2008 Archive

Courage in the face of adversity

Patients at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital are recognized

The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation presented the third annual Award of Courage, an award presented annually to a person who has made significant personal achievements in rehabilitation and has been a role model in their recovery, to Ian Young.

In 2004 Ian Young was enjoying his life in Calgary – active in the arts and music scene and working at one of Calgary's finest hotels.

Suddenly Ian was struck with a devastating infection and subsequently Ian suffered a series of strokes. This left Ian unable to speak or to move. Ian was living in a Long Term Care Facility when he was transferred to the Glenrose Hospital's Rehabilitation Adult Brain Injury Program. When he arrived he was struggling considerably, needing support to sit up in his wheelchair and requiring help to do simple things for himself. 

"Ian was physically weak, but had an exceptional strength that was obvious to everyone on the nursing unit. Forty eight days after being admitted to the Glenrose – Ian walked out," says Isabel Henderson, Senior Operating Officer, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.

Ian Young not only no longer uses a wheelchair, but has completed a 5km endurance walk. He has transitioned from a Designated Assisted Living Resident to complete independence in the community. 

Along with Young, eight other Glenrose patients were nominated to receive the Award of Courage. All of these patients are recognized at the third annual Award of Courage and Donor appreciation event.

Jonathan Dixon – Jonathon was enrolled in the Diagnostic Treatment classroom at the Glenrose's, School Rehabilitation Service Program, in September 2007.

The rehabilitation team working with Johnathon was very impressed with his response to treatment, his positive attitude and amazing resiliency despite many adversities.

Paraska Rachinski – a mother of four – was in a motor vehicle collision on April 30, 2007. This collision left her with complete quadriplegia and unable to breathe on her own. Paraska was initially told that she would require permanent ventilation.

Her determination, her personality and her perspective on life has left a lasting impression on everyone who has worked with her.

Shannon Hugill – has had Lupus since she was 14 years old. In July 2007, she developed a severe infection. Because of this infection Shannon had to have amputations on her right and left hand. She also had to have both her right and left legs amputated below the knee.

Shannon's commitment to be the best she could be was always evident. She pursued her goals in a quiet, determined way and was an outstanding model to other patients.

Jason Schmidt – was a motor cross racer who was ranked among Alberta's best. In August 2007, while at a motor cross race, the truck he was riding in hit a soft shoulder and went out of control, slamming into a forestry gate. The gate came through the front windshield and struck Jason on the right side of his head.

Jason's therapists really feel that it was his sense of humour and amazing attitude that helped him rehabilitate. Not only did Jason learn from his therapists but many learned new skills from Jason. 

Michael Willier – In July 2007, Michael fell 30 feet, head first from an elm tree. The elm tree was right in front of his house; it was one of his favourite places to think. When the branch broke, Michael fell down to the ground with it.

With an attitude that has also had an impact on other patients, Michael has worked very hard in his rehabilitation to be able to live independently.

Chandra Round – describes how, in 2002, she was labeled a "vegetable" after her traumatic brain injury. With Chandra's amazing personality shining, she has decided to call herself a cauliflower.

 Little did people know that in 2008 the film that Chandra produced "My life as a cauliflower" would be part of an international film festival.

Jeff Taylor – sustained a severe traumatic brain injury with multiple skull fractures and brain hemorrhages in a skate boarding crash in June 2005. Severe frontal lobe damage has posed many challenges for Jeff.

Through group therapy and social work support, Jeff has learned ways to manage his new way of thinking. Jeff uses quotations as inspiration to remind him what is important in life.