Headline Magazine: Summer 2013

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British Columbia's Voice for the Brain Injury Community http://brainstreams.ca/news/headline-magazine

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BRITISH COLUMBIA’S VOICE FOR THE BRAIN INJURY COMMUNITY

Summer 2013

Celebrates their 25th Anniversary
Story Page 12

PRINCE GEORGE

ROBERT’S A WALKING, TALKING MIRACLE
Story Page 6

• Brain Injury • Paraplegia

• Quadriplegia • Spinal Cord Injury

Reduced legal fees on brain injury, paraplegia and quadriplegia cases

WE HANDLE ALL OF THE EXPENSES
FREE Consultation. If no recovery, no legal frees or expenses. Helping brain injury victims and their families for over 40 years.

ICBC claims only
"The efforts of your highly competent legal team resulted in my seriously injured brain damaged son being looked after and nancially secured for the rest of his life. We are most grateful. I particularly appreciate Mr. Simpson coming to Korea to help set up the care for my son"
- J. HWA

BERNIE SIMPSON, C.M.
Member Order of Canada Recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal Eloisa De Lorenzo Awarded in Washington, D.C. on behalf of Brain Injury Survivors

E. ANTHONY THOMAS
Extensive experience in motor vehicle cases for 20 years

LOW LEGAL FEES
Surrey/Delta Office
7253 – 120th Street, Delta, BC

With over 40 years’ experience handling exclusively motor vehicle injury claims

Vancouver Office
808 Nelson Street, Suite 1512, Vancouver, BC

Ph: 604-591-8885
(24 hrs Emergency Service)

Ph: 604-689-8888

TOLL FREE: Throughout BC 1-800-668-3788

www.simpsonthomas.com

Message from the Editor
Janelle Breese Biagioni

Greetings!
The election is now behind us and summer is on its way (someday ☺)! Whether the current majority government is reflective of your vote, they are your representative. So don’t sit back and hope they get it and do what you want them to. It is not only our civil duty to vote, but it is also our responsibility to constantly advocate for what is needed in our province. Get to know your MLA and educate him or her on local needs and also on global issues, such as brain injury. No one knows better than those who are living with brain injury as to what is needed in services and supports to improve their quality of life and what is required for them to move towards independence. In this issue, we share inspiring stories of survivors who not only continue to do the work of getting better, but who have made the decision to do whatever it takes to move towards their goals. We also celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Prince George Brain Injury Group. This incredible organization has served survivors and families with integrity and heart. They have made a huge difference in the lives of their members and we hope they are around for another twenty years to do more good work. An important aspect of summer is getting outdoors and enjoying all the wonderful activities available to us in British Columbia. From golfing to swimming to skateboarding and biking, we can enjoy it all and stay safe in the process. Educate yourself on the proper techniques and equipment needed to allow you to have the best possible experience and to keep you injury free! In closing, I wish you all a happy and warm summer. Take the time to live, love, laugh, and play – safely! Cheers, Janelle Breese Biagioni

The 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.

Sudoku

6 1 2 6 2 4 9 2 8 7 1 7 9 5 6 8 1 5 9 2 2 4 8 7 3 7 2 6 8 9 8 7 5 2 6 7
Solution on page 21

community therapists
Building skills. Empowering people.

• • • • •

Community Integration Driver Rehabilitation Functional Capacity Evaluation OTs, PTs, SLPs, RAs Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Van. Island, Sea-to-Sky

201 – 3997 Henning Drive, Burnaby, BC V5C 6N5 www.communitytherapists.com

604-681-9293, Ext 153

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Community Therapist Headline ad C.indd 1 13-03-08 9:06 AM

headline
is published quarterly by Mike Rossiter 5851 Kittiwake Drive Richmond, BC V7E 3P1 Email: [email protected] for ad space call 604-817-3779 • 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.

Government Resources
Regional Health Authority’s ABI Coordinators: Fraser Health - Aquired Brain injury Program-604-520-4175 Interior Health Authority-250-870-4664, Contact Name: Deborah Preston Acquired Brain Injury Program, Northern Health Call 250-565-7393 Vancouver Coastal Health Authority-604-714-4159 Vancouver Island Health Authority- 250- 370-8699, Contact Name: Judith Armstrong Enquiry BC-to locate Provincial Government Departments • Lower Mainland 604-660-2421 • Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-7867 • Victoria 250-387-6121 Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology: Open Learning Information: • In and Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-1633 Student 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 3L3 Victim’s Info Line: • 1-800-563-0808 Adult and Youth Addiction Services: • Lower Mainland 604-660-9382 • Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-1441

Community Resources
BC Coalition of People with Disabilities Advocacy Access Program for assistance with provincial and federal disability benefits Lower Mainland 604-872-1278 Outside Lower Mainland 1-888-663-1278 Bus Pass for Persons with Disabilities and Seniors Lower Mainland 604-682-0391 Outside Lower Mainland 1-888-661-1566 Tim Readman, Executive Director Stroke Recovery Association of BC Phone: 604-688-3603 Toll Free: 1-888-313-3377 www.strokerecoverybc.ca Cerebral Palsy Association of BC Lower Mainland Voice and TTY 604-515-9455 Outside Lower Mainland 1-800-663-0004

40981507

CHANGE OF ADDRESS?
We would like to keep our mailing list up-to-date! If you have moved or would like to be on the mailing list, please contact Mary Lou at: 604-274-5478 or email her at: [email protected]

Community Brain Injury Program for Children & Youth in BC Toll Free 1-877-451-5511 http://www.centreforability.bc.ca/?page=14 Epilepsy BC Lower Mainland 604-875 6704 Outside Lower Mainland 1-866-374-5377 Victoria 250-475-6677 Information Services Vancouver 604-875-6381

(Please put HEADLINE in subject line of email)

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Hi Janelle, This is a letter to the Editor regarding the Headline Spring 2013 from your article on REFLECTIONS on page 18. This article is right on! This is very true-you can’t wait around for things to come to you, because nothing will get done. You have to take ACTION. When you do take action, don’t take no for an answer and don’t back down on whatever you want to achieve. I know about this through my own experience. For instance, if I had waited around for someone to sponsor me to attend the Brain Injury Conferences, I would still be waiting. I pay my own way to the conferences. Going to the various conferences in B.C. and across the country for over 20 years, I have learned a lot about Acquired Traumatic Brain Injury (ATBI). My ATBI happened in 1987, and when I returned to Terrace, I quickly found out that the community was unaware what ATBI was. So attending the conferences over the years I learned more about my injury, and then provided the information to the community of Terrace. I took action and did it myself to get the awareness out about ATBI. I have done so much. If it wasn’t for me, Terrace would have no clue about brain injuries. I have provided information to many places and people in Terrace over 20 years. I have provided info to the Terrace Standard Newspaper. I was interviewed in 2012 on a TV show on CFTK in Terrace called Open Connection on ATBI (I had nothing but positive comments). I did a TV interview on CFTK TV news in 2011. I have done a few radio interviews that was aired from CBC Prince Rupert number of years ago. I distribute Headline to many places and to many people in Terrace. I have done this for years. Once again if it wasn’t for me, Terrace wouldn’t have this info. I have donated books on Brain Injury to the Terrace Public Library. The books I donated are books that I have learned about when attending the conferences. When I donated the books, I paid for them myself. Once again I took action. Books I donated: Winds of Change --a collection of stories of survivors (Brain Injury Association of Niagara) I also donated this book to many other people and also a copy to Don Cherry. The Courage to Come Back--Triumph over TBI a story of hope---by Michael Coss March Forth-- by Trevor and Debbie Greene Concussion Recovery--rebuilding the injuried brain--by Colleen Butler Concussed! Sports-related Head Injuries:Prevention, Coping and Real Stories--by Keith Primeau & Kerry Goulet ( I also donated a copy of this book to the Terrace Minor Hockey Association). I got many changes done in Terrace, changes made to the Federal Income Tax, and so much more. Lastly, I can’t wait for someone to cut my lawn, so a few years ago I bought a push lawnmower. I can’t use a gas operated lawnmower or electric mower, so I bought a push lawnmower so that I don’t have to wait for someone to cut my grass. Hey, a push lawnmower is good for the environment!!! These are only a few examples of what I have done. You can’t wait for someone else to do things for you. You have to take ACTION yourself. Don’t let other people let you down. Stick to what you want to do. If you believe in something that you want to do, don’t take crap from anyone. Don’t accept excuses. Be strong. I know it is hard, but don’t back off, you can make a difference. Making a difference will improve your quality of life. You will also make a difference in other people’s quality of life. SPEAK UP AND TAKE ACTION! Submitted by Yvonne Nielsen

s e c r u o s e R
Headline is a proud supporter of Learn Connect Find
BC Brain Injury Association www. bcbraininjuryassociation.com Campbell River Head Injury Support Society www.crhead.ca Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association www.fvbia.org Brain Trust Canada www.braintrustcanada.com www.protectyourhead.com Nanaimo Brain Injury Society www.nbis.ca. Powell River Brain Injury Society www.braininjurysociety.ca Prince George Brain Injured Group Society  www.pgbig.ca Brain Injury Resources www.braininjuryresources.org Ontario Brain Injury Association www.obia.on.ca Brain Injury Association USA www.biausa.org South Okanagan Similkameen BI Society www.sosbis.com Victoria Brain Injury Society www.vbis.ca The 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.net Northern Brain Injury Association www.nbia.ca www.thinkfirst.ca www.brainstreams.ca

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ROBERT’S STORY
By Mary Lou Rossiter

“None of us has gotten where we are solely by pulling ourselves up from our own bootstraps. We got here because somebody bent down and helped us.”
~Thurgood Marshall (Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)

Nicholas Rathie, a mental health care aid contacted us a month ago. One of his clients with a severe brain injury receives Headline and had asked if his story could be told. I am delighted to share Robert’s story below.

Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside is not to be judged by what you see from the windows of a car, bus or taxi driving 50 km down a street. It unfolds in layers beginning with a walk through the doors of Victory House. Nicholas welcomed me and Mike and then introduced us to Robert Reid. As I walked toward the interview room, a woman seated in the reception area said to me, “Robert’s a good man!” Now that’s a great start! Robert introduces himself as a walking, talking miracle. He tells me he was born July 25, 1946 and reborn December 2, 1972. In those days, the sleepy town of Gibsons Landing, along the Sunshine Coast where he was raised, was like so many British Columbia towns. We often left our doors unlocked. December 2, 1972 was the night someone walked through that unlocked door into his Gibsons house and as he was sleeping, fired a gun into his right temple. He was 26 years old. The fact that he survived for three days before being found was a miracle! He was rushed to Vancouver General Hospital for surgery. Twenty-three days later, Robert woke up. His parents, brother, William and sister, Mardi, were by his side in those early days, giving him emotional support. Early on, he was told he wouldn’t walk or talk. He was a
Cheshire Homes Society of British Columbia

determined young man. Sitting in his wheelchair in GF Strong Rehabilitation Hospital, unable to communicate, he remembers thinking, “No way!” And he worked hard to get himself out of the wheelchair and back on his feet, but for thirteen years, he couldn’t talk. He learned some sign language before a palatal lift prosthetic was made for him. The prosthetic fits inside his mouth and lifts his soft palate. That and working with a speech-language pathologist gave him back his ability to talk.

With prosthetics in his shoes to increase his comfort when walking, a plate in his head and his palatal lift, he’s grateful to his spare parts for increasing his quality of life. Gratitude is what kept showing up in our conversation. Robert has found his purpose in life and that is working with street kids. He is proud of his ability to council young people and of the fact that he’s been clean and sober for 41 years, since the day of his rebirth. He makes a simple statement, “I’ve never met anyone who wanted to become a drug addict.” He has won the trust and respect of the street people in his neighbourhood, many of them greeting him with, “Hi Rob!” He considers it a gift to be able to help people. Robert is doing exactly what he wants to do today. He states that he’s comfortable in his own skin. He would like to thank all the beautiful people who have worked with him to get him where he is today. Robert, you are indeed a walking, talking miracle.
Cover Photo: Nichlas Rathie and Robert Reid

Acceptance, Empowerment, Independence, Opportunity
Providing Transitional, Slower Stream and Apartment Based Rehabilitation Programs for Acquired Brain Injury since 1984.
Cheshire Homes Society of BC, Head Office #202 – 625 5th Avenue New Westminster, BC, V3M 1X4 Phone: (604) 540-0686 www.cheshirehomes.ca

R a i n coa st 
Community Rehabilitation

Services where you live, work and play
2392 Kingsway Vancouver, BC V5R 5G9 [email protected] tel: 604.444.3770 fax: 604.444.3729 toll free: 1.800.535.9988 www.raincoastrehab.ca

a member of the Leonard Cheshire Disability Global Alliance

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Hiking in Canada
Walking is an enjoyable activity for many people. Individuals, couples and families enjoy taking their walking to new levels with hiking in the great outdoors. Hiking is a wonderful way to clear the mind, come close to nature and take in the natural beauty of British Columbia. As in other outdoor activities, hiking is to be respected and participants must prepare themselves with the proper equipment, attire and supplies. Additionally, adhering to the following Hiker’s Code of Ethics will keep hikers safe: Hiker’s Code of Ethics as posted on www.canadatrails.ca These suggested guidelines will help make hiking a safe and pleasant experience for everyone: • Park your car well off the road and away from private driveways. • Stay on the trail. Taking a cut-off on a switchback trail will cause increased erosion. Making a detour around a muddy patch will destroy vegetation. • When hiking above the treeline, stay off the fragile alpine moss, lichen and wildflowers. • Keep off private property. Landowners often give permission for the trail to pass over their land and may revoke that privilege if people stray all over their land. • Some parks do not allow dogs because they may run off and chase the wildlife. If you do take your dog hiking, make certain that it stays under control and clean up after it. • Avoid hiking when the trails are wet, especially in the early spring, as this can lead to trail erosion. • A fire should only be started if you are camping and it is in a special camp fire container. Fires are not permitted when the forest fire index is high. • If you smoke, make certain that your cigarette is completely extinguished when you are finished and carry the butt out with you. • When nature calls, go off the trail and keep at least 100 yards from streams and lakes to avoid contaminating the water. Bury your toilet paper and feces several inches deep. • Pack out any garbage that you have brought with you. • Leave nothing behind--not even footprints. • Take nothing except photographs. Leave wildflowers and other plants for others to enjoy. • Don’t feed the wildlife. Increasing a species’ food supply can disturb the balance of nature. • When meeting a horseback rider, step off to the right of the trail and stand still until the rider passes. Any fast movement may frighten the horse. • Don’t throw rocks or anything else over the side of mountains--they may strike someone passing below.

30 years of experience helping brain injured victims and their families. Murphy Battista LLP 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 www.murphybattista.com

Skunkworks Creative Group Inc. | Murphy Battista Logo Refresh | FINAL (Rawlinson Bold) | March 19, 2012

Joe Murphy, Q.C. Derek Mah Irina Kordic Tina Petrick

Joe Battista, Q.C. Steve Gibson Kevin Gourlay Leyna Roenspies

J. Scott Stanley Brian Brooke Angela Price-Stephens Alex Sayn-Wittgenstein

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Light at the End of the Tunnel
~Roberto Gaudet I am a survivor of a severe traumatic brain injury. This accident happened after falling approximately 700 feet from Dam Mountain, North Vancouver, BC. This injury had me relearn all of life’s basics; it was like being an infant again at 28 years old. My doctors believed that learning or relearning was going to be an enormous challenge for me. This article will look at turning life challenges into positives and fulfilling life goals. I have always had an allergic reaction to walls, an insatiable need to be outside. Suddenly at 28 years old I woke up in a hospital. I was being put in a wheelchair, diapered and I could not remember how I got there. I understand the frustrations of having your life turn upside down and feeling under equipped to face challenges. Brain injuries are often referred to as a silent injury. Cases vary but what they have in common are many of their symptoms are due to a lack of oxygen to the brain, similar to stroke survivors. Some symptoms are: • “Medical: seizures, headaches, fatigue. • Sensory-Motor: impaired coordination, speech. • Intellectual-Cognitive: impaired reasoning, impaired memory, slowness of thought processes, difficulty reading and writing. • Social-Personality: behaviour problems.” http://www.braininjurylaw.ca/index.html “Brain Injury is the #1 killer and disabler of people under 45 years old. It is estimated that 22,000 British Columbians acquire new Brain injuries yearly. Brain Injury can range from mild (concussion) to severe (coma).” (http://www.bcbraininjuryassociation.com), 2012. In my personal journey I chose to go against the odds and return to school. I successfully completed a landscaping program and started my own company. I am currently enrolled at Capilano University in the Mountain Biking Operation Program. I am committed to sharing my passion with as many people as I can, bringing twenty-five years of biking experience to the Sunshine Coast cycling community. My goal is to create a riding club for brain injury survivors. I am here today because of my love for my daughter. I was wearing a bicycle helmet at the time of my injury and because my feisty 90 year-old Quebecois grandma told me: “There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.” I have learned to live by these inspirational words, thank you Liliane and grand-maman Lili as I would say to her. Follow my journey in future articles. Be safe, wear your brain bucket, I will see you on the Sunshine Coast trails.
Editor’s Note: Roberto’s article first appeared in The Local on January 10, 2013 (Pg. 5) and may be viewed at http://thelocalweekly.ca.

David Marr Q.C.

Tara Decker

Kevin Cowan

Corey Lencovic

Joseph Zak

“We care about your future”
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

www.hmzlaw.com
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E: [email protected]

Communities, homes, and support after br ain injury

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Making lives better. For 20 years, CONNECT has transformed the way people with brain injury are served and supported in BC. Game changer. We see better outcomes because of our coaching supports and interdependent model. Locations in Lake Country and Langley. Undeniable economics. Discharging residents into more independence saves an astounding amount of money over time as compared to a lifetime in care.
In Langley call In Lake Country call Janette Jackman Christy McKeating 604-534-0705 250-469-9358 [email protected] [email protected] www.connectcommunities.ca headline 9

Michelle Britton
~ by Linda Ross Balser Michelle Britton was born in the lovely community of Kamloops, British Columbia on May 28, 1974. It was well known to her family and friends that Michelle was a special person with a zest for living life to the fullest and a passionate need to explore the world. In her late teens, Michelle embarked on a travelling adventure to Australia and New Zealand. Even though she felt she had so far lived a sheltered life, she did this trip alone. She was very brave. And, by the time she was 24 years of age, she had also visited France, Germany, Austria, Fiji, Hawaii and Canada’s Maritime Provinces. Michelle settled down in her early twenties and moved to Victoria to study for her Commerce Degree, majoring in Hotel Management. It was while running errands at the University of Victoria that Michelle experienced a terrifying event that would change her life forever. Her body suddenly became uncontrollable and, in a panic, she desperately honked the horn of her vehicle. Help arrived and an ambulance rushed a now unconscious Michelle to the nearest hospital. It was a frightening situation. Cori, her sister who shared a condo with Michelle, was by her side from the beginning. Gordon and Joan, Michelle’s parents, hurried out to Victoria from their home in Kamloops. The family waited anxiously, realizing the seriousness of Michelle’s condition. Her life was in peril. It was several days before a diagnosis was given; an arterial dissection had caused a stroke in Michelle’s brain stem. She was completely paralyzed. It was a couple of weeks before Michelle was even aware of what was happening to her. In her book, Silent Journey, her experience is explained: Michelle “just wasn’t all there” for a long time. She was visited from rarely seen relatives from Vancouver, which made her suspect something really bad had happened to her. At this point the quality of her life did not exist. She really didn’t care “about life or anything.” She was mainly dealing with the mountain of medical stuff that was so new. Occasionally, a terrifying thought would come to her, “Is this my life now?” Michelle’s condition, referred to as Locked-In Syndrome, is extremely rare, affecting as few as 150 people worldwide. She cannot move her body. She has very little movement of her head. She cannot speak. However, her mind works remarkably well, virtually unscathed by the stroke. There are a couple of fortunate things with Michelle’s condition. She is able to breathe on her own, so does not need a ventilator. And she has the slight use of her right hand. This is very important to Michelle. Her training in Morse Code on the computer has opened up the entire world to her via the internet. Michelle, using a small lever set up for her thumb and forefinger, is able to communicate with her friends through emails and Facebook. For several years Michelle was fed through a tube. Even though medical people discouraged her from attempting to eat food through her mouth, Michelle felt it was important for her to enjoy the wonderful sense of taste. This simple act of daily eating has added some much appreciated quality to her life. Another positive with Michelle’s condition is a small amount of strength in her arm that is able to guide her hand towards a variety of electronic items, such as her television and radio along with an assortment of reachable gadgets near her computer. With the help of a sling and the assistance of an art teacher, Michelle has created some incredible artworks, one of which is displayed on her book cover. Daily life for Michelle is not easy. She requires help with everything, from assistance moving her from the bed to her wheelchair, to being hand fed her meals, which are blended to a precise consistency to enable Michelle’s swallowing. For many years Michelle was forced to live in care homes, a hospital-like environment that she absolutely hated. She tried several times to live among the general public, a daunting task for a person with such a severe disability. It is very expensive, takes lots of planning, and is susceptible to all sorts of unexpected problems. Her efforts often failed. At present Michelle is once again living independently in her own condo. She plans her daily life and hires her own care givers. She is a shining example of strong determination. And she is a source of inspiration to any who may question the value of life. Michelle’s book, Silent Journey, can be purchased at friesenpress.com ISBN 9781460211526 Books are also available from the writer at [email protected] or from Michelle Britton at [email protected] or can be ordered from most retail book stores.

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Bruce Godkin – October 1955 to March 2013
~ by John Simpson My father use to say “there is a little bad in the best of us and a little bit of good in the worst of us”. Bruce Godkin was a mixture. He had his problems with the law, drugs and alcohol. In 1986 he was shot in the head. He readily showed the report on the scan revealing bullet fragments in his brain. Bruce had a number of concussions growing up and some horrible experiences as well. Whilst in Mission Institution, he was assisted by his friend Bill Dickson to form the Mission Brain Injury Support Group. I corresponded with Bruce and first met him and Bill in early 2009. I agreed to attend at least one of their support group meetings, which were held on Saturdays. Bruce also worked individually with other inmates making appointments through Bill. Because of various logistics within the prison system, they had to change locations for the meetings, which did not work out well; however, they still (Bruce and Bill) continued their work. They transferred to Ferndale and the group folded and has not yet been restarted. On January 14th, Bruce won day parole from the Parole Board and was to move to the halfway house in Chilliwack. On the16th, Bruce fell and fractured his left femur. Whilst in hospital he was diagnosed with extensive cancer. Unfortunately he was beyond treatment and moved into palliative care and Mission Memorial Hospital. On February 23rd, I took Bruce to meet with his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Sadly, he passed away on March the 2nd. In Bruce’s case, the good that he did at least equaled if not exceeded the bad. My condolences to his family and very good friend, Bill Dickson.

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It’s our 25th Anniversary Another reason to celebrate!!
For our 20th Anniversary we celebrated ourselves. Our BIG style ‘black tie event’ celebrated our founders, our first board of directors, the survivors who advocated for a northern voice for brain injury and the survivors who were the catalysts for services here in the north. Our summer carnival welcomed survivors, family members and staff who had been part of our growth from the beginning to come out for a day of fun, games and really bad, carnival-style grub! For our 25th Anniversary we’re being much more mature. Truly, it’s NOT all about us! Our primary celebrations will be held in June, which has been proclaimed as BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH in the City of Prince George. We’ve got irons in the fire for some October events too but we’ll talk about that another time! We are very, very excited to announce that during the month of June the Prince George Citizen, our award-winning daily newspaper, will be featuring a series of articles on brain injury, particularly brain injury in Prince George and northern BC! We can’t give you any more details for now but tune in to www.princegeorgecitizen.com in a couple of weeks! You know that old adage that ‘it takes a community to raise a child’? Well, it takes a community to ‘raise’ a successful non-profit too! And on this, our 25th Anniversary, we’re celebrating that fact. Our Annual General Meeting (a boring necessity in many organizations) has always been billed as our “AGM & Awards Night”. On June 6, 2013 this event will be BIGGER & better than ever! As always we will celebrate our volunteers, our staff and our directors for their labour, their ideas and their love. It is these people who carry BIG

You’re in Good Hands.
Our goal is to assist our clients by obtaining funding for all of their immediate needs in order to maximize their potential for recovery, while we proceed toward obtaining settlement or judgment that allows a sustainable and encouraging new future.

AGM 2012 Supervisor Linda Glover & President Bob Dewhirst thanks Bruce Collins for 12 years as a volunteer

250.360.2500
Personal Injury & Insurance Law www.hom-law.com
#1-505 Fisgard Street Victoria, BC V8W 1R3
For more information, contact: Barri Marlatt or Lorenzo Oss-Cech

Employment Facilitator Jack Davies congratulates Gordon Quock & presents his 10 Year Lamp

JOB #H103-9643 headline 12 CLIENT: HUTCHISON, OSS-CECH, MARLATT INSERTION DATE : SpRINg 2009 pUBLICATION: HEADLINE MAg SIZE: 3.625” x 4.625”

us into your lives and for placing your trust in our ability to help you to rebuild your lives. Your strength and resiliency amaze us daily and we are truly privileged to know you and to work for you.

Our “Regular” AGM Awards:

AGM 2012 Alison Hagreen presents Bob Dewhirst with the BIG HERO award for 20 years as our President!

from day to day and from year to year. For our 25th Anniversary we will be celebrating & thanking 25 organizations and individuals from outside of BIG for their invaluable roles in our 25 successful years. These awards fall into 2 distinct categories: • 10 ‘CHANGE AGENT’ Awards for organizations & individuals whose contributions have changed the course of our society • 15 ‘ROCK SOLID SUPPORT’ Awards for organizations and individuals whose contributions have not only made our lives easier and better but in some instances have made our survival possible We’re keeping the names of the Award Winners under our hats for now but we’ll pass them along to HEADLINE after the festivities are done. Maybe they’ll choose to print them & make our thanks even more public! BIG thanks to some of our provincial partners who have been an inspiration and a support. John Simpson tops the list of course. Those of you who know John will know of his unfailing advocacy for survivors of brain injury, particularly those whose lives are involved with the criminal justice system (hey John; after all these years we’re beginning a program at the local PGRCC!) and whose unfailing support of local brain injury society’s is second to none! Also John Higgenbottam, John Millard, Alice Rose, Patti Flaherty, Mitch Loreth, Mike Keating, Janelle Breese-Biagioni, Geoff Sing, Karen Waller (I miss you Karen!), David Marr (at Horne Marr Zack) and Brian Webster (& his team at Braininjurylaw.ca). As always, a heartfelt thanks from PG BIG’s 30 staff to you, the people we serve. Thank you for inviting

• Certificates for Volunteers who contributed more than 50 hours of service • Engraved clocks to celebrate 5 years of Service by staff, directors & volunteers • Engraved lamps to celebrate 10 years of service • The Lonny Seibel Memorial Bursery • The Tom Bellamy Memorial BIG HERO AWARD • The “Survivors Choice” CITIZENSHIP AWARD • The “EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR” award for a b usiness that has gone over & above what is required to provide paid employment for a survivior of brain injury

Take a Break

N T D N G T H I K I N G Y L O E R D X N E L C I S P O P L N N A C L I P I C N I C S U B U A V N L D G O D T O H S M S F L E O A R E G R U B M A H H M P L I B A C L C G I A L F O Z R E T E O D D E T N P B O R D I S A S B S U N S H I N E T O A A C A E C K W B K L L J S E G C A B T O L T E I A P I L F H T V F A O A O G N V H I A A C I K H K L W H S L A D N A S A U O O S N T S A N D B O X T E S F I S H I N G I O C E A N B E W S S A R G C A M P I N G

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BRAIN REWIRES ITSELF AFTER DAMAGE OR INJURY, LIFE SCIENTISTS DISCOVER
By Alison Heather When the brain’s primary “learning center” is damaged, complex new neural circuits arise to compensate for the lost function, say life scientists from UCLA and Australia who have pinpointed the regions of the brain involved in creating those alternate pathways — often far from the damaged site. The research, conducted by UCLA’s Michael Fanselow and Moriel Zelikowsky in collaboration with Bryce Vissel, a group leader of the neuroscience research program at Sydney’s Garvan Institute of Medical Research, appears this week in the early online edition of the Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The researchers found that parts of the prefrontal cortex take over when the hippocampus, the brain’s key center of learning and memory formation, is disabled. Their breakthrough discovery, the first demonstration of such neural-circuit plasticity, could potentially help scientists develop new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and other conditions involving damage to the brain. For the study, Fanselow and Zelikowsky conducted laboratory experiments with rats showing that the rodents were able to learn new tasks even after damage to the hippocampus. While the rats needed more training than they would have normally, they nonetheless learned from their experiences — a surprising finding. “I expect that the brain probably has to be trained through experience,” said Fanselow, a professor of psychology and member of the UCLA Brain Research Institute, who was the study’s senior author. “In this case, we gave animals a problem to solve.” After discovering the rats could, in fact, learn to solve problems, Zelikowsky, a graduate student in Fanselow’s laboratory, traveled to Australia, where she worked with Vissel to analyze the anatomy of the changes that had taken place in the rats’ brains. Their analysis identified significant functional changes in two specific regions of the prefrontal cortex. “Interestingly, previous studies had shown that these prefrontal cortex regions also light up in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, suggesting that similar compensatory circuits develop in people,” Vissel said. “While it’s probable that the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers are already compensating for damage, this discovery has significant potential for extending that compensation and improving the lives of many.” The hippocampus, a seahorse-shaped structure where memories are formed in the brain, plays critical roles in processing, storing and recalling information. The hippocampus is highly susceptible to damage through stroke or lack of oxygen and is critically inolved in Alzheimer’s disease, Fanselow said. “Until now, we’ve been trying to figure out how to stimulate repair within the hippocampus,” he said. “Now we can see other structures stepping in and whole new brain circuits coming into being.” Zelikowsky said she found it interesting that sub-regions in the prefrontal cortex compensated in different ways, with one sub-region — the infralimbic cortex — silencing its activity and another sub-region — the prelimbic cortex — increasing its activity. “If we’re going to harness this kind of plasticity to help stroke victims or people with Alzheimer’s,” she said, “we first have to understand exactly how to differen-

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tially enhance and silence function, either behaviorally or pharmacologically. It’s clearly important not to enhance all areas. The brain works by silencing and activating different populations of neurons. To form memories, you have to filter out what’s important and what’s not.” Complex behavior always involves multiple parts of the brain communicating with one another, with one region’s message affecting how another region will respond, Fanselow noted. These molecular changes produce our memories, feelings and actions. “The brain is heavily interconnected — you can get from any neuron in the brain to any other neuron via about six synaptic connections,” he said. “So there are many alternate pathways the brain can use, but it normally doesn’t use them unless it’s forced to. Once we understand how the brain makes these decisions, then we’re in a position to encourage pathways to take over when they need to, especially in the case of brain damage. “Behavior creates molecular changes in the brain; if we know the molecular changes we want to bring about, then we can try to facilitate those changes to occur through behavior and drug therapy,” he added. I think that’s the best alternative we have. Future treatments are not going to be all behavioral or all pharmacological, but a combination of both.” Fanselow and Vissel have worked closely over the last several years. For more information on Fanselow’s research, visit the Fanselow Lab website. http://fanselowlab.psych.ucla.edu For more on the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, visit their website. http://www.garvan.org.au The research was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (grant MH 62122), part of the National Institutes of Health, and by the National Science Foundation (EAPSI award 0914307 to Zelikowsky). UCLA is California’s largest university, with an enrollment of more than 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The UCLA College of Letters and Science and the university’s 11 professional schools feature renowned faculty and offer 337 degree programs and majors. UCLA is a national and international leader in the breadth and quality of its academic, research, health care, cultural, continuing education and athletic programs. Six alumni and six faculty have been awarded the Nobel Prize.
Source: http://www.healthcanal.com/brain-nerves/38661-brainrewires-itself-after-damage-or-injury-life-scientists-discover.html Posted: May 15, 2013; retrieved May 16, 2013

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Fall Prevention for Seniors
Census highlights indicate that the number of senior citizens is at the highest rate ever in Canada. Baby boomers are aging and in fact, the first of the baby boomers to hit the age of retirement (65) did so in 2011. As the numbers increase, so too does the strain on our health care system because people are living longer and experiencing many issues like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The leading cause of injury and the 6th leading cause of death for seniors is falls. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 3 British Columbians who are over the age of 65 will fall once every year. Falls are directly attributed to the main cause of seniors losing their independence and ability to live on their own. Falls can be prevented; however, there are risk factors indoors and outdoors to be considered. Behaviour and social and economic risks need to be considered as well, but these may be more difficult to circumvent. Falls are often caused by a lack of balance or the inability to recover balance; therefore, seniors (and aging survivors of brain injury) who struggle with mobility and balance issues are at a greater risk to fall and be injured. British Columbia’s Ministry of Health has published a Fall Prevention Brochure which provides the following information on risk factors to be considered. The following risk factors and full brochure are available at this link: http://www.injuryresearch.bc.ca/ docs/3_20070425_160715Senior’s%20Falls%20 Can%20Be%20Prevented%20Pamphlet%20 April%2024_07.pdf Indoor risk factors: • Poorly lit stairs, ramps or doorways Outdoor risks • Uneven or cracked sidewalks • Stairs without handrails • Stairs without clear edge markings on all steps • Poor lighting: either not enough • Snow, ice, wet leaves on stairs or walkways

• Unmarked curb edges or corners without curb ramps • Long crosswalks without pedestrian islands or too much glare

• Objects on sidewalks or walkways such as bike racks or garbage cans • Controlled crosswalks with times too short for a safe walking pace

Risky Behaviours • Wearing loose fitting or worn out shoes, or shoes with thick soles • Taking medications without a regular review for fall risk by a physician, pharmacist • Consuming alcohol to the point of impaired judgment and/or balance

• Trying to get objects that are out of reach rather than asking for assistance • Carrying heavy, awkward handbags that can affect balance

• Not using assistive devices (walkers, canes, etc.) when needed or using them incorrectly Social and economic risks include: • Living alone without a way to access help

• Stairs that are not uniform from top to bottom or those with narrow steps

• Lack of social networks that lead to isolation and depression • Insufficient income for safe living quarters or nutritional food

• Stairs without handrails or marking on the edges of the steps • Lack of, or incorrectly installed, grab bars • Slippery floors, throw rugs, loose carpets

• Lack of access or knowledge on how to acquire needed health care services or health promotion information • Poor eating habits, with low protein or inadequate fluids

• Walking surfaces cluttered with objects like cords, pet dishes or newspapers • Toilet seats that are too low or too high • Poorly maintained or improper use of mobility aids and equipment • Doors with raised sills in bathrooms headline 16

For additional tips on fall prevention, visit: http://blogs.cdc.gov/ ncipc/2013/05/14/8-things-that-people-should-know-aboutpreventing-falls-in-older-adults/?s_cid=fb_tbi512.

June is dedicated as Brain Injury Awareness Month in British Columbia. Everyone can, and should, do their part to promote education and awareness in their community. Check with your local Brain Injury Association to see what events are being held and where you can be of support to them. Volunteering an hour or two can make a big difference for a non-profit organization in pulling an occasion together. Be sure to show up to the events they have planned and to promote their cause – your support will not go unnoticed. Also, each of us can take a moment to speak with our neighbours or visit our kid’s school to promote safety. If you have a child or know of children that may benefit from an interactive learning site, introduce them to Bobby Bee in the Kids’ Corner of the BC Brain Injury Association’s website. Here is the link: http://www.bcbraininjuryassociation.com/kids/index.php.

JUNE IS BRAIN INJURY AWARNESS MONTH

The Cheshire Homes Society of British Columbia is hosting the WALK, RUN, WHEEL FOR BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS DAY on June 15, 2013 beginning at 11:00 am. Location: Start & finish at Lumberman’s Arch (Stanley Park), Vancouver. Register by donation online or at the event. Suggested donation is $10. Please visit www.cheshirehomes.ca for more information and to register. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AND WELCOMED!

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Comic Credit: Written by: The Blue Sheet Club & Illustrated by: Erin Shuttleworth

Brain Injury Awareness Day

Cheshire Homes Society of British Columbia

Reflections
By Janelle Breese Biagioni

“You can’t start the next chapter of your life If you keep re-reading the last one.”
~Unknown

As a counsellor, I am often asked, “When are things going to change for me? When is life going to get better? When I am not going to feel so sad?” Before I tell you what my answer is, let me address the process of grieving for those who have endured significant loss. The journey of loss is long, arduous and unpredictable. There are many emotions to go through and there is no set order in which a person will experience them. Initially they feel numb and have no ability to articulate any particular feeling, such as sadness or anger. Often these feelings are all mishmash anyway. You feel angry one second and then suddenly the anger turns to sadness and then it turns to hopelessness and on and on. There are a million steps that the person takes from when a loss occurs to when life begins to move forward. And those are baby steps! It’s important to understand that each person travels the journey in an undetermined length of time (it’s undetermined because it is individual) and they have the right to feel what

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they are feeling for however long they are feeling it. Others often attempt to rush the grieving person through the journey so they will be “fun” again. It’s not a race to recover; in fact, trying to rush through the process is actually a recipe for disaster. Much of what a person feels in the early days following loss is beyond their control. They may be confused, afraid, sad, angry, hopeless, sorrowful, desperate, and more. However, if they are given the opportunity to do the work of mourning, they will eventually move forward in life. “Doing the work” is not easily defined either. It isn’t necessarily going for counseling, getting back to work, or telling their story 24/7. It’s what is meaningful for the person and facilitates their working through what they feel in a safe, appropriate way. There is no cookie-cutter approach – what works for me will not necessarily work for you. If it is so different from one person to the next, then how can you tell they are “doing the work?” You can tell when they begin to connect with others, begin to engage in activities in their community and with friends/family and they begin to make plans for the future. Now there are people who begin to engage with people and make plans and they are NOT doing work. Don’t worry you will easily tell the difference between the two. Those who push life forward without doing the work become cynical, bitter, and not so nice to be around. If they are or have done their work, the person may be cautious, but they begin embracing life. They are able to show care and concern and interest in others around them. They take every day as it comes and they begin to take control of their life and to redefine it as it is today. So back to the questions: “When are things going to change for me? When is life going to get better? When I am not going to feel so sad?” My answer: “It changes when you decide it will change.” I say that with all due respect. The reason that is my answer is because it is in the person asking that question that I see they are ready to move life forward. Their attitude is changing and whether they realize it or not, they have made the choice to ‘survive’ and now they are searching for a way to make that happen. Attitude is everything. No one moves forward in life if they remain in the past and dwell on the “why me?” Sorry, but that is the truth. Those who do the work, come to accept that life sometimes does hand us lemons and that it is up to us to make sweet lemonade or sour lemonade. Spirit, drive and a positive attitude are the fuel anyone needs to move life forward following a devastating change in their life. The change may not have been your choice, but surviving and having a meaningful life is.

Researchers shocked by new statistics on head injuries among people who are homeless or in danger of losing their home
By Leslie Shepherd Men who are heavy drinkers and homeless for long periods of time have 400 times the number of head injuries as the general population, according to a new study by researchers who said they were shocked by their findings. “We need to do something for this group--we’re seeing data that suggests they are in a downward spiral,” said Dr. Svoboda. “We need to develop programs to understand and treat this serious and permanent problem. When the brain is injured, you can’t fix it. We need to identify and support these people.” Dr. Svoboda said one answer could be to do more CT scans on people identified as being at risk.

These men have 170 times as many severe head injuries as the general population and 300 times as many injuries that cause bleeding in the brain. The study by Dr. Tomislav Svoboda, a family physician at St. Michael’s Hospital inToronto appears online in Emergency Medicine Journal.

The study also looked at head injuries in the general homeless population and among people who are vulnerably housed, meaning they live in crowded, unsafe or unaffordable housing or are in danger of becoming homeless. Both these groups had about 23 times the number of head injuries as the general population, but rates much lower than the chronically homeless. Previous studies of head injuries among people who are homeless have been based on interviews. Dr. Svoboda, a researcher in the hospital’s Centre for Research on Inner City Health, said his study is the first based on actual Emergency Department records over five years and the first to compare people who are homeless with the general population based on that data. They looked at all head injuries from slight concussions to brain hemorrhages. “We were shocked by the number of head injuries,” said Dr. Tomislav. “In medicine, we worry when something occurs two or three times more often in a particular patient group, but to talk about magnitudes of 300 or 400 is unheard of.”

In the general population in Canada, about 12 in every 10,000 men have a head injury that might involve a brain injury each year. Among the chronically homeless the number is 4,800 every year. Among men who are in low income housing each year, 370 in every 10,000 have such a head injury. This study was funded by the Central East Health Information Partnership, the former City of Toronto Shelter, Housing and Support Division, Physician Services Inc. and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research. About St. Michael’s Hospital

Dr. Svoboda also found the length of time between head injuries shortened as the number went up. The mean interval between head injuries was 231 days. That decreased by an average of 11.8 days with each subsequent head injury. Having a seizure disorder, drug dependence or a head injury in the previous year were the main predictors of whether someone would have another head injury. Previous research has found that people who are homeless are at greater risk of being assaulted or being victims of violence. Dr. Svoboda said the numbers in his study suggest that head injuries are causing physical changes such as dizziness, memory loss, impaired cognitive functions and mental health issues, which lead to more head injuries.

St. Michael’s Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in more than 23 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, care of the homeless and global health are among the Hospital’s recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Center, which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research and education at St. Michael’s Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in 1892, the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.

NEW! Concussion Clinical Toolkit for Health Practitioners
The new Concussion Awareness Training Toolkit – CATT – is ready to be launched both in British Columbia and across the Country. Funded by the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and Child Health BC, CATT has been developed by a team of injury prevention researchers and emergency department doctors and has been extensively reviewed both provincially and nationally. Based upon established international principles, the aim of CATT is to standardize concussion recognition, diagnosis, treatment and management. CATT features a learner-directed online training module supplemented with diagnostic tools (SCAT 2) and links to clinical resources, patient handouts, journal articles, related websites and concussion videos. Good concussion management may decrease the risk of brain damage and potentially reduce health care costs related to longterm health issues.

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CATT is undergoing a two-pronged evaluation. Part 1 of the evaluation is looking at changes in knowledge, attitudes and practices among physicians and nurses following completion of the CATT tutorial and access to the tools and links. Part 2 looks at changes in family experiences when attending the emergency department at the British Columbia Children’s Hospital with a head injured child. CATT is FREE and is now available online at www.cattonline.com. CATT qualifies for MainPro M2 credits for clinicians. The main goal of this online tool is to improve patient care throughout the country!
Please note, CATT resources are currently being updated based on the results of the 4th International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Zurich, November 2012, including new diagnostic SCAT tools.

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604 631 3127
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Heads Up

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE PROVINCE

NORTH OKANAGAN-SHUSWAP BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY Please take note: Our email addresses have changed to: robyn. [email protected] and [email protected]. Please make the necessary changes in your address books. Contact us for information on programs and services. MAPLE RIDGE BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP The support group welcomes Nora Chambers as the new facilitator. You may contact Nora at 604-462-9392 or by email at [email protected]. New mailing address: P.O. Box 21114, Maple Ridge Square RPO, Maple Ridge BC V2X 1P7. POWELL RIVER BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY (PRBIS) PRBIS www.braininjurysociety.ca provides support and services for persons with acquired brain injury, spouses, family members and caregivers included. For more information, call 604-485-6065 or toll free 1-866-499-6065. SOUTH OKANAGAN SIMILKAMEEN BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY (SOSBIS) SOSBIS provides the following services: Case Management, Psychosocial Recreation, Peer Support – Cognitive Enhancement, Family Support, Stroke Recovery Support, Education, Personal Support, Women’s Support and Prevention and Education. For more information, visit www.sosbis.com TRI-CITIES BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP As months have gone by, Tri-Cities Brain Injury Support Group continues to have its meetings every 1st Thursday of each month from 2 - 4 pm. At our meetings, friends get together and discuss interesting topics and do fun activities. We meet at the Coquitlam Public Library - Poirier Branch on 575 Poirier Street. For more information, please contact Sandi Caverly at 604916-5027 or [email protected] or Martin Granger at martin_ [email protected]. New members are welcome! VICTORIA BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY (VBIS) VBIS offers individual and group programs to survivors and their support system. Programs offered include: Peer Support, ABI 101, Coping Skills, Personal Enhancement, Creative Arts, a Family Support Group and Education & Awareness seminars to community groups. For more information call 250-598-9339 or visit www.vbis.ca.
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BRAINTRUST CANADA BrainTrust Canada 2013 Okanagan Conference on Brain Injury takes place on June 13 -14th at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus. For more information on the conference and programs offered by BrainTrust Canada, please call (250) 762-3233 or visit www.braintrustcanada.com. BULKLEY VALLEY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION (BVBIA) BVBIA offers case management services, and assistance with accessing rehabilitation programs, one-on-one emotional support, family support, and social and recreational activities. For more information, call 250-877-7723. CAMPBELL RIVER HEAD INJURY SUPPORT SOCIETY CRHISS provides education, advocacy, support, and fellowship. For more information, call 250-287-4323. *Note: CRHISS has a new fax number – 250-914-1120. COMOX VALLEY HEAD INJURY SOCIETY (CVHIS) CVHIS welcomes Cathy Stotts as the new Executive Director. CVHIS hosts a weekly drop in luncheon for a nominal cost to survivors and their families. For more information, call 250-3349225 or visit, www.cvheadinjury.com . FRASER VALLEY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION (FVBIA) FVBIA is hosting its Golf Classic on July 11, 2013 at Redwoods Golf Course in Langley, BC. For more information call 604-5571913 or (toll free) 1-866-557-1913 or email [email protected]. HOWE SOUND REHABILTATION SERVICES SOCIETY Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society is hosting the Sea to Sky Aphasia Camp from September 14 – 16, 2012. To receive more information on updates regarding details about the camp call 604-936-9944 or email [email protected] KAMLOOPS BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION (KBIA) KBIA offers many services and programs, including case coordination and life skills support. For more information, call 250-372-1799. NANAIMO BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY (NBIS) NBIS offers rehabilitation and case management services, disability benefits assistance, and workshops focusing on issues ranging from trauma recovery to life skills strategies and anger management. For more information, call 250-753-5600 or visit their website at www.nbid.ca.

Sudoku Solution Page 3

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Healthy Summer Eating
Summer is the perfect season to make changes in the way we eat. There is generally an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables available at local markets or stores. You may even opt to grow your own. There are some downfalls to summer eating too. We tend to enjoy ice cream, fresh salads with yummy dressings and cold beverages like sweetened ice tea, which is loaded with sugar. Just remember, it is okay to indulge in these treats – moderately! The following diagrams are designed to help with portion control and give you a visual as to what a correct portion looks like. Keep these images in mind when attending a barbecue or picnic so you can enjoy your favourite foods and maintain a commitment to healthy eating. symptoms because of sensitivity to grains. The following recipe is gluten-free and it is also a simple, tasty way to get more vegetables into your diet. Try it – you will like it!

Cauliflower Crust Pizza Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. 2 cups cauliflower (grated or riced). One head should provide enough riced cauliflower for two pizzas. 2 eggs 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese 2 cloves crushed garlic (optional) Approximately 1 cup of pizza or marinara sauce (if you are Celiac it is best to make your own to avoid commercial sauces which do contain gluten) ¼ cup thin sliced basil OR 1 tsp. crushed oregano (Optional seasoning includes: Italian, fennel, onion powder, garlic powder). Don’t be afraid to put your personal spin on it. Place cauliflower in a microwave safe dish and cook on high heat for 3 minutes. Do not add water as the cauliflower has enough naturally. If the cauliflower seems watery when you remove it from the microwave, drain or squeeze it in a tea towel to remove the excess water. Mix cauliflower and remaining ingredients in a bowl. Line cookie sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper and spread cauliflower mixture evenly on the pan. Cook for 15 minutes in the oven. Remove cooked crust from the oven and cover with pizza or marinara sauce. Add your favorite toppings such as sliced veggies and pineapple or *meats (precooked sausage, salami, ham or bacon) and/ or pineapple. Top with more cheese (you can never have enough cheese) and return to the oven for about 10 – 15 minutes more until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Enjoy! You won’t believe it isn’t a bread crust! Guiltfree pizza… what more could you ask for????. *Meats must be precooked because the cooking time will not be long enough for raw meat.

This chart provides images of objects that are similar in size to the recommended portion for meat, starches, cheese, fruit, fats and more. This diagram shows a simple way to divide sections of the plate to ensure that correct portions of proteins, starches and vegetables are followed. Add a small amount of fat (i.e. 1 tsp. of olive oil) and a serving of fruit and you have a complete meal! Many people are gravitating towards a gluten-free diet. People with Celiac Disease are not able to tolerate gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale (cross between wheat and rye). When consumed, these individuals experience mild to severe symptoms of bloating, gas, and diarrhea due to the gluten causing inflammation in the small intestine. However, more and more individuals who are not Celiac are also experiencing similar

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BC BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATIONS &
*This list updated Summer Issue, 2013
Abbotsford Acquired Brain Injury Society of the Yukon Alberni Valley Head Injury Society/Port Alberni Barriere/Merritt British Columbia Brain Injury Association Brain Trust Canada Brain Trust Canada - Vernon Contact Bulkley Valley Brain Injury Association Burnaby Chinese Brain Injury Support Group Campbell River Head Injury Support Society Caribou Brain Injury Society Chilliwack Comox Valley Head Injury Society East Kootenay Brain Injury Association Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association Golden East Kootenay Brain Injury Association Kamloops Brain Injury Association KBIA - Barriere/Merrit Contact Langley/Aldergrove Brain Injury Support Group Maple Ridge Support Group Mission Nanaimo Brain Injury Society New Westminster Headway B.R.A.I.N. (Brain Resource, Advocacy & Information Network) North Okanagan Shuswap Brain Injury Society (Salmon Arm/Shuswap) Northern Brain Injury Association Powell River Brain Injury Society Prince George Brain Injured Group Society Sechelt/Sunshine Coast Brain Injury Support Group Semiahmoo House Society Acquired Brain Injury Services South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society Terrace Brain Injury Support Group TriCities Support Group Vancouver Headway Vancouver Survivors Support Group Victoria Brain Injury Society West Coast Support Network West Kootenay Brain Injury Association

Support Groups
604-557-1913 867-668-5283 250-724-6772 250-372-1799 604-465-1783 250-762-3233 250-307-6064 250-877-7723 604-877-8606 250-287-4323 250-392-7772 604-557-1913 250-334-9225 250-417-6220 604-557-1913 250-344-5674 250-372-1799 604-557-1913 604-462-9392 604-557-1913 250-753-5600 604.520.0130 604-540-9234 250-833-1140 1-866-979-4673 1-866-499-6065 250-564-2447 604-592-1006 250-490-0613 1-866-979-4673 604-916-5027 604.732.4446 604-873-2385 250-598-9339 250-726-7459 250-304-1259 TF 1-866-564-2447 Local 230 TF 1-866-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913 TF 1-866-557-1913

Carol Paetkau Anne-Marie Yahn Linda Kenny Terry-Lynne Stone Deborah St. Jean Laurie Denton Marcie McLeod Michaela Slipp Angela Kan Shelley Howard Stacy Turcotte FVBIA Cathy Stotts Karen Stermer Carol Paetkau Debbie Gudjonson Terry-Lynn Stone FVBIA Nora Chambers FVBIA Mark Busby Gabrielle Pape Tina Suter Robyn Coatta Carmen Jose Deborah Dee Alison Hagreen Office Dave Head NBIA Sandy Caverly Leah Pentilla Lillian Wong Helen Lang Wanda McAvoy Kelly Johnson

Terry-Lynn Stone 250-372-1799

Susan Goddard 604-885-8524

*Please email name and phone number changes to [email protected] to ensure this list is kept as up-to-date as possible. Powell River Brain Injury Society is moving to new digs. Please note our new address: #101-7020 Duncan Street Powell River V8A 1V9

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PM40981507 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO 5851 Kittiwake Drive Richmond, BC V7E 3P1

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