Happy disabled man listening to music using headphones with caregiver at home

A Journey of Resilience

Dwayne’s Story

Our idyllic life in Edmonton took a tragic turn when Dwayne was struck by a car. He was in a coma for weeks, and when he finally woke up, he had lost much of his memory. I suddenly became his full-time caregiver. With no income and feeling overwhelmed, we turned to the Brain Care Centre. Thanks to supporters like you, we were able to access vital programs, financial aid, and emotional support. Dwayne’s recovery has been challenging, but it became possible—a true testament to the impact of the Brain Care Centre.

A Story of Triumph

My husband Dwayne and I had just moved to Edmonton from the small town of Hay River, along with our three children. I had started college classes, Dwayne was working as a forklift driver, and our kids were settling into their new school. Life in the city felt exciting. We were finally getting our footing.

Then, in an instant, everything changed. I got a call from the emergency room. Dwayne had been hit by a car while walking through a downtown crosswalk. In a daze, I started calling my family, my thoughts racing. He had just left home to run a quick errand. He was only a few blocks away.

Suddenly, another call came in, asking us to come right away.

Thinking we might not see him again, the kids and I rushed to the hospital. When we arrived, Dwayne was in a coma with a severe brain injury. He stayed in that coma for four long weeks. When he finally woke up, he didn’t recognize me, his wife of 24 years. We were heartbroken.

Once we brought him home, I had no choice but to become his full-time caregiver. I left school, and with Dwayne no longer able to work, we had no income. The kids struggled too, trying to understand and cope with the changes in their dad.

Yes, he was alive, but he wasn’t the same. Not physically or mentally. I was scared, overwhelmed, and didn’t know where to turn.

Thankfully, because of supporters like you, we found the Brain Care Centre in August of 2019.

Dwayne’s Service Coordinator connected us with financial support, helped us find a family doctor and a support worker for Dwayne, and made sure we had access to affordable bus passes.

When the holidays came, I worried about how we would afford the extra costs. Thanks to your generosity, the Brain Care Centre helped us provide what every parent wants at Christmas: a full dinner and gifts for the kids to open.

Dwayne has continued to receive services, including occupational therapy to support his independence. He now connects with a leisure companion who chats with him every week. None of this would be possible without your help. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out.”

-Robert Collier

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Rawle’s Story

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This Time Was Different – Sheelagh’s Story

Apr 15, 2024 | Stories of Impact

In 1995, I survived a car accident caused by a drunk driver. My physical injuries eventually healed, but the impact on my brain lingered. Then in 2019, another accident made things worse, exacerbating my brain injury and leaving me with light sensitivity, mobility challenges, and memory impairments. Discovering the Brain Care Centre changed everything for me. Through counseling, support groups, and occupational therapy, I found understanding, acceptance, and peer support. Now, as a Learning and Development Specialist, I’m committed to ensuring others can benefit from Brain Care Centre programs. Your donation truly makes a difference in lives like mine.

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