This month, on November 11th, we’ll take two minutes to pause, reflect on the sacrifice made by those who have served during times of conflict. I make a point each year of going through the old black and white photos I have of relatives who were in the army. There’s...
I would have to say that nine times out of ten when I’m introduced to someone, they will say: “you look very familiar”. This is always followed by: where do you work? Where do you live? Are you related to ...etc. I tell people I’m a twin, which is true so they...
The purpose of this charter is to clearly outline, for people with brain injury, their families, caregivers, and care providers their inherent and unique rights to care and services. This charter can be used by individuals and families to empower themselves when...
This post is in response to the recent announcement regarding involuntary care under the Mental Health Act. I want to acknowledge the thoughtful work that has gone into developing this important strategy, aimed at supporting individuals with complex mental health and...
I see it coming, the month of September. Why do I hold my breath when I reach to turn the calendar forward to the next page? I think it’s because September is a lot like my storage closet under the stairs. If I could open it slowly, one day at a time, I could breathe...
On Friday, July 26, the world watched as the Olympic Games were officially opened in Paris, France. Two hundred and six countries are taking part. For the first time ever, the ceremonies took place outdoors. Ninety boats formed a parade down the Seine transporting...
Dr. Mauricio Garcia-Barrera (UVic) and Cole Kennedy, PhD Student (UVic) address the ongoing toxic drug crisis as a hidden epidemic: brain injuries resulting from overdoses in this article. Survivors of these overdoses often suffer from acquired brain injuries (ABI),...
Ten Priorities for Research Addressing the Intersections of Brain Injury, Mental Health and Addictions: A Stakeholder‐Driven Priority‐Setting Study Kennedy, C.J., Woodin, E., Schmidt, J., Biagioni, J.B., & Garcia-Barrera, M.A. (2024). Ten Priorities for Research...
UBC researchers and community stakeholders have published a paper on the Priorities for Quality of Life After Brain Injury and an informative infographic. It is known that individuals who have sustained a brain injury may experience changes to their quality of...
Bill C-277 is a legislative proposal in Canada aimed at creating a national strategy for brain injury awareness, prevention, and care. The bill seeks to address the significant impact of brain injuries on individuals, families, and communities by promoting...
Last week anxious travelers watched as WestJet mechanics negotiated on a tentative deal. It resulted in 1,078 flights being canceled and over 100,000 frustrated customers stranded in cities across Canada. Have you ever experienced airport anxiety? We all know it’s...
We will take a moment this month to wish Happy Mother’s Day to the person who fills that role in our lives. It is a role that is always changing. We find ourselves flexing and stretching through the years to straddle the demands of home and work. Throw a Traumatic...
It’s that time of year again. Depending on where you live, the grass is already green, flowers in bloom and the winter nights have faded to spring’s ever lengthening sunsets. Maybe spring is not so evident in the climate where you live. Still looking at mounds of...
Forgetting something here and there usually isn't a problem. It happens to everyone. Memory loss is often associated with aging. People say things like, "My memory isn't what it use to be." But what if you were in your 20s and as a result of a traumatic brain injury,...
There are many reasons why Barb Butler is highly respected in the brain injury community. She is a wonderful person and dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She is also a survivor of traumatic brain injury. Barb has become a leader in our community, turning her...