Headline Magazine: Winter 2011

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BRITISH COLUMBIA’S VOICE FOR THE BRAIN INJURY COMMUNITY

Winter 2011

China Goodhue’s Passion Page 6
Your Brain: An Untapped Source of Neural Stem Cells Page 8

Dharma & Art

A Run To Remember
Story Page 12

• Brain Injury • Paraplegia • Whiplash • Quadriplegia • Spinal Cord Injury • Death • Amputations

Reduced legal fees on catastrophic 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 30 years.

“Simpson Thomas is truly a legal dream team and they rose to the occasion given the legal challenges facing the case. No other rm could have fought this case as it takes a lot of resources to ght a case of this nature.”
— COMMENT BY THE CLIENT IN THE WEDDING ABBOTSFORD JAAGO TRAGEDY AS REPORTED IN THE LINK NEWSPAPER DATED MARCH 12, 2011.

BERNIE SIMPSON, C.M.
Member Order of Canada Recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal

E. ANTHONY THOMAS
Extensive experience in motor vehicle cases for over 17 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!
Wow… where has this year gone! 2011 has moved at an amazing pace. The world has been fraught with disasters, economic downturns, and unbelievable weather; we seem to be undergoing constant changes and coping and adapting as necessary. As the end of the year comes to a close, it is the perfect time to think about change in your personal life. What would you like to do differently in 2012? Set some goals and move toward them, one day at a time. There is no time like now to make important changes and be all that you can be. Dream big! In this issue, we have our final segment on David McGuire’s Run to Remember, which concludes approximately December 9th in Victoria, BC. I encourage everyone to visit www.braintrustcanada. com and click on Run to Remember to check out David’s schedule. If you are near an area that he will be running through, get out and cheer him on. He is in the home stretch and he is doing it for all of us. David will also be speaking at the Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference in February 2012. Be sure to register early at www.pcbic.org. Finally, we are weeks away from the holidays. This time of year can be extremely stressful financially, emotionally, and physically. It is my hope that you find ways to reduce stress and be conscious of pacing yourself, be aware of your expectations, and incorporate some fun into your life every day. Don’t fall into the demands of the holiday season. Do it your way, on your budget. Most importantly, stay safe! From our house to yours… we wish you a safe and joyous holiday season! 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

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
3 4 2 9 6

9 2

4 6 5 2 9 4 7

3 3 2 7 9 5 2 3 7 8 6

9 6 3 1 8 1 4 8 3 7

8

Cheshire Homes Society of British Columbia

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

Solution on page 22

a member of the Leonard Cheshire Disability Global Alliance

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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.

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

40981507

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

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: 604-274-1251 or email her at: [email protected]

Community Brain Injury Program for Children & Youth in BC Toll Free 1-877-451-5511 www.cbip.bc.ca 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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WINTERS ARE UNPREDICTABLE: PLAN AHEAD TO BE SAFE
The weather is changing all over the world and the seasons are not predictable anymore. We could have a mild winter, and then again, it could one of the worst yet. Don’t wait for the blizzard of 2011 (if there is one) to catch you off guard. Prepare now!

Just for Laughs!
1.What do elves learn in school? 2.What is the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the regular alphabet? 3.What Christmas Carol is a mom and dad’s favourite? 4.Why does Santa have 3 gardens? 5.What do snowmen eat for breakfast? 6.What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? 7.What did the ghost say to Santa? 8.How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas? 9.What do you get if Santa goes down the chimney when a fire is lit? 10.What is the name of Santa’s cat?
Answers: 1.The elf-abet 2.The Christmas alphabet has No L (Noel) 3.Silent Night 4.So he can hoe, hoe, hoe! 5.Frosted Flakes 6.Frostbite 7.I’ll have a boo Christmas without you! 8.Fleece Navidad! 9.Crispy Cringle 10.Sandy Claws

Transport Canada has identified the top ten tips for driving in the winter. They are: 1. Get your vehicle ready for winter in the fall. 2. Install four matching winter tires. 3. Pack an emergency kit.

4. Learn and practice winter driving techniques before you need them.

5. Plan your trip, check road and weather conditions. 7. Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather.

6. Remove all snow from your vehicle before each trip. 8. Avoid using overdrive and cruise control on slippery roads. 9. Travel with a fully charged cell phone. 10. SLOW DOWN and wear your seatbelt.

Transport Canada’s brochure on winter driving includes the recommendation of The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) of what to keep in your car in the event of an emergency. CAA recommends carrying a shovel, sand or kitty litter, chains, compass, reflective vest, extra clothing and footwear, booster cables and flares. Blankets, flashlights, an ice-scraper, non-perishable food (protein bars), juice boxes, water and extra batteries are also useful items to include. Finally, be sure that your vehicle is roadworthy and prepared for the harshness of winter driving. Get your car winterized, be sure the battery is fully charged, and that your lights and brakes are all working before heading out on a road trip. Be sure to have good (matching) snow tires. If you need information on tires, visit www.betiresmart.ca. Most importantly, check the weather reports and give yourself plenty of time to travel.

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.

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

For more information or to read the brochure in its entirety, visit: http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/ roadsafety/WinterDrivingBrochure_EN.pdf

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

5

Dharma and Art

What do art and Dharma have in common? Dharma is a spiritual practice based on Buddha’s teachings, which has the ability to awaken and transform lives. Art, a creative discipline, may also be considered spiritual as it has the ability to awaken and transform lives. For the purpose of this article, the commonality between the two is China Goodhue. China is a bright, lively, accomplished artist who was injured in a car crash when she was fifteen months old. She is beautiful both on the inside and on the outside. China’s life may have been fraught with astronomical challenges; however, she has no complaints, expects no favoritism, and strives to make a difference in this world every day. China was in a coma for several weeks after the crash. Before the crash, she was able to walk, talk and feed herself. Those abilities were wiped out due to a severe brain injury. When China awakened from the coma, she had to be tube fed. Over time, she was taught to feed herself, walk and to talk again. There was no denying that her recovery was going to be complex and could take many years. China parents, Joanie and Richard, were also in the crash. She is grateful they did whatever they needed to do and took her wherever she needed to go to ensure that she received the best medical treatment possible. Her mom and dad are also artists. They followed their creative instincts to expose China to as many state-of-the-art treatments, educational and social opportunities as possible, world-wide. As an example, China had serial casting done on her legs by Dr. Rick Beauchamp in New York. Serial casting is used to treat spasticity, which is caused by the brain sending an excess of messages to the muscles telling them to tighten. The Vancouver Neurological Centre was another important agency where China received services in the

early days following the crash. Julia Zarudzka, Director of Education at the time, worked with China and became a lifelong friend. China explains, “I am very blessed to have Julia as a friend. She has helped me in many ways over the years.” All along, Joanie and Richard held a wider view of who their daughter was; they saw far more potential in China than the diagnosis allowed. They afforded her every opportunity possible they could and they did what was required to adapt to China’s needs. For example, China’s education was both traditional and unconventional. She attended regular school until Grade 6 when her mom started home schooling her because of the negativity being expressed towards China by other kids in school. “My mom knew me best and she knew how to best teach me,” explains China. Joanie and Richard took China to France, Italy, Spain and England. It was in London that China attended the internationally acclaimed Bobath Centre (www.bobath.org.uk). The Bobath Centre specializes in working with children who live with cerebral palsy and adults with neurological conditions, such as brain injury. The basis of treatment for their clients is to “improve their activity, participation and health and thereby their quality of life and that of their families.” China also attended Ruskin Mill College in England (www.ruskin-mill.org.uk), which focuses on a wide range of impediments and is an alternative to conventional schooling. China had been exposed to the arts from an early age, so while at Ruskin Mill College, she focused on the arts to develop her potential and talent as an artist. As an artist, China enjoys using acrylic pigments. She paints on both canvas and fabric; however, her talent as an artist using rich, bold colours on cotton is truly amazing. China has been painting on fabric since she was 16 years old; over half of her life!

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The blend of China’s Dharma practice and her discipline in art is interesting. “Dharma is my internal practice. It gives me the ability to open my mind and the rituals provide focused creative ways for me to engage in life. Dharma helps me to stay calm and tranquil. My art is really an external expression of my Dharma practice,” explains China. Dharma has also connected China with new people and afforded her life-enhancing opportunities. For example, in the 70s, China received a blessing on the top of her head from the Dalai Lama. When asked what she felt about meeting the Dalai Lama, she stated, “It’s about love, kindness and compassion. He reminds me to stay present and aware.” China’s future as an artist has no limits. Recently, her personal assistant, Kathy Peddlesden, introduced China to a friend who owns a store and sells handmade furniture. He was looking for artists to show their work in the store and Kathy knew China was interested in displaying her art publicly, so it was a happy connection. China has six pieces of fabric art, in the form of banners and panels, and t-shirts and bags on display from November 5, 2011 through to Christmas. When asked to share with readers how she interprets her art, China was quick to explain. Pointing to her Open Door painting (see photograph) she states, “These open doors represent to keep on go-

ing. Don’t stop. Keep opening the doors until you get what it is that you want in life.” China’s artistic future is bursting with colour, inspiration, and spiritual wisdom. In 2012, she will continue to seek opportunities to display her work in coffee houses and art galleries. She is hoping to have an exhibit of painted fabric at the One of a Kind Tradeshow in Vancouver next fall. To contact China for a short portfolio, e-mail her at chinafreetibet10@gmail. com.

28 years of experience helping brain injured victims and their families.
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. Wes Mussio Derek Mah Irina Kordic

Joe Battista, Q.C. Steve Gibson Kevin Gourlay Eric L. Goodman

J. Scott Stanley Brian Brooke Angela Price-Stephens

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Your Brain: An Untapped Source of Neural Stem Cells.
~ Larissa Szlavik
For the past four years I have worked as a support worker for brain injury survivors. It has afforded me the privilege of being invited to share in many personal stories. What surprises me time and time again is how often people I just met, outside of the work setting, open up to me about their brain injuries as soon as they find out what I do. Those who are less attuned to the invisible disability may not realize the prevalence of brain injury. It is among the greatest contributors to death and disability worldwide. Despite modern science’s best attempts, we are still eluded by the ability to stimulate regeneration of lost neuronal tissue (brain tissue responsible for function). Recent studies provide evidence that the brain may make its own attempts to do so. Here I would like to discuss this phenomenon we call injury-induced neurogenesis, and what modern science can learn from this. Few words have held as much weight and controversy in the past decade as “stem cells”. While we are used to hearing about embryonic and umbilical cord stem cells, I’d like to focus on an untapped source of stem cells: your brain. Likely you were told at some point in your life that you are born with all the brain cells you will ever have. There is something unsatisfying about this statement when you consider a person’s ability to grow and learn with experiences is boundless, how could the organ responsible for driving our behaviours, thoughts and feelings be static? It turns out your brain is the most dynamic organ we know. The term “brain plasticity” is how we describe the ability of the brain to modify its connections by changing their strength, reorganizing the neural branches responsible for making them, and losing and producing new neurons. There are discrete populations of neural stem cells that are maintained throughout adulthood. These special cells have the ability for self-renewal, and multi-potency. That is to say, they can give rise to other neural stem cells, or any of the 3 main cell types of the brain (neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes). When neural stem cells give rise to neurons, we call this process neurogenesis. It is believed that your brain generates thousands of neurons each day. Of these, only about half survive and integrate into functional networks. Researchers theorize that adult neurogenesis is involved in the process of committing new information in the brain. There is still much we don’t understand regarding the significance of this process. Maintaining populations of stem cells is energetically expensive, and the body has a tendency to work in a cost effective way. One may consider the advantages of having a “back-up” of new neurons in terms of enhancing plasticity. The same way a sculptor requires more clay to modify his masterpiece; the brain may need to generate more cells to increase plasticity. Most dramatically, after brain injury (when a substantial pool of neurons are lost) there is an enhancement in plasticity. Surviving neurons generate new branches and work overtime to compensate for the loss. But there is only so much these survivors can take on. The end result is a loss of function in the brain injury victim. Interestingly in animal models of brain injury, the process of adult neurogenesis is amped up. Adult neurogenesis is restricted to regions in the olfactory bulb (smell perception), and the hippocampus (learning and memory). It was thus surprising when researchers found that some of these cells were migrating to sites of injury outside of these two areas. Could this be an attempt to regenerate lost neural tissue? There is great debate without any consensus. Most of this evidence comes from animal models; however, recent studies using human post-mortem tissue from stroke survivors show that this migration may have a clinical relevance. Although not significant enough to functionally replace large volumes of injured neural tissue, this speaks mounds to how much we underestimate the brain’s innate capacity to heal itself. This is where regenerative medicine steps in. Scientists are working around the clock, worldwide, to understand these processes, and identify pharmaceutical targets for regeneration. Given that on a regular day, the brain produces thousands of new neurons, is it a far stretch to say we could one day coax it to regenerate itself? I’d like to remind nay-sayers that there was a time when the idea that the brain could change was ludicrous. The Dalai Lama once said: “the mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is opened”.
About the Author Larissa Szlavik is currently a Master’s student with the Division of Medical Sciences at the University of Victoria. Her research focuses on understanding neural stem cells. She can be contacted at [email protected].

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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 guided by rehab professionals, designed for each individual’s unique needs and implemented on a daily basis. CONNECT’s mission is simple...to make lives better. In Langley call Janette Jackman 604-534-0705 [email protected] In Lake Country call Christy McKeating 250-469-9358 [email protected]

Please visit our website at www.connectcommunities.ca
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YESTERDAY FOR TOMORROW
By RT Downey

Most of the details are gone as my thoughts can now disappear as fast as they emerge; however, the big picture remains clear and continues to unveil my true abilities. They can’t explain why I woke up when so many others suffer, but as a result of this awakening I not only laid the path I needed to discover my own traumatic brain injury, I realized a lifetime. I have no memory of leaving on my motorcycle that morning back in 1985; what I remember is this dark vast space and the white light. Each time I turned and looked the light was bigger closer and more intense. On the third glance it fully consumed me when I received this amazing feeling of love. I opened my eyes long enough to see them putting a cast on my arm before slipping into a coma.

The broken bones healed, but the following 16 years were an emotional rollercoaster as I bounced from job to job and ultimately moved to BC to find something. In a one year span I invented The Immobilizer. ca, lost my girlfriend to cancer and then met my wife to be two weeks later. The year after we married it happened again, a second accident and a second head injury. This time I knew something had changed. This conscious thought had awoken like never before. I felt so incredibly aware and everything seemed so obvious. I noticed things associated with right brain dominance taking over in my day-to-day life; it wasn’t until I resumed 10 pin bowling that I would start to put the pieces together.

Suite 400 - 601 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2 toll free 1.800.590.SALT t. 604.871.4306

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Bowling was something I knew. My dream had been to license my invention and become a professional bowler. When I returned to practicing it was all gone. I could walk up the lane and throw the ball, but all the details I’d learned in life had vanished. How I would put just enough spin on the ball to make it turn into the pocket for a strike? Where I would stand to spare any remaining pins? Over the past 8 years as I built Todco Innovations Inc. and rebuilt my bowling game, I’ve endured five seizures. Each episode took a little piece of yesterday, yet in some strange twist of fate opened up more and more of tomorrow. It was two steps forward then one step back as I struggled to build some kind of framework from which to perpetuate from. Loosing yesterday has an impact on both your

confidence and your opinion. The ideas are easy but how to implement the action step then maintain the details is a challenge as every experience leads to another truth. I’ve been on the Dragons Den and recently on The Pitch and have come to understand how important purpose and validation is; it’s what guides us, drives us, and even makes us cry. I started Todco Innovations as a product design company to facilitate both my vision and new found purpose in life. As I began this quest I set out looking for a mentor; as a result of bowling, I truly learned what it means to be one. I volunteer my experiences and insight to coach the Jr. Bowling program at XCalibur Bowling Center in Surrey. I not only teach them how to bowl; I show them how to succeed. The secret to success is effort.

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PACIFIC COAST BRAIN

Real People with Real Lives: It takes a village

INJURY CONFERENCE

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Satellite conferences held simultaneously at the Universities in Victoria and Kamloops via a two-way audio and video feed with a local speaker each presenting live to Vancouver. www.brainstreams.ca/conference • or call 1.604.984.6448

February 15 – 17, 2012

Lois McElravy, Brain Injury Survior “Navigating through the Complexities of Life and Brain Injury”

Dr. Catherine Mateer, University of Victoria Co presenting: “Neuroplasticity, MRI and Recovery”

Dr. Ryan D’arcy, National Research Council Canada Co presenting: “Neuroplasticity, MRI and Recovery”

Dr. Gabor Maté, Physician and Author “Brain Injury and Addictions: What is the Causal Relationship”

Val Lougheed, Med, RSW, CCRC, MCVP, ACE, RRP “Trauma, Rehabilitation and Recovery – It Takes a Village”

Cary Kruger, Kruger Neuro-Rehabilitation Inc. “Wherever You Go, There You Are - The Art of Goalsetting”

David McGuire, Brain Injury Survivor “A Run to Remember”

Take advantage of Early Bird rates until January 16, and save up to $200! Registration fees remain the same as last year with a daily attendance option.

Thank you to our Sponsors
To be a sponsor please contact Rosemary Casson at 604-984-6449 or [email protected].

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BRITISH COLUMB

IA’S VOICE

FOR THE BRAIN

INJURY COMMU

NITY

Summer 2011

is David McGuire ess raising awaren across Canada Story Page 6

A Run to Remember

Neurogenesis: Hope for Regeneration?
Page 10

A Run To Remember Welcome to “The Best Place on Earth!”
~ Melissa Wild
Since we last checked in with the Headline readers we have finished running through the province of Ontario, crossed another 3 prairie provinces in less time than it took to cross Ontario and met dozens of awesome people. Here are a couple highlights from the last few months...
September 9, 2011 - Kenora, ON Excerpt from David’s Blog

Wednesday November 2, 2011 - 6,837 km - David McGuire officially enters the ‘Best Place on Earth’ aka. British Columbia. (the sign clearly states that BC is the best place on earth so who are we to argue?) It was an emotional and exhilarating moment to finally reach the last province, our home province, and to get a true glimpse of the mountainous road which leads to the end of this journey. David recalls in his blog, “It was quite the moment when I hit the BC border. It’s been a long journey and it’s almost over. Just over 30 days and I will be in Victoria dipping my feet in the other side of Canada. It was a great day. It was a lot more emotional than I expected. It’s just a roadside marking and a mark on a map. However for me it means I am that much closer to being home.” If this is your first introduction to this inspirational journey here are the quick facts: Runner’s Name & Age: David McGuire - 38 ABI: Subdural Hematoma - 2005 Starting Date/Location: March 31, 2011 - St. John’s NL Ending Date/Location: December 9, 2011 - Victoria BC Estimated total km: 7230km

“The best part of the day was as I am running down a highway I can see a guy lying on top of a big rock on the side of the highway. It’s kind off odd and I am curious I have met some fantastic people like this along the way and my interest was perked up. Dana is hiking the Trans Canada Trail and he had heard about me and actually saw the RV the other day. He new I would pass him so he decided to have a nap on a big rock on the side of the highway.”
September 23, 2011 - Winnipeg, MB Excerpt from David’s Blog

“I don’t know how to describe today. “Wow” comes to mind. “Overwhelming” would work. “Exciting, energetic, informative, fun, informational......” Pic the word, they would all work.

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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

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Building skills. Empowering people.TM

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604-681-9293, Ext 153

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After running with the girls [Pat and Diane] I was then off to Elmwood high school to be there at noon. I was not expecting this however....[a picture is worth a thousand words...or a thousand kids!]” A huge thank you to the Winnipeg media and Elmwood High School for the celebrity welcome!
November 3, 2011 - Golden, BC Excerpt from David’s Blog

The journey across Canada has been nothing short of a true adventure and it is not over yet. David will be running through the Rocky Mountains throughout the month of November, entering the Lower Mainland the first week of December and finally dipping his toe in the Pacific Ocean in Victoria, BC on December 9th, 2011 (if all goes well and the snow doesn’t slow him down!) To read more check out runtoremember.com to see where David is or where he is going to be and join him in this amazing inspirational run for change in Canada. Every 3 minutes someone sustains brain injury; that is a lot of Canadians just in the time it has taken you to read this article. Be a part of the movement and inspire change in Canada. Make a donation! Become a sponsor! Share your story! Donations can be made in the following ways: online through PayPal at www.runtoremember.com by mail to BrainTrust Canada 11-368 Industrial Ave, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 7E8 in person to the run team en-route or at any Scotiabank across Canada * Please quote account # 801500051020* Share your story: email [email protected] To read more of David’s daily activities visit our website www.runtoremember.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Flickr by searching username: r2rcanada Brain Injury Key Messages and Stats... Brain injury is occurring in epidemic proportions and is a leading economic, social and health challenge in Canada. It is the leading cause of death and disability under the age of 44. Over 170,000 Canadians incur brain injury each year - that is 465 people every day - one every 3 minutes. AWARENESS and PREVENTION are the key.

“A special thanks to there coaches and supervisors for not only understanding the importance of prevention of brain injury but for taking the initiative to bring the teams out to the run. Golden has some great adults who really care about there kids. That was awesome. I want to give a very special thank you to the East Kootenay Brain Injury Association and to Debbie who works for them.” Debbie from EKBIA coordinated a FANTASTIC welcome for David in Golden. Thank You Debbie!!! It is moments like this that remind us how amazing the brain injury community truly is!

R a i n coa st 
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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

BRAIN INJURY LAWYER
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Phone: 604.681.2500 (Free consultation) www.spechtandpryer.com

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Greg’s Diary
~Greg Goldberg February 22, 2000 Johnny was my lift to school in the mornings. My journey home is taken care of by a gentleman named Angelo. A heavy set but neat and distinguished professional who owned his own limousine company with a total of two cars in his fleet. Willy often gave him some assignments when he didn’t have enough cars to service all of his clients on a specific day. Angelo, as always, picked me up on time, in front of the High School in a ten passenger stretch limo. It was all that was available and the only type of car that he had to use. I am getting very popular amongst the student population. The students went wild every time Angelo pulled up. It was like they were getting picked up for the spring formal every day. I am now known as the “Rich Teacher”. At times, I feel that is so far from the truth. The principal of our school even asked one Friday if he could get a lift home from the “Famous Rich Teacher” (my name was getting longer). He only lived two blocks away from the school. So I requested my driver Angelo to stop at our guest’s house on the way home. He replied, “Certainly Sir”, with a little sarcastic smile. Angelo’s stretch limo had everything. A bar, a VCR, a television, selection of daily newspapers and an assortment of magazines, even a Playboy, rested on the leather seats.

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Steve Heringa

Brad Garside

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Call us now 604.683.1211 or toll free 1.800.669.8599
Email: [email protected] www.PElawyers.com

However, one thing that didn’t work in the car was the self-rising automatic barrier between driver and passenger. I could unfortunately hear Angelo speaking to me the entire way home. Angelo was a talker. Every ride home he always gave me tips on the standardbreds that were running at Woodbine racetrack that night – along with a vast description of other contending horses running in the province of Ontario that night as well. Between touting horses and bragging about his latest lawsuit that he is involved in from a traffic accident (it certainly was not his fault) that was soon to be settled in small claims court, his voice box was working overtime. He never shut up! Angelo constantly told me what to expect from the court proceedings and insurance companies on my way to a settlement. Of course, he had experience and he wanted to share it all with me. On top of his constant verbal diarrhea, he spoke in a deep accent (English mixed with Italian) that was hard to understand. I knew that I should not have been so friendly. I arrived home with a terrible headache again today from his non-stop talking. I determined that this could not be any good for my presently healing brain. I called Willy right away and demanded another driver to take me home from work. I was in control and Willy was certainly not going to let this account slip away. He told me that Jerry, not Angelo would be there tomorrow to pick me up.
We would like to thank Greg for his contributions to our 2011 editions of Headline. Greg’s diary entries are now available in video at www.brainstreams.ca. If you would like to subscribe to Greg’s newsletter, The Write Hempishpere, to receive the diary entries via e-mail, write to Greg at [email protected].

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Headline is a proud supporter of Learn Connect Find
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 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 list www.thinkfirst.ca www.brainstreams.ca

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Scotch Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup cornstarch Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (190 degrees C). 2. Cream butter and sugar. Slowly add flour and cornstarch. Mix well. 3. Press dough into a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan, score into bars and prick with a fork. 4. Bake 15 to 18 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown.

The Great Harvest Festival

Homemade French Vanilla Coffee Mix
Ingredients: ½ cup instant coffee (regular or decaf) ½ cup non dairy creamer ½ cup Splenda or sugar 1 Cup coffee whitener 1 box instant vanilla pudding Directions 1. Measure all ingredients into a blender. 2. Pour mix into an air tight container. 3. To serve, mix 1 tablespoon of dry mix into 6 ounces of very hot water. What’s better than puddle jumping when you are three years old? Puddle jumping in a pumpkin patch! On October 28, 2011, members of the Blue Sheet Club wrapped up the community garden project with a spectacular Harvest Festival, which brought together several programs of the Cridge Centre for the Family, including the daycare centre. Although the weather brought black clouds and torrential rains an estimated 100 children and 50 adults and volunteers participated in the fun. The festivities began with children meandering down the path to receive a balloon hat from Master Huff ‘n Puff, graduate of the Huff ‘n Puff Balloon School. From there, volunteers directed the children to the pumpkin patch where they chose a pumpkin to decorate and take home. Next stop was to visit the Blue Sheet Club’s scarecrow and to vote on a name for him. And finally, it was time to warm hearts and fill up tummies. At the main building of the centre, children and volunteers huddled under tents to enjoy delicious homemade pumpkin soup and cheese scones, lovingly prepared by Chef Nik and his staff in the Cridge kitchen. The children decorated cupcakes with yummy icing and a wide choice of sprinkles and colourful decorations for a sweet ending to a wonderful festival! Many thanks go to the Blue Sheet Club members and to all the volunteers and program participants from the Cridge Centre for the Family Brain Injury Services, Daycare Centre, Women’s Program, Food Services and Administration. The highly successful event brought many smiles (and muddy boots) to everyone involved.

Personal Injury

We can help
“If you’ve been seriously injured by someone else, we will achieve a fair resolution to properly compensate you.”

Mair Jensen Blair LLP Lawyers 700-275 Lansdowne Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 6H6 Phone: (250) 374-3161 | Toll Free: 1-888-374-3161 V i s i t o u r w e b s i t e a t w w w. m j b l a w. c o m

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“The Courage to Come Back - Triumph Over TBI - A Story of Hope”
By Michael Coss, Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor
This book published in 2011 by Expert Author Publishing in Canada comes five years after Michael Coss’s car accident and resulting brain injury. In these five years, Michael has had a variety of unusual experiences due to this unfortunate incident. prepared for was the incredible inspiration he has become for so many. I would recommend this book if a brain injury has affected you or someone in your life. While the therapies he mentions may not be convenient to your location, they are worth knowing about! Meantime, what you can do is model Michael’s process:

BOOK REVIEW:

o The Courage t Come Back

From coma to reawakening and relearning to walk inch by inch, Michael has been determined to regain his full health - all while keeping a smile on his face.

While Michael is passionate about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), which he credits with re-awakening him from his coma, he has also spent countless hours pursuing other therapies to regain normalcy in his life. Additionally, many hours have been spent raising funds for the Rick Hansen Foundation (for spinal cord injuries), and beginning his own foundation to help pay for HBOT for children. Sales of his book are being directed to the Michael Coss Brain Injury Foundation for this purpose.

er TBI Triumph Ov Hope A Story of
Traumatic Brain

l ss MichaeInjuCoSurvivor ry

- Keep exploring. - Commit to something and really work at it. - Build a team that works well with each other’s therapies. - Have an inspiration that keeps you getting up every morning too! - And most of all, BELIEVE that things can improve. Every inch adds up!

Review by Denise Cambiotti, Specialized Kinesiology Practitioner located in Coquitlam, BC. (604) 936-5463 www.denisecambiotti.com

This book covers a bit of his experience with Watsu, Speech Therapy, The Lokomat Machine, and Specialized Kinesiology. Most of these therapies are not yet well known. Additionally he mentions his energizing experiences with ‘Discovering the Power In Me’ from the Workman’s Compensation Board of BC program, “Stand Up for Mental Health”, and “Wheelchair Curling”. Michael also shares information about his experience living in a group home environment and the help and support he received there. Michael includes words of advice to other TBI survivors as well as their families. It took a few years to complete, yet, letter by letter on the keyboard, Michael crafted this book. It parallels the way he has gathered a team of therapists and pieced together a life where he includes sailing, horseback riding, and celebrating special events with his friends and family. Most recently he set a goal to train for and complete a one kilometre walk for the Terry Fox event and He Did It in under one hour!!! I have always believed Michael could walk again, even when he wasn’t able to YET. What I wasn’t

ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY (ABI)?
...a longer assessment allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the multiple symptoms associated with Acquired Brain Injury.... The 3-DAY ABI WORK CAPACITY ASSESSMENT WILL GATHER OBJECTIVE INFORMATION REGARDING:
Physical ability to perform work tasks Cognitive skills to complete work demands Behavioural skills to participate in work relationships Call us for more information
OT CONSULTING/TREATMENT SERVICES LTD. 210 - 3438 Lougheed Highway, Vancouver, BC V5M 2A4 T: 604.215.3660 F: 604.215.3669 E: [email protected] www.otconsulting.ca

. . . with an ABI, a One-Day Functional Capacity Evaluation is not enough to determine ability to return to work . . . INTRODUCING THE 3-DAY ABI WORK CAPACITY ASSESSMENT

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Rethink, Refocus, Reinvent, Renew
~Debbie Abma

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.”
Booker T. Washington
Obstacle: something that makes success difficult. Success: a favorable outcome of an attempt. Survivor: a person who lives through, and continues to exist, after a difficult experience.

“Survivors, are you ready?” This question is asked repeatedly on the reality show, Survivor. Contestants face daily challenges, competing for a prize, and ultimately to be the last one on the island, the survivor. It is vicarious entertainment to briefly escape our own reality, but now switch channels to the reality of life. Chances are if you are reading this article your life has been touched in some way by a brain injury survivor. They may be client, friend, loved one or someone you just met. If you are a survivor reading this, let me honor you for the courage and determination that you demonstrate living with a brain injury. You are the heroes as you go through each day and cope with your reality—physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively. Living with a disability is not easy. When your disability does not show on the outside the challen-

ges can be extreme. I know. I live each day with an acquired brain injury from a vehicle accident in 2001. Chronic insomnia, constant pain and fatigue, balance and vision issues, and cognitive difficulties make everyday living a marathon. For years it was easier to be a victim of a brain injury than a survivor. However, looking in the mirror one day, I thought, “this has to change!” I needed to stop, rethink and refocus. I began reinventing myself by renewing some fundamental truths. I looked at who I was not what the world defined me as. I didn’t want to be labeled and written off as a disabled person, but seen by my potential.

Prior to my accident, I owned my own upwardly mobile and successful company, Accent Consulting. I was a trainer and motivational speaker with a focus and passion to encourage and empower people to be the best they could be no matter what their position in life. I attempted to keep my company going, but had to cancel contracts and eventually close my business. I spent three months in a wheelchair and then used a cane for a year before being able to walk without aid. The road back, compounded by a subsequent accident in 2005, was filled with extensive physiotherapy, numerous assessments, litigation, and an unsuccessful trial at the Supreme Court of Canada. My marriage, already tenuous, began to crumble even

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more until it finally dissolved leaving me to navigate the labyrinth of legal issues, custody and financial devastation all while trying to cope with a brain injury. I was homeless, living with various friends or in a shelter, carting my important papers around in bags and boxes.

name reflects my zeal for training and encouraging people to discover the best in themselves, but also underscores my passion to speak out about accessibility and credibility for those unnoticed.

While being sidetracked by some pretty major events, I was blessed to have people who poured love, faith, hope and joy into my life. They taught me to stop and find the beauty in what was a beastly scenario, to endure cruel and unusual situations and to hold my head up high. They taught me to believe in myself, to love life, to celebrate, and to laugh again—they taught me to rethink my thinking. For this I will be eternally grateful. I let go of the safe harbour and ventured into the unknown. Along the way I stumbled, cursed a lot, had a crisis of faith, lost family, friends, my home and had a HUGE identity crisis, but I am proud to say that now life is getting a lot sweeter. I am living independently again with support from the Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association’s rent supplement program.

This life is the only one I’m given. I will live it well. I will do all I can to make the most of each day, each minute, each moment. I will not say, “I wish,” “what if” or “maybe someday.” Instead of sitting and waiting for good things to come, I will stand up and create them. I will not lead a life of quiet resignation. Mine will be loud, bright, passionate, intense … a masterpiece!

Be true to yourself, and what is within your heart. There you will begin to discover what motivates you, inspires you and moves you forward to the next exciting stage of your life. You will discover that you are stronger than you ever imagined, braver than your greatest fear and more capable than you were told you were. My hope is that from this moment on you will replace fear with love, panic with peace and feelings of failure with success; that you will think differently. See yourself not as a failure, but as a strong, confident and creative human being — a survivor. *To discover more about our core values, partners, services, workshops and speaking engagements visit www.speaksout.ca

Rebuilding following a brain injury is a process that cannot be rushed; rather it moves at its own pace taking shape while moving. In my case, it is following a modified path of my former life. I am redeveloping my training business calling it “Speaks Out...!” This

traum ati c brai n and spi nal cord i nj ury
Regaining Your Quality Of Life is our goal. We work together with your rehabilitation team to ensure that you receive the best possible rehabilitation while at the same time securing full, lifetime compensation for you and your family. Our experienced team offers specialized expertise with a human touch. Give us a call and then decide.

• Free initial consultation • Serving clients worldwide
Suite 1450 1188 W Georgia Street

• Flexible appointment times &
locations convenient for you

who have been injured in BC

• Handle all legal expenses
Tel: 604.687.8874 Fax: 604.687.8134 Toll Free: 877.687.8844

Vancouver BC V6E 4A2

em ai l : ddoi g@ davi ddoi g. c om

specialized

expertise with a human touch
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The Holidays Don’t Have to be Perfect
Each year the pressure of the holidays seems to drop suddenly into our laps. It isn’t that we don’t know it’s coming every year; it just seems to be here quicker than the year before. It’s easy to get caught up in all the preparation and planning; however, often our expectations of how the holidays should be can get a little skewed. We think all the decorations have to match, the baking and the meals need to be perfect, people should get what they ask Santa for, and everyone should get along… perfectly! The trouble is that kind of holiday describes a television family’s life, not a real person’s life. In the real world, decorations made of macaroni and hand painted by a child are as precious as glittering gold baubles, the budget for the shopping rarely matches what we would like to have or be able to give, the meal looks barely touched after everyone has feasted, and arguments often ensue among family or friends. It’s life. 4 Be silly and have fun. Play in the snow. Watch comedies. Enjoy carolling or playing board games. 4 Express your gratitude for all that you have and for all who continue to be your cheerleader. 4 Love yourself… there is no one like you! little others have (no family, no money, poor health) can help you to appreciate what you do have.

Remember… the holidays don’t have to be perfect… it’s more important for it to be memorable!

4 If loud and noisy is not your style, then go for quiet and small. Don’t set yourself up for a spike in anxiety thinking that you have to do it all. You don’t. Know yourself and do what you can do without pushing the limits. 4 Pace yourself. The to-do list in prepping for the holidays is usually longer than Santa’s gift list. It’s not uncommon for people to get sick around the holidays because they have depleted their energy resource. If you need help, ask for it. If you insist on doing it yourself then break the tasks down into smaller steps and do a little every day.

This year don’t aim for a magazine type festivity, instead aim for fun and comfort. Here are some things to consider:

V B S L K J A A E S K T A N L E F S WE OR N P S H GC R A MB N Z T J J N

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

K S H H R P D O K L S K O X H V R W T

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O C O X T S Y E B G G O N G G E Q Y N

4 Go easy on the “moose milk.” Alcohol often sparks an argument in gatherings or situations that are not comfortable or people are not proud of. If it is safe for you to drink, do it in moderation and take a taxi. 4 Spend some time with seniors, those who are hospitalized or in a shelter… being aware of how

Find the following hidden words: baubles family Rudolph candy cane friends sleigh Christmas Hanukkah snow cold Holidays snowflake December memories snowmobile decorations new year stockings presents tree eggnog elf reindeer turkey

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Heads Up

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE PROVINCE

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 1-866-4996065. 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 [email protected]. New members are welcome!

BULKLEY VALLEY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION (BVBIA) BVBIA offers case management services, and assistance with accessing rehabilitation programs, one-onone emotional support, family support, and social and recreational activities. For more information, call 250877-7723. CAMPBELL RIVER HEAD INJURY SUPPORT SOCIETY (CRHISS) CRHISS provides education, advocacy, support, and fellowship. For more information, call 250-287-4323. COMOX VALLEY HEAD INJURY SOCIETY (CVHIS) CVHIS hosts a weekly drop in luncheon for a nominal cost to survivors and their families. For more information, call 250-334-9225 or visit, www.cvheadinjury.com . FRASER VALLEY BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION (FVBIA) FVBIA Brain Injury Association offers programs, drop-in sessions and support groups. For more information on FVBIA, call 604-557-1913 or (toll free) 1-866-557-1913 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 at 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. 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.

Personal Injury • ICBC Medical Negligence
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Focused on your needs

Bill Morley
604 631 3127
Free home and hospital visits
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Vancouver Calgary Toronto Montreal Quebec New York London Johannesburg

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Reflections
By Janelle Breese Biagioni

“Family is the most important thing in the world.”
~ Princess Diana (July 1, 1961 – August 31, 1997) We all know that family is considered to be one of the greatest treasures to have in life. However, not every family member is accessible to one another. Not every family is supportive and loving. Not every family is made up of biological flesh and bones. Sometimes a family is comprised of a miriad of friends and confidantes. These people, who love us unconditionally, do become our family and deserve the acknowledgement and appreciation that our blood brothers and sisters do. The holiday season is a time when families come together for celebration and to enjoy one another’s company. While more often than not, wonderful memories are made each year, there are equally as many families who fracture because of financial pressure, substance abuses, and unresolved differences. It can feel more like living in a timebomb than in a whimsical snowglobe. Yet, you may try every year to make it work and it doesn’t. If this sounds familiar, then commit to yourself that this year you will do it differently. Do what you want to do… be with people who make your heart sing and appreciate you for you. Don’t make the festivities about what you have or you don’t have. Choose to smile or give a helping hand to everyone you see. Make the holidays about being kind to yourself and to others. Make it about taking time to slow down and reflect. Make it about connecting with a senior or a child, 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 many firemen, paramedics, police officers, healthcare professionals and military members who will be serving their community and country instead of spending the holidays with their family. You don’t need to do anything out of the ordinary to show your appreciation. Simply saying THANK YOU is the greatest gift of all! Happy Holidays to you all… may the season be blessed and rich with love and warmth and may all your dreams in 2012 come true!

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.

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We travel to you
Suite 600-175 Second Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2C 5W1

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T: 250.372.1221 TF: 1.800.558.1933

Sudoku Solution Page 3

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www.hmzlaw.com
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E: [email protected]

BC BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATIONS &
*This list updated Winter Issue, 2011.
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 Brain Injury Society Comox Valley Head Injury Society East Kootenay Brain Injury Association Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association Golden Brain Injury Support Group Kamloops Brain Injury Association KBIA - Salmon Arm/Shuswap Contact 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 Peace Country Society for Acquired Brain Injury Powell River Brain Injury Society Prince George Brain Injured Group Society Sechelt/Sunshine Coast Brain Injury Support Group 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 250-897-1255 250-334-9225 250-417-6220 604-557-1913 250-344-5688 250-372-1799 250-833-0369 250-372-1799 604-557-1913 604-944-9030 604-557-1913 250-753-5600 604.520.0130 604-540-9234 250-833-1140 1-866-979-4673 250-782-7519 1-866-499-6065 250-564-2447 604-885-8524 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 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 Joan LeClair Angela Kan Shelley Howard Stacy Turcotte FVBIA Dixon Hiscock Jeremy Coombs Susan Barth Carol Paetkau Donna Madden Terry-Lynn Stone Teresa Wolfe Terry-Lynn Stone FVBIA Ian Moore FVBIA Mark Busby Gabrielle Pape Tina Suter Robyn Coatta Carmen Jose Linda Proctor Deborah Dee Alison Hagreen Susan Goddard Dave Head NBIA Sandy Caverly Leah Pentilla Lillian Wong Barbara Erickson Wanda McAvoy Kim Johnson

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

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

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 field of traumatic brain injury law. We help our clients and their families reach their personal and financial goals.

BRAININJURYLAW. CA
Call us. We can help.
Webster & Associates
Vancouver/Richmond: 604 713 8030 Victoria: 250 589 8030 Toll Free: 1 877 873 0699 email: [email protected]

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