and the way it moves and functions, but theemotional ramications to acquiring a severe headinjury is the most difcult part of all. The way mybrain thinks, reacts, and computes is different now,which is emotionally frustrating. It has been difcultto express my thoughts, say what I think and wantto say…but most of all it has been really difcultunderstanding I can’t simply do what I think I shouldbe able to do, like I did before the accident. That is

my life NOW.Everyday I wake up, but it is my personal motiva-tion that makes me get up! I have to push myselfeveryday to continue, and I am so thankful I do, as Ihave seen the difference perseverance makes. I amnow able to: attend active rehabilitation in the gym,pool, and community; attend occupational therapy,attend speech therapy, attend the food bank as a

community volunteer, and nally I have begun to ac-cept myself and the accident and can attend psy-chological therapy too! That is my life Now!

In the next few years I hope to be able to walk eachof my 3 dogs, and help with the community braininjury survivor support group, speak about myexperiences as a brain trauma survivor in order tohelp others struggling with motivation. In overall, itis my belief in myself, my personal motivation, andsupports from my friends, family and most of all- mywife, Laurie, that together make each day worth liv-ing and working for. The 12 steps of recovery I havelearned over the past 14 years of sobriety have alsohelped me everyday since my accident to live dayto day being thankful for the blessings provided tome. That is my life NOW.

I would like to specially thank those who havehelped me in my journey to recovery. I would liketo thank all the staff at each hospital and clinic whohave helped me get to where I am today. I wouldalso especially like to thank those who I still workwith weekly, Sandi Caverly, Nikki (Jensen) Sloboda,Dan Carlson, and Keith Saunders, and my inspira-tion to rehabilitation, Mike Coss. I have been giftedin this life, to get the chance to live again, and I willlive thankfully each and every day. That is my lifeNOW!



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A team of experienced professionals sensitive to

the needs of both the survivor and the family.

We travel to you

Suite 600-175 Second Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2C 5W1

T: 250.372.1221 TF: 1.800.558.1933 E: [email protected]

www.hmzlaw.com

JosephA.Zak KevinD.Cowan DavidJ.Marr,Q.C.

“We care about your future”

This Time Let Kindness be Your SpecialtyLarissa Szlavik

We are all guilty of making assumptions aboutpeople we don’t know, it’s in our nature, a defensemechanism if you will. It’s important to be mindfulof those you ought to be wary of; however, we areoften too quick to judge. Over the years of working

with people with brain injuries I have learned thatappearances and demeanor are very deceiving.I have known many remarkable people with kindsouls who are greeted with hesitation and given so-ciety’s cold shoulder because people assume thatthey are drunks, druggies, or thieves. It’s becausetheir clothes are tattered, their speech slurred, andtheir movements shaky. It is all too easy to jumpto conclusions and misinterpret the symptoms ofa brain injury, mental illness, or the side effects ofserious pain killers.

Last week I was walking around Pandora and Cook,near the Conservatory, where many of Victoria’shomeless crack-heads congregate. Only those un-familiar with the area don’t expect to be stopped forspare change in this part of town. A man approach-ing me had the familiar walk and I was sure he wasa brain injury survivor. I even thought to myself howhe was probably a good man with a big heart, andwhat a shame that most people would succumbto their judgments and avoid his gaze. When he

started with a question, his slurred speech was dif-cult to follow, and automatically my mind lled inthe blanks ... he was asking for change, I was sure.Then the words “London Drugs” stood out. His in-tentions were not to swindle me for money; he was

in need of directions. With an open heart, I stopped,made eye contact, smiled and told him exactly howto get there. Thank goodness I caught those words,otherwise I would have shaken my head at the manwhile muttering “sorry, no change” and walked onby.

It’s an awful feeling being the last one picked ona team, missing out on an invitation or nding youwere the only one who didn’t receive a valentine.Probably my worst nightmare would be to becompletely ignored. Imagine waking up after havinga stroke, a different person than you were before.Somehow you don’t have the same sort of authorityover your limbs you once did, and you are surprisedat the slurred speech that comes out of your nowclumsy mouth. What would it feel like if peopledidn’t take the time to carefully listen to you as youstruggle to articulate a simple question, or request?If people were afraid to walk too close becausethey thought your stagger and the shirt you couldn’tbutton up properly were warning signs? Have youever had that dream where you open your mouth toscream and are let down by the absence of sound?Some people live this every day.

It’s only natural to make assumptions, and there’s

nothing wrong with treating strangers with caution. After all, if you don’t look out for yourself, then whowill? But it certainly won’t endanger you to keep anopen heart, and conceal your suspicions with tact.It was this quote from Abdu’l Baha that lived in mywallet for several years: “May your heart burn withloving kindness for all who may cross your path”.Each day I adopt this as a mantra and attempt to atleast make eye contact and share a smile with everystranger I pass. Many reject this warm expressionby awkwardly sending their gaze in the oppositedirection. Every so often, however, there is some-one whose face brightens, and with strong sincerity

says “Thank you for the smile”. These are usu-ally the most disenfranchised of people; the oneswho rely on soup kitchens for nourishment and thestreets for shelter. These are the people our moth-ers told us to avoid, who have been hardened bysociety’s lack of concern. We all fear being shunnedby our peers, and no wonder solitary connementis among the harshest punishments in the west-ern world. While brushing off persistent requestsfor money easily becomes a nuisance, we mustn’tforget the core of our humanity. Somehow a smilebecomes more helpful than a handful of change.



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For The Love Of Mary

Twenty-two years ago,Kathy Oxner and MaryBenson, found their soul-mate in one another. Notunlike other couples, Kathyand Mary started out asfriends and then becamelife partners. They sharedmany common interests,especially in the outdoors –camping, hiking, backpack-ing – they loved gettingout and exploring together.Like other couples, they were in their relationship

for keeps… for better or worse, in sickness and inhealth.

Eleven years into their relationship, Mary suffered abrain injury due to an interaction from a prescriptiondrug. Kathy did not question for one second hercommitment to see Mary through recovery and torebuild their lives together. “Only one doctor reallyhad a problem with our relationship,” states Kathy.“He was dismissive and would exclude me fromconversations and discussions about Mary.” Kathyreported being treated more like a “roommate” andshe found that very frustrating. “It was nally Mary

who set things straight… she could barely talk andshe told the doctor that her father was dead andher aging mother was unable to help. She told him‘you need to talk to Kathy—we are going to do thistogether’ and that nally started to change the at-titude toward me,” Kathy said. G.F. Strong, on theother hand, embraced Kathy’s involvement. She re-ports feeling very included in the care plan for Mary.“I was invited to every team meeting, and in the rstcouple of weeks attended Mary’s speech, O.T. andphysio appointments… they were really great.”

Kathy took an extended time off work after Mary

became ill. She remained at home to help Marythrough her recovery until Mary was strong enoughand felt safe enough to take the HandyDart busalone to and from G.F. Strong, where she attendedthe outpatient program ve days a week for a littleover 2 years. Kathy found the hardest part to be thelack of information and resources in the weeks theyhad to wait between being in hospital and gettinginto the G.F. Strong program. “Initially the doctorstold me… she won’t get better and you shouldconsider putting her in a facility.” This was beyondcomprehension. Kathy replied, “She is 38 years old.

She is a young woman. Iwill nd the resources and

do whatever is needed forhowever long Mary needsit.”

The team at G.F. Strongresponded quite differ-ently. They outlined allof the services availableto both Mary and Kathyand helped them accesscommunity resources.

Their programs were very helpful. For example,early in Mary’s recovery the team sent an Occu-pational Therapist to the couple’s home to assessMary. “I learned so much about Mary’s brain injury,the brain itself, and how I could best support Mary,”explains Kathy. “The assessment was very enlight-ening.” As an example, when the O.T. assessedMary, it became clear that she was unable to se-quence. When asked to make toast, Mary couldnot process or follow through with the necessarysteps that required her to go from getting the breadto putting it in the toaster or what to do with it oncetoasted.

Kathy had a tremendous support team not only withG.F. Strong, but also with her close friends, spiri-tual community and her boss at work. There werea lot of emotions and feelings that she had to workthrough in those early days. For starters, their rela-tionship changed. Kathy and Mary were no longerequal partners in the relationship, sharing house-hold tasks or planning activities. Kathy was more ofa parent and caregiver. Thanks to the support andunderstanding from the counsellor at G.F. Strong,Kathy quickly realized that she was grieving in muchthe way that Mary was grieving and that this too,was important to their recovery as a couple.

As Mary moved through her long recovery, Kathy re-mained committed to do whatever it would take torebuild their lives together. She was not interested inbuilding a life for herself outside this relationship. Soit was no surprise to anyone when ve years ago,after Mary discovered a passion for cross-countryskiing and began to train for the 2010 Paralympics,that Kathy took coaching courses so she could bea part of the process and support Mary in achiev-ing her dream as best as she could. She also tookclasses and trained as a Wax Tech so that she



headline 14

could prepare Mary’s skis ona regular basis. She had thefortunate experience duringher early days of training tohave Brian McKeever spendan afternoon showing her theropes and trade secrets forbeing a good wax tech. All ofthis training eventually led to

Kathy becoming an assistantcoach with the DevelopmentSquad for Team Canada, whichenabled her to travel with Mary.This not only helped Mary asshe needs an assistant for trav-elling, taking medications, andto act as a “memory compan-ion,” but it also made it nan-cially possible for them to pursuethis dream together.

Mary did go on to compete at the 2010 Paralym-

pics. Although she was sick with a serious sinus in-fection, Mary was determined to race. She called onthat same spirit that helped her pull herself throughrehabilitation and she placed 11th and 12th. Whenshe attended the opening ceremonies, Mary knewpushing herself was the right thing to do. “Walkinginto the opening ceremonies to see 66,000 peoplewas an accomplishment of a dream for me,” states

K a t h y , B r a d a n & H a l e y a t W h i s t le r

Mary. “It was so moving tobe there that I couldn’t helpbut cry.”

Since the Paralympics, Maryhas changed up her train-ing routine and has turnedher focus to training forthe 2011 Canada Gamesin Halifax. As well, she has

enjoyed several opportuni-ties to talk with school kidsabout children with disabili-ties and their ability to stillbe a part of sports. “I sharethe book Kids of Couragewith them and they gaina whole new perspective

about kids with disabilities.They see that although someone may be visuallyimpaired or have a physical disability that they canstill participate in sports, or in arts and culture.”

Mary is also looking forward to getting youngerkids involved in skiing. And, just as it has beenfrom the beginning, Kathy is supporting Mary’s ef-forts all the way!

Mary and Kathy attended the Pacic Coast Brain Injury Conference, Nov. 18 – 19, 2010 in Vancou- ver, BC. Mary presented a session titled: Healing Through Sport: My Paralympic Journey



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Government Resources

Regional Health Authority’s ABI Coordinators:Fraser Health - Aquired Brain injury Program-604-520-4175Interior Health Authority-250-870-4664,Contact Name: Deborah PrestonNorthern Health-250-565-2640,Contact Name: Jana PirselVancouver Coastal Health Authority-604-714-4159Vancouver Island Health Authority- 250- 370-8699,Contact Name: Judith ArmstrongEnquiry BC-to locate Provincial Government Departments• Lower Mainland 604-660-2421• Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-7867• Victoria 250-387-6121Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology:Open Learning Information:• In and Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-1633Student Loan Information:• Lower Mainland 604-660-2610• Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-561-1818- select 1 then 5

Public Guardian & Trustee of British Columbia:• 700-808 West Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6B 3L3Victim’s Info Line:• 1-800-563-0808Adult and Youth Addiction Services:• Lower Mainland 604-660-9382• Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-1441

Community Resources

BC Coalition of People with DisabilitiesAdvocacy Access Program for assistance with provincial

and federal disability benetsLower Mainland 604-872-1278Outside Lower Mainland 1-888-663-1278

Bus Pass for Persons with Disabilities and SeniorsLower Mainland 604-682-0391Outside Lower Mainland 1-888-661-1566

Tim Readman, Executive DirectorStroke Recovery Association of BCPhone: 604-688-3603 Toll Free: 1-888-313-3377www.strokerecoverybc.ca

Cerebral Palsy Association of BCLower Mainland Voice and TTY 604-515-9455

Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-0004Community Brain Injury Program for Children & Youth in BCToll Free 1-877-451-5511www.cbip.bc.ca

Epilepsy BCLower Mainland 604-875 6704Outside Lower Mainland 1-866-374-5377Victoria 250-475-6677

Information Services Vancouver604-875-6381

Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference www.pcbic.org

BC Brain Injury Association www. bcbraininjuryassociation.com

Campbell River Head Injury Support Society www.crhead.ca

Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association www.fvbia.org

Central Okanagan Brain Injury Society www.cobis.org

www.protectyourhead.comComox Valley Head Injury Society

www.cvheadinjury.comNanaimo Brain Injury Society

www.nbis.ca.Powell River Brain Injury Society

http://braininjurysociety.ca Prince George Brain Injured Group Society

www.pgbig.caBrain Injury Resources

www.braininjuryresources.orgOntario Brain Injury Association

www.obia.on.caBrain Injury Association USA

www.biausa.orgSouth Okanagan Similkameen BI Society

www.sosbis.comVictoria Brain Injury Society

www.vbis.caThe Perspective Network

www.tbi.org

The TBI Chat Room www.tbichat.org

G.F. Strong Rehab www.gfstrong.com

BC Eplilepsy Society www.bcepilepsy.com

Headway Centre Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society

www.howesound.netNorthern Brain Injury Association

www.nbia.ca

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I N T E R N E T

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Introduction As Rehabilitation therapists with Ergo Rehabilitation, we work with people who have sustained mild to

severe traumatic brain injuries through traumatic events such as motor vehicle accidents. Our goal is to

enhance a person’s overall function. We are excited about the new technology available to assist people to

increase their independence.

The iPod Touch (introduced in September, 2007), the new iPhone (January, 2009), and iPad (April, 2010)

have signicantly changed our ability to help people to help themselves. Below are some examples of

the applications that we have found to be the most helpful with clients we see. Your therapist or life skills

worker can help you to set up your iPhone.

DO YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY REMEMBERINGAPPOINTMENTS?

Calendars and Scheduling apps• Appointments can be put into a calendar that can

be viewed by the day, week, or month. Thereare auditory reminders (alarms) that can be set upto remind you of upcoming appointments. Forexample, if you create a doctor’s appointmentat 11:00 am on Tuesday, you can set up an alarmto alert you twice; for example, the day beforeas well as an hour before so that you have timeto get there. This also works well to plan meals.Meals can be scheduled into your calendar. It is,in fact, like a prosthetic memory. You can sched-ule appointments months in advance and canhave regular appointments repeat themselves

throughout the year. This app also helps withpacing your activities. You can schedule restperiods in between your activities so as to man-age your fatigue. CalenGoo can be synced to aGoogle calendar to enable appointments to be

entered from a keyboard on a computer.

Name of app: Name of app:

Pocket Informant LITE CalenGoo

• Days Until – This application is free for both the

iPhone and iPod Touch. It monitors and displays

the days remaining until special events that you

have entered into it.• Borrowed Things – A handy app that allows you

to record all the things that you have borrowed

or lent.

• Date Recorder – This app allows you to record all

types of small things that you want to remember,

such as walking the dog, a friend’s party, meetingsomeone for dinner, etc.

DO YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY KEEPING TRACK OF

YOUR BANK ACCOUNT AND BUDGETING?

Budgeting and Banking• These types of apps allow you to budget for

expenses, track where the money was spent, and

review how much is left. Amounts may be entered

at the store with the device ofine.


Spend – Budgeting Ace Budget Lite

Using iPhone Apps to Enhance Your Day to Day FunctionBy Ergo Rehabilitation Inc.

250-385-5277



headline 17

• Bill Tracker – This application will help you man-

age all types of bills, such as car payments,

through a convenient user interface combined

with an advanced internal database.

• Cash Tracker – This is another app that provides

for an easy way of tracking your every expense,

plus provides tools to analyze your spending.

DO YOU SOMETIMES LOSE YOUR WAY OR GET

LOST IN WHAT SHOULD BE FAMILIAR AREAS?

Navigation / Wayfnding

• Getting confused and lost, even in a familiar city,

may cause anxiety. These apps make use of GPS

and will guide you from your current location to

your destination.


MapQuest 4 Mobile MotionX GPS Drive

• Car Minder Plus – Keep track of your car mainte-

nance needs and log repairs and fuel with this

app. It will keep track of multiple vehicles.

• Take Me To My Car – One tap of this app saves

your current position and when you next start the

app it will provide walking directions to your car.

• Here I Am – This app creates an email that con-

tains a link to your location. Other iPhone userswill see your location in their Maps application.

• Take Me Home I’m Lost – This app keeps track

of your home address and will provide you with

directions to get home.

DO YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY KEEPING TRACK OF

GROCERIES YOU NEED? DO YOU FORGET TO

BUY ITEMS OR OVERBUY THEM?

Shopping Lists

• Make It @ Home Grocery List – This app allows

you to create and manage your grocery list on

your PC or Mac, and then sync it to your iPhone

or iPod Touch.

• Onetrip Shopping List – This app acts as an in-

terface to the Onetrip.org web site, which contains

your shopping list. This app is not available from

the Apple store, but it is free.

• Grocery Gadget – You can enter items you need

to purchase in the app or at Grocerygadgets.com.

The app learns the order of items at the store

as you shop and puts them in order next time you

shop.

• Shopper –This app allows you to develop differ-

ent lists for different stores, records aisle layouts,

prices, budget tracking and coupon tracking. It

can also search through yers and show you ad-

vertised specials.

DO YOU NEED MEMORY TOOLS FOR DAY TO

DAY INFORMATION? Memory Tools

• dontFORGET – This app will help you to remem-

ber birthdays and other special events. It contains

two sections; one for your contacts and one forcustom events that you create.

• My Emergency Info – Key information that you

want to share with emergency technicians, such

as allergies and medical conditions, is kept within

this app.

• Dragon Dictation – This app is an easy-to use

voice recognition tool that allows you to speak

and convert this to text or email messages.

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headline 18

• Voice Memos –this enables you to record and

review personal audio messages. You can record

grocery or to do lists, meeting notes, short and

long messages, and name recordings.

• Speak It – This text-to-speech app utilizes a voice

synthesis engine that converts text into spoken

words.

• Simplenote – You can keep simple lists, notes and

ideas with this app that automatically synchro-nizes with your computer.

• Kitchen Timer – An app that is a simple 60 minute

kitchen timer which is a perfect tool to use while

cooking.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK ON YOUR

ATTENTION, CONCENTRATION AND

SHORT-TERM MEMORY?

Cognitive rehabilitation apps

• Fearless Brain – This app will train your memory

every day with a fast paced game and allows youto track your progress as your skills improve.

• Glossy Touch – This app displays a pattern of

ashing colors, allowing you to repeat the pat-

tern by tapping colored buttons in the same order.

• Memory Exercise – This app improves your

cognitive skills by displaying random single digit

numbers that you then try to remember and type

to the next screen. Correct answers advance you

to the next level.

• Memory Matches – This is an app where you ip

cards to reveal a matching pair. It can be played

as a single player or in multi-player mode.

• Anagram Game – This mimics the classic ana-

gram word game where you try to form as many

words as possible from a group of letters.

• Brain Trainer by Lumosity – This app includes 7

brain games designed to enhance your cognitive

abilities including memory, processing speed,

attention, exibility and problem solving.

• Brain Challenge – This app has 43 games within

it that help in the following areas: memory, math,

focus, visual, and logic.

• Build Attention – A game where you press the

squares displayed from 1 to 25 and your time is

recorded, increasing your attention ability.

• Brain Up! – This app contains ve categories of

games in logic, calculation, memory, judgment,and music.

SummaryEndless applications exist for the iPhone, iPod

Touch, and iPad that can assist you in countless

ways. The above are only a small sample of what

is available for these devices. Many of the apps are

free, and other are quite reasonably priced.

iPhones, Blackberries, and other smart phones

are increasingly proving themselves to be useful

organizational tools for people with brain injuries.

Linda Glover, Community Coordinator at the Prince

George Brain Injury Group, is currently conduct-

ing surveys with people who nd or would nd this

modality an effective tool in their daily lives. Once

the survey is completed, she hopes to be able to

present her ndings to companies offering these

phones in the hope that people with identied dis-

abilities will be able to receive a reduced rate in

their purchase and/or contract fees if prescribed by

doctors and other health care professionals. If you,

or someone you know, is interested in completing a

survey, please contact Linda directly at:

Linda Glover, Community Coordinator,Prince George Brain Injured Group,1237 Fourth Avenue,Prince George, B.C., V2L 3J5,Phone 1-250-564-2447, fax 1-250-564-6928, or email at [email protected]

Mair Jensen Blair LLP Lawyers

700-275 Lansdowne Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 6H6

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headline 19

With the economic downturn, many people havelittle-to-no money for presents or food. Yet, Christ-mas honors the poor and humble, and holiday spiritis free to enjoy.

One of the worst times to be poor or low on cash isduring the time when Christmas holidays are beingcelebrated. All the advertisements imply that every-one has lots of money, many loving family mem-bers, and beautifully decorated homes with tons ofpresents glistening under the tree.

Being low on money or without money can be es-pecially difcult during this time as people struggleto nd ways to give friends, family, and co-workerssigns of holiday spirit. Here are ideas about nd-ing ways to make these holidays happy memories,even without money.

Hn the Ming the Holdays This time of year is special for many people ofdifferent beliefs. Whether one is celebrating Christ-mas, Hanukkah, the Solstice, or any of the other joyful and somber occasions, it’s important to maketime to honor the season.

This can be done alone, in quiet time, or with oth-ers. The important thing is to connect with the spiritof the season. This costs no money at all.

Kp the Holda Siri When under pressure from economic woes, it’seasy to slip into sarcasm, bitterness, and anger. Itcan happen to anyone. Yet, for the season, park thenegative, and let the positive light the season. Justgetting some time away from being negative canprovide an immense sense of relief.

Kp the Holdays H Chi Staying happy is especially true for those with chil-dren during the holidays. This is their time to makememories of the holiday and Christmas, memorieswhich will stay with them their entire lives. Childrencan be deeply hurt and worried about ghts and

money. Therefore, this is a time to protect themfrom adult concerns, allowing the children to fullyenjoy the season.

Children have amazing insights, cute ideas, cleverways of doing things, and genuine words of wis-dom. As many celebrate the birth of a child onChristmas, this holiday in particular honors all chil-dren. Give children a protected space to enjoy theirholidays, and experience this seasonal celebration

though their eyes.

Fining Fe Gifs the Holdays It’s a challenge to nd items that are free. Yet, it’snot hopeless. Many second-hand stores have more

than they need, and offer channels to request as-sistance in lling Christmas stockings or presentsfor under the trees.

Family and friends often have items they no longerwant, but which are too good to throw away, orwhich someone else might enjoy. Asking can resultin receiving.

Ls t Muc During the Holday S There is always a way to nd music during theholidays. Cities, towns, and market places oftensponsor free caroling. Symphonies or bands mightoffer free performances. Check the music sections

in local papers to nd free music.There’s also ways to bring music into a home.Just singing holiday songs and Christmas carolsbrings a sense of seasonal spirit to a house. Thesesongs can be sung over, and the words and musicbecome familiar. Even people who say they can’tsing can join in with others. What matters is singingtogether, and the magic it creates.

Tke Wls t Ej the Holda S Another free activity is to take walks. Being outsidecan give another perspective of the holiday season.Walking in city streets provides a lot of interestingsights. Walking in the suburban or country areascan provide views of trees, lawns, Christmas deco-rations, and animal life. This is a time to also dream.If money does come, what will it be used for? Tobuy a mansion? To take ice skating lessons? Toplan a trip, or an education? Let imagination ow.Or just enjoy the views.

After the walk, it’s fun to write a short journal orfree-write about the walk. Include drawings or cut-out pictures found in old magazines, newspapers,or holiday greeting cards from previous years. Chat-ting about the walk, about ideas that came during

the walk, can enrich this holiday time.

How to Enjoy the Holidays without Spending MoneyCbte Chms n Holda S Wit Liit Finnc

~Teresa Knudsen

Sudoku Solution Page 3

2 6 9 1 7 8 4 5 3

8 5 3 4 2 6 7 1 9

7 4 1 5 3 9 8 2 6

6 1 4 8 5 2 9 3 7

5 7 8 9 1 3 6 4 2

3 9 2 6 4 7 1 8 5

4 3 6 7 8 5 2 9 1

1 2 7 3 9 4 5 6 8

9 8 5 2 6 1 3 7 4



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headline 22

Reflections By Janelle Breese Biagioni

“It could be his head wasn’t screwed on just right.

It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. But I think that the most likely reason of all,

May have been that his heart was two sizes too small.”~Dr. Seuss (How The Grinch Stole Christmas)

What child doesn’t enjoy Dr. Seuss? For that matter,what adult doesn’t enjoy Dr. Seuss? Born, Theodor

Seuss Geisel, and simply known as “Ted” to his

family and friends, Dr. Seuss wrote many books for

adults and children. He was an artist, a poet, and agifted storyteller. His whimiscal stories of adventure

and fun have transcended decades and captured

the hearts of people around the world. Although

highly entertaining, Seuss’ books for children are

quite profound and deliver great messages of en-

couragement and hope.

Dr. Seuss’ poems often depict life’s challenges but

also remind us how special and unique everyone is

in this world. Moreover, he reminds us not to take

life too seriously! I know that sounds easy and for

many people the holiday season can be one of

those times when it is difcult to not be too seri-

ous. Some nd the festive season disappointing,overwhelming, and fraught with unwanted stress.

For those who have limited nancial resources and

no family or friends to share the day with, the festive

season is challenging. Then there are those who

have ample funds to cope with the commercial de-

mands and plenty of family and friends to share the

“Christmas Cheer” with… but they too, are miser-

able and cranky during the holidays. So what’s the

one thing that we can do regardless of our nancial

means or social calendar that can help us to be part

of the joy and happiness this holiday season? We

need to simply open our hearts.

Don’t be the Grinch who stole Christmas! Don’t

make Christmas about what you have or you don’t

have. Make it about someone else. Make it about

reaching out and giving a “smile” or a “helping

hand” to every person you can. Make it about being

kind to yourself and to others. Make it about taking

time to slow down, reect, and soak in the beauty

of this world we live in. Make it about connecting

with a senior, a child, a family pet, or those living in

shelters and eating at the local soup kitchen. Make

it about honouring and appreciating those who

‘live in service’ every day. There will be re ghters,

paramedics, police ofcers, healthcare profession-

als and military members who will be serving their

community and country instead of spending the

holidays with their family. You do not need to do

anything out of the ordinary to show them appre-

ciation for the work they do… more often than not

simply saying THANK YOU is the greatest gift of all!



headline 23

Abbotsford Carol Paetkau 604-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913

Acquired Brain Injury Society of the Yukon Anne-Marie Yahn 867-668-5283

Alberni Valley Head Injury Society/Port Alberni Linda Kenny 250-724-6772

Barriere/Merritt Terry-Lynne Stone 250-372-1799

British Columbia Brain Injury Association Jan Siwinski 1-877-858-1788Bulkley Valley Brain Injury Association Katherine Metz 250-877-7723

Burnaby Chinese Brain Injury Support Group Angela Kan 604-877-8606

Campbell River Head Injury Support Society Shelley Howard 250-287-4323

Caribou Brain Injury Society Shilo Toews 250-392-7772

Central Okanagan Brain Injury Association Laurie Denton 250-762-3233

Chilliwack FVBIA 604-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913

COBIS - Vernon Contact Stacie Gadsby 250-306-2064

Comox Valley Brain Injury Society Dixon Hiscock 250-897-1255

Comox Valley Head Injury Society Jeremy Coombs 250-334-9225

Cowichan Valley Head Injury Support Group Barb Grantham 250-748-9338

East Kootenay Brain Injury Association Dawn Widdield 250-417-6220

Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association Carol Paetkau 604-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913

Golden Brain Injury Support Group Donna Madden 250-344-5688

Kamloops Brain Injury Association Terry-Lynn Stone 250-372-1799

KBIA - Salmon Arm/Shuswap Contact Teresa Wolfe 250-833-0369

KBIA - Barriere/Merrit Contact Terry-Lynn Stone 250-372-1799

Langley/Aldergrove Brain Injury Support Group FVBIA 604-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913

Maple Ridge Support Group Ian Moore 604-944-9030

Mission FVBIA 604-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913

Nanaimo Brain Injury Society Mark Busby 250-753-5600

New Westminster Headway Gabrielle Pape 604.520.0130

B.R.A.I.N. (Brain Resource, Advocacy & Information Network) Tina Suter 604-540-9234

North Okanagan Shuswap Brain Injury Society (Salmon Arm/Shuswap) Lori Wootten 250-833-1140

Northern Brain Injury Association Carmen Jose 1-866-979-4673

Peace Country Society for Acquired Brain Injury Linda Proctor 250-782-7519

Powell River Deborah Dee 1-866-499-6065

Prince George Brain Injured Group Society Alison Hagreen 250-564-2447 TF 1-866-564-2447

Sechelt/Sunshine Coast Brain Injury Support Group Rita Grenville 604-885-8524

South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society Dave Head 250-490-0613Terrace Brain Injury Support Group NBIA 1-866-979-4673

TriCities Support Group Sandy Caverly 604-916-5027

Vancouver Headway Leah Pentilla 604.732.4446

Vancouver Survivors Support Group Lillian Wong 604-873-2385

Victoria Brain Injury Society Barbara Erickson 250-598-9339

West Coast Support Network Wanda McAvoy 250-726-7459

West Kootenay Brain Injury Association Kim Johnson 250-304-1259

*Please email name and phone number changes to [email protected] to ensure this list is kept as up-to-date as possible.

BC BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATIONS &* This list updated Winter Issue, 2010. S u p por t G r ou ps



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Home. An experienced brain injury lawyer can make it happen.

Winning complex brain injury

cases for more than 30 years,

Webster & Associates is a leader

in the eld of traumatic brain injury

law. We help our clients and theirfamilies reach their personal and

nancial goals.

Call us. We can help.

Webster & Associates

Vancouver/Richmond:6047138030

Victoria:2505898030

TollFree:18778730699

email:[email protected]

BRAININJURYLAW.CA

Headline Magazine: Winter 2010 Issue

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Transcript of Headline Magazine: Winter 2010 Issue