cognosco, brain care centre newsletter: summer 2013 issue
DESCRIPTION
The Brain Care Centre quarterly newsletter Cognosco is filled with articles related to brain injury and what is happening at Brain Care Centre. To learn more about Brain Care Centre go to www.braincarecentre.comTRANSCRIPT
Summer 2013 Issue 3
In this issue >>>
Recap of Brain Injury
Awareness Month
Brain Matters Golf Tournament
Annual General Meeting
Bike Safety Festival
Knowing What We Do!Knowing What We Do!Knowing What We Do! CognoscoCognosco
Mismanagement of Sports Concussion in Youth: A Case and
Future Directions >>> pg. 6 Changing Homecare Provision - AHS
Latest Cuts >>> pg. 8
Profile >>> pg. 12
BCC Calendar >>> pg. 14 & 15
BIAM Wrap Up >>> pg. 20 & 21
Edson News>>> pg. 22
Advertise with us! >>> pg. 25
Acknowledgements>>>pg. 26
Get Connected! Like us on facebook! www.facebook.com
Follow us on Twitter @BrainCareCentre
Check out our Website: www.braincarecentre.com
Sisters Helping Brain Care Centre
Take its Show on the Road!
Sue Johnstone has often
biked by the Brain Care Centre.
Until a year ago, she never had
reason to stop in. Now, she
and her sister Jill, are launching
a fundraising campaign to
provide a mobile technology
package for BCC’s educational and
training programs. Learn more
about Jill and Sue and their quest to
raise $10,000 that will go to Brain
Care Centre’s mobile technology
package! Read about our hero’s on
page 12!
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Brain Care Centre Staff Directory >>>
#229 Royal Alex Place 10106 – 111 Ave
Edmonton AB T5G 0B4
Phone: 780-477-7575 Toll Free: 1-800-425-5552
Fax: 780-474-4415
Phone: 780-712-7560 Toll free: 1-866-712-7560
Fax: 780-712-7567
Mailing address Box 30105
Edson, AB T7E 1Y2
Street address 524-50 Street
Edson, AB
Executive Director Dr. Garnet Cummings Ext 30 [email protected]
Operations Manager Louise Jensen Ext 12 [email protected]
Office Coordinator Shamim Khanbhai Ext 10 [email protected]
Manager of Client Services & Contracts Mike Ryan Ext 24 [email protected]
Acting Manager of Service Coordination/Education Ashley Brosda Ext 16 [email protected]
Intake Coordinator/ Service Coordinator Madison Steele Ext. 14 [email protected]
Service Coordinator Heidi Mast Ext 22 [email protected]
Service Coordinator Julie Hanson Ext 29 [email protected]
Service Coordinator Mitchell Tokarek Ext 13 [email protected]
Occupational Therapist Stephanie Silva Ext 28 [email protected]
Lead Support Facilitator/Counsellor Teresa LaRocque-Walker Ext 23 [email protected]
Support Facilitator/Counsellor Lisa Baranieski Ext 19 [email protected]
Community Living Coordinator Jean Roy Ext 26 [email protected]
Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant Larissa Patrick Ext 25 [email protected]
Volunteer Coordinator Janine Tremblay Ext 33 [email protected]
Community Engagement Coordinator—Signature Events Andrea Carroll Papirny Ext 11 [email protected]
Service/Support Coordinator. CAPCC - Edson Tannis Arsenault (780)712-3241 [email protected]
Service Coordinator - Edson Laura See (780)712-9789 [email protected]
Board of Directors>>> President Stephanie Boldt
Past President Lydia Kawun
Secretary Tracy DesLaurier
Chief Financial Officer Kaitlin Cluff
Treasurer Ryan Barry
Member at Large Bruce Hirsche, Q.C.
Member at Large Quentin Ranson
Director Nancy E. Cumming
Director Frances Zinger
President Stephanie Boldt
Past President Lydia Kawun
Secretary Tracy DesLaurier
Chief Financial Officer Kaitlin Cluff
Treasurer Ryan Barry
Member at Large Bruce Hirsche, Q.C.
Member at Large Quentin Ranson
Director Nancy E. Cumming
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Barb’s Retirement Address >>>
Message from BCC’s Executive Director Lately, BCC has seen staffing changes; some permanent and some short term. Carolyn Biron is
taking a 1 year leave of absence but will address BCC projects via her laptop from California until
her return to BCC in July 2014. For that duration, Ashley Brosda has become the acting Manager
of Service Coordination, Education and Research. Larissa Patrick has joined BCC as the
Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant, and BCC has also hired Heidi Mast in a term position as Service
Coordinator. Finally, Madison Steele is handling the intake of new clients for a one year term.
Congratulations everyone on your new roles!
BCC celebrated Barb Baer Pillay’s retirement at the Annual General Meeting on June 26, 2013.
Louise Jensen provided a very moving speech about Barb and read just a few of the letters from
many well –wishers. This was followed by an impressive speech by Barb; a “historical
perspective” of her time at NABIS and Brain Care Centre. Barb joined in 1998, served NABIS as
Volunteer and Fund Development Coordinator and Manager and then as Service Coordinator at Brain Care Centre. She will
definitely be missed. On behalf of all at BCC – the Board, the staff, clients, volunteers and members, I wish Barb a happy and fun-
filled retirement.
The Homeward Trust funded research project on homelessness that the Brain Care Centre is undertaking in conjunction with the
University of Alberta Hospital’s Dr. Brian Rowe, is progressing well. A targeted review of the literature is under way and Dr. Rowe,
with my input, has completed the survey and passed through ethics. It is our hope that data collection will commence in August
with analysis to follow. The aim of this project is to determine the incidence of acquired brain injury among homeless persons in
Edmonton. This project will also survey the literature to determine systems other countries are using to address the issue of
housing for those homeless who are impacted by acquired brain injury.
Finally, a very different looking Annual Report was prepared for this year’s AGM. It was developed to tell 2012-13 year in review
showcasing activities at BCC. I would like to thank all the staff for their efforts in completing this report for the AGM. If you would
like to receive a copy, please contact the BCC office.
Dr. Garnet Cummings Executive Director
Ladies and Gentleman,
Thank you for this honour; I was hoping to go quickly and quietly but since I am up here anyway, I am taking this opportunity to reflect on my almost 15 years working for the former NABIS and
now of course, the expanded and blended Brain Care Centre. And true to form, I am not going to talk about me but about the incredible changes that have taken place over those 15 years because that is the important thing. And Yes, I am talking
HISTORY!
For those of you who don’t know, I want you to know that when I started in September 1998, we had an Executive Director, the late Nancy Brine, we had an office Coordinator, Louise Jensen, I was hired to work two days per week as the Volunteer Coordinator and then we had 1.6 people to do, as I always said, the ‘actual work’. 1.6 people who did service coordination, ran groups, offered counseling, did presentations and helped with events. We also had dedicated volunteers with vision and energy like Board Presidents over the years, Mufty Mathewson, Bob Warren, Patrick Hirschi, Craig DeCecco, Lydia Kawun and now Stephanie Boldt.
Before Nancy Brine retired, she pushed the Brain Injury Interagency into opening
up a new social and recreation centre, called Networks Activity Centre, which is still alive and thriving in the Bonnie Doon mall. Nancy also pushed for a dedicated Information Line to be housed at our agency so that people who needed to know where to go, who to talk to could phone our info line and talk to a real live person no matter where they were calling from. And professionals could call when they needed to know what supports were available when they sent their patients home to Manning or St. Paul or Westlock. These days, all Service Coordinators perform this function as we each take a turn being Info person for the day and we still get calls from all over the province and all over Canada and we know where to send them.
Continued on Page 5...
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Brain Basics
Tuesday September 3rd, 2013 6:30 - 9 pm
Glenrose Hospital
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Shamim @ (780)477-7575.
In the year 2000, Ginny Gillen became our Executive Director and I had the privilege of working for her and along side her till 2008 when she left us for a position that included a pension. Ginny, like Nancy before her, saw opportunities and pounced, I mean, considered them carefully and pushed for them if it meant an increase in services to those living with brain injury. Soooo when the province started talking about dedicating some actual dollars to a province wide Brain Injury Network, bureaucrats came to us to ask us for our advice. Pretty soon, we had a committee of survivors, our clients, who helped write the Brain Injury Survival Guide and when the province put out a request for proposals for agencies to provide the services that we had been doing all along but right across the province, Ginny and Louise got together and said, well, let’s put in a proposal for the Edmonton region, the North West region and the North East region of the province.
Ginny and Louise wanted to make good on the Northern Alberta part of our name. It was another huge leap of faith and while we didn’t get all three regions, we did get two and all of a sudden, where there had been 1.6 staff to actually serve people affected
by brain injury, we now had 8 or more service coordinators serving out of Edmonton, Edson, Grande Prairie and LaCrete Alberta. And we still had our info line, our support facilitators offering groups and counseling and we had Networks Activity Centre, right down the hall.
Provincial priorities changed as they do, and we adjusted, as always. After a few years, the North West region’s Service Coordination contract was given to an agency already working in the geographical area but we still continued and still continue to offer groups, counseling, info to anyone who asks regardless of geography.
The next priority, voiced by the powers that be, wanted to see NABIS and EBIRS come together as one community agency and it was under the guidance of EBIRS ED, Cheryl Bauer and NABIS ED, Wendy Williams and both Agency Boards who worked countless hours, weeks, months to see that process to a full and fruitful conclusion with the birth of Brain Care Centre in 2011, just two short years ago. Dr. Garnet Cummings has been our Executive Director for coming on to two years and in that short time, has continued the tradition of ED’s to seek out opportunities to provide
more service and pounce. Dr. Cummings has taken on the prevention piece, the concussion piece and the public education piece and made these all important priorities which can no longer be ignored. And of course, he has brought to us, along with Andrea, our first ever Golf Tournament, Thursday, August 29. Andrea would be happy to take your registrations right here tonight!
So from 1.6 service staff in 1998 to 7 Service Coordinators, 2 Counsellors, 2 computer and device trainers, and one Occupational Therapist, today, things certainly have changed! Those are impressive numbers, but what does it mean in the real world?
Most of us who come to work at Brain Care Centre don’t really know much about brain injury at the beginning. I certainly didn’t and then I remembered my auntie Rose. You see, when she was in her late 50’s, in 1967, she was injured in a car collision and while in hospital suffered a series of strokes. I was nine years old. In those days, there was a Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital but it was a smelly, stinky old hospital; at least those were my memories and after months of being there, Auntie Rose was discharged home to her four children and
husband. She had a brace on her leg and used a walker and tried to talk and cried when she didn’t want to. She hated her new life of dependency and even though I was just a kid, I knew that she wanted to die and she did, 5 years later. You see, there was
No NABIS,
No EBIRS,
No women’s group on Friday mornings,
No Club Connect on Wednesday afternoons,
No counseling,
No education for the family,
No Networks Activity Centre where she could at least sew again and
No community that supported her and helped her see that her life was worth living, that she could even have a life.
But now, there is and I have been privileged to work with and for that community for the past 15 years. I thank all of you who are a part of this community, past, present and future for this honour and I know that we will all, in our own way, continue the legacy that is Brain Care Centre.
Thank you.
-Barb Baer Pillay
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Mismanagement of Sports Concussion in Youth: A Case and Future Directions >>>
By Tristan Hynes, Online Volunteer
In the past decade, numerous
post-mortem brain analyses of former football players have shown clear anatomical signs of brain trauma, and the various atrophies found have been correlated with a pre-mortem history of psychiatric disorder. Most recently, a UCLA research group used functional MRI technologies to detect the anatomical signs associated with brain trauma and correlate them with diagnosed psychiatric disorders in living athletes. Hard scientific data is rapidly accumulating, and there exists a clear relationship between repeated brain trauma and the emergence of psychopathologies. Professional leagues are rapidly implementing neuropsychological assessment tools, and former players are coaxing them along with lawsuits. We are advancing to an era of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. If you ask me, the professional sports leagues are behaving quite progressively.
It’s not only the professionals that play these high-risk sports and sustain these severe brain injuries, though. Off the television and without the big league money, amateur leagues who grow future athletes have a far less progressive culture surrounding brain injury. Despite the promising advances and increased awareness, there still exists an unsettling plight of ignorance. Our vulnerable, invaluable youth are presently being put to unnecessary risk.
I recently developed a conviction toward safety in amateur sports when I sat audience to a painful recollection from young man we’ll call SF -- he is presently battling the psychological and physical aftermath of repeated and mistreated concussions acquired through amateur hockey:
SF sustained his first concussion at the age of 12 where he was knocked unconscious and
hospitalized. SF was sent home from the emergency room with little more than the suggestion he get some rest. To a child, “some rest” can mean a lot of things. SF took a short nap and was back on the ice the same day. Then on from 12 to 17, SF received a regular barrage of blows to the head. SF’s concussive symptoms became chronic. Like many players do, SF normalized the feelings and legitimized his injuries as just part of playing hockey.
SF finally sustained the injury
that put him out of hockey at 17, when a concussion initiated a year’s worth of debilitating symptoms. During the severely symptomatic period, SF began to notice psychological abnormalities such as amotivation, weight loss, insomnia, and depression; all of which he treated with the same opiates prescribed to treat his physical pain. “I always assumed the issues would resolve over time,” SF told me. The prevalent social stigma associated with mental illness was the major boundary for SF in seeking help. It was only when SF began having suicidal ideations and noticed publicised stories about TBI-induced psychopathologies that he developed a clear self-awareness of his affliction.
A wonderful school guidance counselor helped empower SF to disregard the meritless stigma and to seek psychiatric treatment. SF’s psychiatrist diagnosed him with clinical depression and performance anxiety, attributing the conditions to SF’s history of concussions. The psychiatrist implemented a
pharmaceutical and psychological treatment plan and SF is currently experiencing steady, marked resolution of his symptoms.
The story has a happy ending, but SF’s suffering was completely preventable and still not 100% repairable. It is clear that the mismanagement of SFs first concussion that set a precedent to negate those to follow. It was not until SF was rendered physically incapable of playing hockey that he withdrew from the toxic environment. With estimates as high as 3.8 million concussions from youth sports in North America each year, we can be sure other aspiring athletes could testify to similar experiences as SF. Alarmed by the high rates, the Canadian Medical Association published a set of recommendations for the management of head injury in amateur sport. The document outlines best practices for parents, coaches, and physicians regarding return-to-play and treatment guidelines. Interestingly, the CMA recommends standardized training and certification of coaches. At the front line, coaches are the first to witness injuries and the ones best poised to intervene and ensure the young athlete is properly cared for. There exist rudimentary coaching education programs, but curricula rarely have an injury focus, and participation is far from requisite. Considering the worth of our children, it is negligent to exercise anything but the highest degree of diligence toward their mental preservation. I strongly advocate the legislative requirement of coach certification in amateur leagues in a nationally standardized program. Amateur sports, indeed, play a vital role in the positive psychological development of children, so it needn’t be tainted with morbidity and regret.
“I always assumed the issues would resolve over
time,” SF told me. The prevalent social stigma
associated with mental ill-ness was the major boundary
for SF in seeking help.
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Networks News >>> Thank you to everyone on behalf of Networks and Stroke Recovery Association for attending and supporting the fabulous picnic held June 28th at Kenilworth Community Hall. Also we will be closed July 15th through to our reopening July 29th. The Centre will be undergoing renovations during this time and reopen brand new Monday July 29th. YAY!
Keeping track of where your money is going each month can be a challenge.
Budgeting apps make it easier to track your expenses, income and bills. Some
of the more popular budgeting apps include Mint, YNAB, Toshi, HomeBudget
and PocketExpense. With so many apps out there, how do you know which one
is right for you? You want the app to be user friendly. Do you want an app that
accesses your bank account and also can be backed up on the iCloud? Make
sure to research all the different options and it is important to note that some
of these budgeting apps can be complicated and difficult to use. The majority of
these apps have a “lite” version which means no cost associated, however a
lite version will not have all the features of an app you purchase. Before you
purchase an app, try out the lite version first. One to one training is available at
Brain Care Centre if you would like assistance.
There is an APP for That!!! >>> By Jean Roy, Assistive Technology Coordinator and Larissa Patrick, Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant
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Changing Homecare Provision - AHS Latest Cuts >>>
By Gurneet Chahal
Recently Alberta Health
Services (AHS) has been no stranger in
the news as it works at restructuring its
continuing care, home care, and
palliative care programs. AHS revealed
it was reducing the number of home
care providers from 72 facilities to 13 in
the Calgary and Edmonton area. Having
such a large number of home care
providers was not proving to be as cost
effective or efficient as it could possibly
be, and making the jump down to only
13 home care providers is expected to
save $18 million. Some would argue that
having even 72 home care providers,
uniquely tailored to match the needs of
their specific clients, doesn’t always
seem like enough, and having more
types of care providers could be the
best sort of provision. It allows for each
worker to focus on their client and form
a relationship with them. In a world of
only 13 providers, caregivers will find
that their client is just one of the very
many people they serve. Concerns
about the reduction in the number of
providers arose from the client
developed care cooperatives who
expressed fears that when they are cut,
the personalized 24 hour care they
usually provide would be lost. Their
clients who they have been working
with for a long time will now be losing
them and will have to adjust to a new
face, new care, and the disruption of
tailored support.
However, shortly after this
decision was made by AHS, a reversal
was issued. This reversal was applied to
three specific cooperatives; Abbey
Road cooperative, Artspace housing
cooperative, and Creekside Support
Housing, which reinstated their
homecare contracts. Many were
relieved upon hearing about the
reversal and benefitted from it as well.
AHS said it had “misjudged” the unique
and specialized care that these three
facilities and their aid workers provide.
“[Dr. Chris] Eagle admitted AHS should
have paid more attention to the needs
of those Albertans who expressed
concerns over the proposed changes to
homecare administration.” This reversal
was of particular interest to us here at
Brain Care Centre because of the
positive impact it has on many of the
clients we serve. Having more care
givers available and care facilities for
our clients to go to is nothing but
positive and gives them more of a
guarantee that they will be cared for.
Dr. Chris Eagle was also quoted saying,
“I think what we’ll do in the future is
make sure than when we’re doing these
large system changes that we also
allow for the voices of families and
patients to be heard a little earlier in the
process.” Although one would hope
that such steps would have been taken
in the first case, it is comforting to
know that the decision is undergoing a
reversal and that there was a realization
of the importance of these many home
care providers. I hope that other
homecare facilities and employees who
are being affected by this initial decision
are heard out and looked into before
their contracts are cancelled. With the
steps AHS has taken so far, it seems like
they don’t have much to worry about.
The clients at Brain Care Centre who are
in need or currently using such services
will hopefully not have anything to
worry about either. In its entirety, AHS’
initial decision to reducing the number
of home, palliative and continuing care
providers, can clearly be seen to have
come from a good place, but was as
beneficial to those being served by
these care providers as I’m sure it was
intended to be. AHS seems to have
realised the implications however, and
is taking steps in the right direction to
make sure the people are taken care of.
Time will tell if more reversals are made
for other cooperatives as well.
REFRENCES:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/
calgary/story/2013/06/18/edmonton-ahs-
reversals.html
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/
health/
cancels+controversial+decisions+home
+care+continuing/8543394/story.html
http://www.calgaryherald.com/health/
cancels+controversial+decisions+home
+care+continuing+care/8543563/
story.html
“Eagle admitted AHS should
have paid more attention to the
needs of those Albertans who
expressed concerns over the
proposed changes to homecare
administration.”
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Brain Injuries in the Workplace >>>
By Christine Gertz, Online Volunteer
According to the Workers’ Compensation Board of Alberta’s 2012 Summary of Claims Administered, there were 10, 780 new head injury claims in 2012, down from 2011’s claim of 10, 870. Head injuries are at about the mid-point of the list of workplace traumas, but it is also possible that new head injuries are also being recorded in the “Multiple Parts” injuries categories, which listed 7,096 new injuries in 2012. It is apparent that though the number of injuries may go down in one year, there can be an increase the following year, which may indicate that safety in the work place is not improving overall.
The third most likely place to receive an injury is at the workplace, according to Statistic’s Canada’s Injuries in Canada: Insights from the Canadian Community Health Survey. For people between the ages of 20 and 64, 532,000 were injured at the workplace. A male is also far more likely to be injured in the workplace, with 414,000 injuries reported by males in all age categories. Of those reporting an injury, not only workplace injuries, 94,000 persons experienced a concussion or other brain injury. Out of the 94,000, 62% of the injured were men. How are people who experience brain trauma injured in the workplace? Researchers from the University of Toronto, writing for the journal NeuroRehabilitation, used data from Ontario’s Trauma Registry to determine what factors might account for a brain injury inflicted in the workplace. According to their study, persons were more likely to be injured in a fall, which accounted for 45% of the injuries in their data set, or in a vehicle collision, which explained 20% of the workplace injuries they investigated. The researchers also suggested that the industry might play
a role: for example, brain trauma is more likely to occur in construction than it is in manufacturing. They did not state if workplace health and safety rules and the enforcement of those rules were a factor in the injuries.
Are workplaces failing to promote safe practices? This question is difficult, if not impossible, to answer for Canadians, since there seems to be no examination—outside of a legal prosecution—to determine if the workplace environment was to blame for an accident. Making the connection between workplace policies and the injury may be difficult for many reasons—the persons who are injured may not remember the circumstances leading up to the injury and there is no standard reporting mechanism. In addition, the databases which store workplace information and health information do not intersect; for example, there is no single database—or database filter—that you can employ, which would allow you to search by industry or specific employer, as well as the nature of the injury—back, eye or brain—and the cause of the injury, such as workplace, home or sports-related.
If the data is being captured, it may not be open to public examination. We may be able to get some of these answers when researchers or programmers are able to access data made open by a
public agency. The raw data from the WCB is not open for public examination. At this time, Alberta’s Open Data Portal does not appear to include any datasets for workplace injuries, let alone brain trauma, and there has been some criticism that the Workplace Injury and Fatality Records database that is offered by the provincial government is an inadequate reporting mechanism.
Currently, the public health campaigns of the provincial government, the federal government and the Alberta Federation of Labour emphasize the role of the employee in accident reduction. These are positive steps to educate an individual to reduce or eliminate injury. However, more work could be done to examine the collective or community role in injury, by exploring the role of the workplace, both employers and employees as a group, and the injuries by inflicted by industry and labour that is specific to that industry, to reduce injuries.
1 At this time, if you wanted to look at
Alberta’s Trauma Registry to investigate the
same factors as explored by the researchers
in Ontario, you need to place an information
request to access the data set.
Bibliography
Hwan K, Colantonio A, Chipman M.
Traumatic brain injury occurring at
work. Neurorehabilitation [serial
online]. December 2006;21(4):269-278.
Available from: Academic Search
Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed July
15, 2013.
“...94,000 persons
experienced a
concussion or other
brain injury. Out of the
94,000, 62% of the
injured were men.”
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The Wein family members are not strangers at the Brain Care Centre. In 1998 their 22-year-old son Dan survived a devastating motorcycle crash in rush hour traffic in Bogotà, Columbia. This family was pushed headlong into a new existence centered on trauma and recovery. It is now almost 15 years since his accident; at 36 Dan is always ready to participate in events like the Alberta Parks Push-to-Open where disabled adults are pushed and pulled over mountain trails in a TrailRider, and tandem kayaks are used to paddle across lakes.
Ross and Eleanor, Dan’s parents, received the Northern Alberta Brain Injury Society’s (former name of the Brain Care Centre) GINNY Award in 2009. They were recognized for their determination and love along Dan’s journey to recovery as well as for their advocacy work to improve the lives of others who survive brain injury. They continue to dream that a William Watson Lodge North can be opened in central Alberta “so that caregivers and survivors have the opportunity for the restful and healing powers of spending time in nature.”
The book starts with Dan’s personal diary, day by day reports about the first two months of his motorcycle trip of a lifetime from Vancouver to Chile. Hurricane Mitch devastates Central America between October 26 and November 4 but Dan and his friend Jeff decide to carry on, although floods and
mudslides have killed thousands and many bridges and roads have been washed out.
November 21 is the date Ross takes over the diary, starting with the phone call from The Canadian Embassy in Ottawa, advising that Dan had been critically injured in a highway accident in Bogotà. Ross pays tribute to the medical personnel, friends, family, and neighbours whose efforts have seen such tremendous results. Each person has played a role, their nursing care over a long evening shift, their patient explanation of medical procedures, their little visit, or their ideas for equipment improvements. This book is also a call for continued support to enrich the lives of those who are isolated by their disability.
The book concludes with a section on the therapeutic value of the outdoors. Like many young people who suffer debilitating injuries, Dan was an avid outdoorsman before the accident. Nature has been an important part of his recovery, and times spent outdoors are enjoyed long after the event is over. Nature is healing.
An appendix annotates a few movies about disabilities; important sources are listed about designing for accessibility. Kudos to the authors and Spotted Cow Press for adding more than 100 colour photographs to richly enhance the short diary entries.
This book would make a fine gift for anyone interested in adventure or for those caregivers who are sometimes discouraged with overwhelming circumstances. For people in the medical profession, they will be grateful to see how they made a big difference in someone’s recovery and rehabilitation.
Contact the Brain Care Centre or the Canadian Paraplegic Association regarding the book’s availability.
Book Review>>>
Don’t Worry Mom, I’ll be Home for Christmas! By Daniel E. Wein, Laurie P. Wein, Eleanor E. Wein and Ross W. Wein.
By Margaret Russell, BCC Volunteer
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Sue Johnstone has often biked by the Brain Care Centre. Until a year ago, she never had reason to stop in. Now, she and her sister Jill, are launching a fundraising campaign to provide a mobile technology package for BCC’s educational and training programs.
“Jill was looking for
something different. She is an extremely bright and active person, and motivated to offer her many talents,” says Sue. “I thought about all of the professionals who’ve told me she is an anomaly and promised myself I would find a fit.” This motivated the sisters to research resources to meet the family where they’re at.
“We first contacted the Brain
Care Centre through a cold call. The person on the phone actually got it,” says Sue. “It was a relief to talk to someone who saw possibilities and had concrete ideas about what to do next.”
After being connected with
Brain Care Centre, Jill was directed to resources which led to her receiving a diagnosis – 38 years after her brain injury. “We grew up in rural Saskatchewan—there are limited opportunities for comprehensive diagnoses to provide resources. And the hard fact is,” adds Sue, “sometimes a diagnosis is a key to unlock those doors.”
Jill was then encouraged to
explore Networks Activity Centre. She arrived to “check it out” and hasn’t looked back since.
“The first day at Networks I
went to the library. We had women’s time and a movie. We also had chocolate cupcakes.” says Jill. “I felt encouraged by the people making an effort to engage me in friendship.
Now that I’ve been there for a few months, our friendships are developing and I am learning more about the people. I am encouraging them, too. I am working on a latch hook craft and creative writing.”
“The first thing I noticed
about the Brain Care Centre,” says Sue “is that they are action oriented. If something needs to be done, it’s done. Practical support with practical ideas. It’s common sense, but in my experience, this is unique.”
Sue and Jill also felt they were
treated as people first. “The Brain Care Centre’s philosophy is that people can try things out—Jill was welcome at the programs immediately with no obligation.”
Jill’s experience inspired the
sisters to give back. “Jill brought home the Christmas newsletter. On the “wish list” was a SmartBoard. I have never done a fundraising campaign before, but here was a concrete need. The Brain Care Centre philosophy to ‘try things out’ was also a factor. I pitched the idea to Jill, and she was willing to help me.”
“I am inspired by what
happened with Telemiracle in Saskatchewan, where people with disabilities are involved.” says Jill, “People would give what they felt comfortable with and it added up to a lot. I want to give back to the people who have given so much to me. I
want to thank all of the staff and volunteers that work at Networks and the Brain Care Centre.” “When I approached
Brain Care Centre, they immediately started researching possibilities. They found similar technology in a portable format.” This means that the Centre can provide the Brain Basics program and electronic device training in remote locations—including rural Alberta.
“I am thrilled about the
possibility to reach people in rural areas,” says Sue. “Where we grew up, programs like the Brain Care Centre could be an eight hour drive away. Anything that makes life easier for people who already have barriers to resources? Sign me up.”
Sue and Jill hope to raise
$10,000 for the technology package. “We have a lot to learn but I know we can make a difference. The Centre is offering great support and advice. I am excited to raise awareness of the Centre and am continually impressed by its mix of expertise and humanity. I think a lot about our experiences with the health care system. The model and culture of the Brain Care Centre fits an organization that I can actively support.”
Contact Andrea, Community Engagement Coordinator to find out how you can support Jill & Sue’s fundraising efforts!
Profile >> Sisters Helping the Brain Care Centre Take its Show on the Road
“The first thing I noticed about the Brain Care Centre,” says Sue “is that they are action oriented. If something needs to be done, it’s done. Practical support with practical ideas. It’s common sense, but in my experience, this is unique.”
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14
August 2013 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
1
2 Women’s Group 10-11:30am
YAG : Young Adult Group SUBI: Brain Injury and Addictions Group
UBI: Understanding Brain Injury
5 Civic Holiday OFFICE CLOSED
6
7
8 Caregiver’s Support Group 7-9pm YAG 7-9pm
9
12 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM Men’s Group 1:30-3:00 PM
13 14 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM Club Connect 1:30-3:00 PM
15
16 Women’s Group 10-11:30 AM Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM
19
Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM
20 21 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM
22 YAG 7-9pm
23 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM Budget Booster’s 1:30- 3:00 PM
26 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM Men’s Group 1:30-3:00 PM
27 28 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM Club Connect 1:30-3:00 PM
29
BCC Brain Matter’s Charity Golf Tournament 7am-2pm
30
Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM
September 2013 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
2 LABOR DAY OFFICE CLOSED
3
Brain Basics 630pm-9pm
4 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM
5 SUBI 3:15-4:30pm
YAG 7-9pm
6 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM
9 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM Men’s Group 1:30-3:00 PM
10 Identity Theft 1:30-3:00 PM
11 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM Club Connect 1:30-3:00 PM
12 Identity Theft 1:30-3:00 PM
SUBI 3:15-4:30pm YAG 7-9pm Caregiver’s Support Group 7-9pm
13 Women’s Group
10-11:30 AM Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM Budget Booster’s check in (optional) 1:30-3:00 PM
16 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM
17 Identity Theft 1:30-3:00 PM
18 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM
19 Identity Theft 1:30-3:00 PM
SUBI 3:15-4:30pm YAG 7-9pm
20 PD DAY
OFFICE CLOSED
23 Moving for Brain
Health 12:45-1:15 PM Men’s Group 1:30-3:00 PM Budget Booster’s 1:30- 3:00 PM
24 Identity Theft 1:30-3:00 PM
25 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM Club Connect 1:30-3:00 PM
26 Identity Theft 1:30-3:00 PM YAG 7-9pm Caregiver’s Support Group 7-9pm
27
Women’s Group 10-11:30 AM Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM
(Edmonton)
Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM
30
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October 2013
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
YAG : Young Adult Group SUBI: Brain Injury and
Addictions Group
1 Identity Theft 1:30-3:00 PM
2 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM
3 Identity Theft 1:30-3:00 PM
SUBI 3:15-4:30pm YAG 7-9pm
4 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM
7 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM Men’s Group 1:30-3:00 PM
8 9 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM Club Connect 1:30-3:00 PM
10
SUBI 3:15-4:30pm YAG 7-9pm Caregiver’s Support Group 7-9pm
11 Women’s Group 10-11:30 AM Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM Budget Booster’s check in (optional) 1:30-3:00 PM
14
Thanksgiving OFFICE CLOSED
15 2UBI 31:30-3:00 PM
16 1Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM
17 UBI 1:30-3:00 PM Identity Theft 1:30-3:00 PM YAG 7-9pm
18 Moving for Brain Health 12:45-1:15 PM
21 Men’s Group 1:30-3:00 PM
22 UBI 1:30-3:00 PM
23
24 UBI 1:30-3:00 PM SUBI 3:15-4:30pm YAG 7-9pm Caregiver’s Support Group 7-9pm
25 Women’s Group 10-11:30 AM Budget Booster’s 1:30- 3:00 PM
28
29 UBI 1:30-3:00 PM
30 Club Connect 1:30-3:00 PM
31 UBI 1:30-3:00 PM SUBI 3:15-4:30pm YAG 7-9pm
November 2013
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
1
YAG : Young Adult Group SUBI: Brain Injury and Addictions Group
UBI: Understanding Brain Injury
4 Men’s Group 1:30-3:00 PM
5
6
7 SUBI 3:15-4:30pm YAG 7-9pm Caregiver’s Support Group 7-9pm
8 Women’s Group 10-11:30 AM Budget Booster’s check in (optional) 1:30-3:00 PM
11 Remembrance Day OFFICE CLOSED
12 Assertiveness Training 1:30-3:00 PM
13 Club Connect 1:30-3:00 PM
14 Assertiveness Training 1:30-3:00 PM
SUBI 3:15-4:30pm YAG 7-9pm
15
18 Men’s Group 1:30-3:00 PM
19 Assertiveness Training 1:30-3:00 PM
20
21 Assertiveness Training 1:30-3:00 PM SUBI 3:15-4:30pm YAG 7-9pm Caregiver’s Support Group 7-9pm
22 Women’s Group 10-11:30 AM Budget Booster’s 1:30- 3:00 PM
25 16 Assertiveness Training 1:30-3:00 PM
27 Club Connect 1:30-3:00 PM
28 Assertiveness Training 1:30-3:00 PM
SUBI 3:15-4:30pm YAG 7-9pm
29
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BCC Services >>> Service Coordination: Brain Care Centre
coordinates services for individuals (aged 18
or older) and families who are affected by
brain injury. Our service area not only
includes the greater Edmonton region but
also communities west of the city including
Drayton Valley, Edson, Hinton and Jasper.
During the intake meeting, the Service
Coordinator and the client identify areas of
need in which service provision will be
required. The outcome of the intake
meeting is to formulate an Individual Service
Plan (ISP) which serves to assist people with
injury to connect with community resources
and services. Some common goal areas
include:
Housing Financial Education Health Vocation Cognitive strategies Physical health Adjustment support Social skills training Co-existing diagnoses
Support Facilitation: To further enhance and
support an ISP, Brain Care Centre offers a
Support Facilitation program. This service
includes one to one counselling sessions
designed to assist individuals, couples and
families with discovering and utilizing
resources and strategies for maximizing
wellness after brain injury. This process may
include a review of intake information,
identifying personal strengths and needs for
support, goal setting, and information about
brain injury, introduction to coping
strategies and educational resources, and/or
referral to community resources. For those
needing additional support in building new
skills in the community, Service Coordinators
can refer individuals to the Supports for
Community Living Service (SCLS).
Occupational Therapy: Occupational
therapy (OT) supports BCC service plans by
enabling clients and families to manage
cognitive and physical changes after brain
injury. Occupational therapists have the
skills to assess the cognitive and physical
aspects of daily functional activities (i.e.:
meal preparation, transportation
management, managing appointments and
schedules etc.). Typical goal areas for
occupational therapy services include
activities and tasks related to self-care,
productivity and/or leisure. All goal areas
and interventions are client centred and
based on the wants or needs of the client
and as such, clients must be active
participants in the occupational therapy
process. Intervention plans are created
within the context of an individual’s daily
life. The focus is on enabling optimal levels
of participation in their own home and
community and fostering increased levels of
independence with their daily tasks. This is
achieved through skill building as well as
through adaptation of the environment or
the activity. Referrals to occupational
therapy can be made through a Brain Care
Centre Service Coordinator.
Information & Education: Brain Care Centre
offers comprehensive, up-to-date
information related to the effect of brain
injury on individuals, families and the
community. Please contact the office for
information on how to arrange an education
session.
Brain Basics: An Evening of Education and
Understanding is a course offered once per
month to parents, spouses, caregivers,
siblings, friends of people affected by brain
injury, community members, volunteers and
professionals who would like to learn more
about brain injury and its effects. The session
runs Tuesday evenings. Please contact Brain
Care Centre’s Office Coordinator for
information and registration.
Life Skill Classes
Understanding Brain Injury: This class is one
of Brain Care Centre’s most popular
sessions! Any and all are welcome! Learn
about all of the possible changes one might
experience after an acquired brain injury.
Participants will gain understanding and
insight, will feel connected to a larger
community of survivors, and will have goals
for where their journey will take them.
Topics included are:
The Journey of Recovery Physical Challenges & Fatigue Cognition & Memory Changing Roles & Relationships Exploring Emotions Goal Setting & Motivation
Self-Esteem: This course uses proven
cognitive techniques to help individuals
learn how to control the self-critical inner
voice and build up a healthy sense of self
worth. You will leave this four session
course with useful skills that can easily be
applied to your day to day life and strategies
to use when you face situations in which
your sense of self worth is challenged.
Memory & Attention: Does your memory
need a boost? Do you find it hard to pay
attention or concentrate? This two day
workshop provides practical suggestions for
how to manage changes in memory and
attention after brain injury or stroke. Open
to new and returning clients.
Assertiveness Training : Assertiveness is
often linked with self-esteem. It is a skill
which can be practiced and grown! Being
assertive means you can confidently
communicate your thoughts, opinions, and
beliefs without being perceived as
aggressive by others. You will learn that it is
not okay for others to ignore you, to deny
your rights to be heard or to have a different
point of view. This group is a great chance to
learn new communication skills and then to
practice these skills in a safe environment.
Topics included are:
· What is communication? What are social skills? How might a brain injury affect these? · Difference between passive, assertive, and aggressive communication. · Engaged listening. · What are you saying with your body language? · What is empathy? How do I look at something from another person’s perspective? · Conflicts: How to deal with them and make your relationships stronger. · How to: meet new people, strike up conversations, and how to turn acquaintances into friends. · Self-disclosure: How much should I share
about myself?
17
Groups
Women’s Group: This psychosocial support
group is for women living with acquired
brain injury. Areas of focus include
information on the brain and brain injury,
health and wellness, coping, and accessing
supports. This group provides a safe
environment in which group members can
explore the many successes and challenges
that are inherent in life with a brain injury.
Through peer support, group members have
the opportunity to normalize their
experiences and learn from others’
experiences.
Men’s Group: A psychosocial support group
for males with brain injuries. In addition to
peer support, the group will provide
educational topics and activities for
members wishing to learn more about
coping strategies for life post injury. This
group runs on a bi weekly basis.
Young Adult Groups: The Young Adult
Groups (YAG) are for young adults between
the ages of 18 and 30. These groups focus on
support, healthy coping strategies, personal
growth and community inclusion. In
collaboration with Networks Activity Centre,
these groups include a recreational
component.
Care Givers’ Group: This group is designed
for familial caregivers who are providing
support to someone who has sustained a
brain injury. Peer support is encouraged to
assist caregivers in developing a stronger
sense of their ability to cope and feel
connected with others experiencing similar
challenges. This group meets on a bi weekly
basis.
Substance Use and Brain Injury Group
(SUBI): This support group for is for
individuals struggling with addiction and
brain injury. SUBI is a safe place for clients
to recognize their symptoms common to
brain injury and substance use, e.g. short-
term memory loss, diminished judgment and
mood disturbances. By sharing life
experiences group members learn to
recognize triggers and behavior, strategies
for coping, how to build healthy
relationships and how to access community
resources. This group runs weekly at Brain
Care Centre.
Club CONNECT Communication Group: This
twice monthly group promotes peer
connection, healthy living and provides
opportunities for discussion. Come and join
us for a lively hour and a half of learning and
discussion!
Budget Boosters: Do you have difficulty
keeping track of your money? Is it hard to
keep your bills straight? Do your spending
habits reflect your priorities and values? Is
your spending intentional and mindful? Do
you hate budgeting, but like having money?
Budget Boosters is a new group at Brain
Care Centre! Excitedly presented and run by
our occupational therapist, Stephanie Sylva,
and our provisional psychologist, Lisa
Baranieski, this group will strive to help
people make better financial decisions with
confidence and find peace with money. The
monthly group will provide financial advice,
guidance and coaching and will include
presentations on a variety of topics. There is
also an optional mid-month Budget Booster
drop-in space where you can come and ask
one of the group facilitators about your
personal financial goals.
Topics include:
· What is a budget? What are the different
ways to budget?
· What is the difference between variable
and fixed expenses?
· Using cash jars, smartphone apps, and
other ways to track your money.
· Good debt vs. bad debt.
· Bad habits: Emotional spending.
· The importance of saving.
· Grocery shopping on a budget.
Once-a-month group starts on Friday,
August 23, 2013 from 1:30-3:00 pm. Budget
Boosters takes place 3-4 days before AISH
payments are distributed, with an optional
mid-month drop-in session.
Workshops
Time Management:
Participants whose time management skills
have been affected by a brain injury will
learn new strategies and techniques to
improve their current time management
systems as well as new systems as needed.
Expressive Art Therapy:
This group uses art, music and photography
as mediums to help clients work through
issues surrounding grief and loss.
Stress and Worry: This group offers
strategies to help clients develop more
effective coping skills.
Caregiver Skills Training Workshop: This
four week interactive workshop is designed
to educate caregivers on how to help their
loved one to become more independent in
functional activities. The methods you will
learn are researched based and widely used
and trusted by professionals.
Electronic Devices Assistance
Community Living Program
Computer training and 1-1 assistance with
iPhone, iPad, and most other personal
electronic devices.
Group classes include Facebook, Skype,
Internet Safety and Identity Theft.
Please contact Jean, Community Living
Coordinator at 780-477-7575 ext. 26 for more
information.
Classes and Support Groups are offered to
individuals with brain injury.
(Brain Basics and Caregivers’ Group are
offered to caregivers of people living with
Brain Injury.)
PRE-REGISTRATION and/ or an ASSESSMENT
IS REQUIRED for all groups and classes
offered at Brain Care Centre.
Space is limited so please register early.
Dates may be subject to change.
Please see the calendar for specific dates.
18
First of all, I want to thank everyone
who came out to Brain Care Centre’s
Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) on
June 26; we appreciate the support! It is
always motivating to look back over the
year and see the growth of the
organization and we just can’t wait to
see what our future as an organization
holds. There were also a number of
events held in June for Brain Injury
Awareness Month (“BIAM”), including
the BIAM Breakfast on May 31. It was
wonderful to see so many people out
for the Breakfast and we are especially
grateful to Valerie Oczkowski for
inspiring those around her by sharing
her story. Thanks to the Brain Care
Centre staff for all their hard work and
the extra hours put in to make these
events a success.
One of the motions at the AGM was to
adopt changes as proposed by the
Board to Brain Care Centre’s By-Laws.
The changes to the By-Laws related to
the different committees currently in
place on the board. We slimmed down
from five board committees to four: the
Executive Committee, the Finance
Committee, the Fund Development
Committee, and the Governance
Committee. Given the size of our board,
we want to make sure we are efficient
as well as effective and we think this
committee model will help us achieve
both of these goals.
Lastly, I want to thank all the members
who are continuing to serve on the
Board for
another year. I
look forward
to working
with you
through the
rewards and
challenges of
the upcoming
year. I would also
like to thank
Hana Razga for
her service with the Brain Care Centre
Board of Directors. We greatly
appreciate all her help and support
throughout her years of service to the
Board, especially in the area of Human
Resources.
Message From The President >>>
Board of Directors President Stephanie Boldt
19
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August 29 2013
the Inaugural
BRAIN MATTERS
Charity Golf Tournament!
6:30am—2:00pm
Lewis Estates Golf Course, Edmonton, AB
$175.00 per person Get Involved! Find out how by calling
Andrea 780-477-7575 Ext. 11
November 9th, 2013 - SAVE THE DATE!
Defy Limitations Gala & Auction
Ramada Inn & Conference Centre
Sponsorship opportunities & Auction Item
donations are being excepted at this time
For more details on upcoming events contact
Andrea, Community Engagement Coordinator at
780-477-7575 Ext 11 or via email at
By Andrea Carroll Papirny, Community Engagement Coordinator
For the 2013 Brain Injury Awareness Month campaign the Brain Injury/Stroke Interagency of Edmonton decided to put together a video to promote BIAM and tackle the issue of brain injury in a visual manner. The result was a powerful video entitled “Stop the Stigma” produced by Andrea Carroll Papirny of Brain Care Centre with assistance by Kris Grue, Akira Peters, and Chelsea Nelson of Networks Activity Centre, and 14 clients with varying injuries from various organizations based in Edmonton. The video received 530 hits on You Tube alone and was viewed by hundreds of Edmontonian’s throughout the month of June at various events held to support those impacted by acquired brain injury. If you haven’t watched the video we encourage you to go to https://www.youtube.com/user/braincarecentreyeg and watch it today!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2013 Brain Injury Awareness Month Activities! We
were extremely excited to take part in the planning of this great month!
Activities included: the Brain Care Centre 22nd Annual Kick-Off Breakfast,
AABIS Artists Art Exhibit & Reception, the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
Education Day, Networks Activity Centre & Stroke Recovery Association of
Edmonton’s 5th Annual Community Picnic and new this
year the launch of our
social media campaign on
Twitter & You Tube.
Brain Injury Awareness Month: Building Capabilities after Brain Injury/Stroke >>>
On June 18th 2013, Brain Care Centre was honoured to partner with the
MS Society of Hinton to bring in Dr. Gabor Mate who spoke on his book
When the Body Says No. The evening featured two hours with Dr. Mate
including a question and answer period, a silent auction, food and
beverage provided by Tim Hortons,
and a book signing opportunity. We
are excited to announce that through
our efforts we were able to raise
$3500.00 for Brain Care Centre
dedicated to programming and service
coordination in the west of BCC’s
region!
Upcoming Events >>>
Brain Injury Awareness Month Video “Stop the Stigma” >>>
Dr. Gabor Mate >>> By Andrea Carroll Papirny, Community Engagement Coordinator
REGISTER TODAY!
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On May 31, 2013 Brain Care Centre hosted the 22nd BIAM Kick-off
Breakfast featuring guest speaker Valerie Oczkowski, former
news reporter from CTV. Our emcee for the morning was CTV’s own Marni Kuhlmann.
The morning also featured a welcome by Dr. Raj Sherman and Ginny Awards going to
Susan Wirtanen for Community Support and Glenna Lesko for Outstanding Caregiver.
Thank you to our sponsors James H. Brown & Associates and CTV News. Brain Care
Centre raised $24,000 to enhance programming and service coordination in the
Edmonton region! We are so thankful to everyone that attended the event and gave
generously to our organization; the support will provide great resources for our
clients impacted by acquired brain injury.
Brain Injury Awareness Month: Building Capabilities after Brain Injury/Stroke >>> Brain Injury Awareness Month Kick-Off Breakfast >>>
Brain Injury Awareness Month Video “Stop the Stigma” >>>
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Brain Care Centre, along with Edson’s Reflections presented the Inaugural BIG Brunch in Edson June 7, 2013! The lunch
hour event included a keynote by our very own Dr. Garnet Cummings, as well as our fabulous emcee and local radio
legend Patty Shea of the Eagle 97.3 FM Edson. Thank you to Conoco Phillips for sponsoring the event, to VIA Rail for the
ticket vouchers to travel anywhere VIA Rail goes and to Barb Eckert for the
beautiful painting donated to our auction, as well as the other supporters: Edson
Golf Club, Pat’s Safety Consulting LTD, Fountain tire, Medico Instructional
Upgrading, Fineline Stationery and Jensen’s Lifestyle Clothing. Brain Care Centre and
Reflections were able to raise over $5000.00 for their important services in Edson!
Edson News >>>
Brain Care Center Edson Support Group
Location: BCC Office- Edson
Meetings are held every first and third Wednesday of the month from 1pm to 3pm; the group does not meet during the summer months of July and August. The group supports individuals and families affected by a brain injury.
If there are any concerns or questions please contact Laura at the Edson Brain Center Office.
Phone- 780-712-7560
Email- [email protected]
Tannis and Laura welcome Felicia Boychuk to the Edson office team. Felicia is the new summer student at the Edson office; she is 17 years old and recently graduated from Parkland Composite High School. Her future goals are to study at Grant McEwan University taking public relations and to work in Australia for 6 months. She has been riding horses for 7 years, been to several youth national dart competitions and participated in numerous plays and musicals. BCC would like to welcome Felicia to the team!!
September 4TH 2013 October 2nd 2013 November 6th 2013
September 18th2013 October 16th 2013 November 20th 2013
Drayton Valley BI Group First and Third Monday of each month
at Mitch’s #102 4341 50 Street, Drayton Valley
1:00pm- 3:00pm
Edson Support Group First and third Wednesday of each month
at Brain Care Centre Edson office 524- 50 Street, Edson
1:00pm – 3:00pm
For more information on these groups or
services provided in
Edson and Drayton Valley
please contact Brain Care Centre
Toll Free at 1-866-712-7560.
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Brain Awareness Movement “BAM” UPDATE >>>
BAM has had a very eventful year,
including numerous presentations to
elementary and junior high school
classes, popular “Bacon & Bake Sales,”
and bar nights just to name a few.
Special shout-out to two long-time
BAM Executive members who will be
moving on. Former president, Justin
Quedado, will be pursuing medicine in
the fall at the University of Alberta, and
VP Internal Hanhmi Huynh will be
doing a nursing after degree. Both
Justin and Hanhmi have been with
BAM since its inception; without them,
BAM would not be as successful as it is
today. We wish them both the best of
luck and are confident they will go on
to do great things!
Classes may be out for the summer,
but the members of BAM have been
busy bees, preparing for the year to
come. Welcome to Bharti Gupta, who
will be serving as the president of BAM
for the 2013-14 school year. Bharti is
entering her 4th year of a BSc degree,
and has been a part of BAM for two
years now, first as a general member
and then as an Education Program
Director. She has been a part of many
different organizations, but was
particularly attracted to BAM by the
community within the group, and how
through education and advocacy, there
is much potential to reduce the
occurrence of brain injury. Her main
goals are to maintain and expand the
three committees (Education,
Advocacy, and Support), increase
general member and volunteer base,
and continue to build the sense of
community that drew her to BAM.
Bharti also hopes to
increase education
within the group, to
both the executive
and general
members, so
members are better
equipped to raise awareness of brain
injury in a more effective manner.
BAM would like to invite you to their 3rd annual “Big BAM”, an evening of performances, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and a keynote speech by Ian Young (http://ianyoung.ca). The event will be held on October 4, 2013 at the Dinwoodie Lounge in the Students’ Union Building on the University of Alberta campus. Tickets are $15 for students, $20 for the general public and can be purchased by contacting Brittany Hope at [email protected]. Hope to see you there!
By Connie Luu, Summer Intern/ BAM Member
Become a Sponsor of BCC>>>
To find out more about event specific sponsorship
for any of our signature events contact Andrea,
Community Engagement Coordinator
by phone 780-477-7575 Ext. 11
by email [email protected]
donate online: www.braincarecentre.com
Corporate Platinum Sponsorship $40,000 +
Gold Sponsorship $15,000—$39,999
Silver Sponsorship $5,000—$14,999
Bronze Sponsorship $1500—$4,999
Friends of BCC—$100—$1499
Partnering with Brain Care Centre will give you a chance to be a part of creating something new and
innovative. Brain Care Centre has several signature events: The Brain Care Centre breakfast that kicks off Brain Injury Awareness Month in June, The Brain Matters Charity Golf Tournament, The Edson BIG Brunch, and the
Defy Limitations Charity Gala & Auction. Along with our Signature Events we have several community “ancillary” events spread throughout the year that provide education and awareness about the issues of brain injury and what Brain Care Centre is doing to help. Brain Care Centre accepts sponsorship by means of in-kind donations or cash donations. To find out more about the opportunities to give and the recognition received
please contact us today.
Help us empower others to Defy Limitations TODAY!
24
Let’s be realistic—volunteering?! I mean,
we’re busy people! Between juggling
work, school, families, friends and trying
to have a personal life, often the last
thing on your mind is volunteering. Most
people wouldn’t be able to find the time
to volunteer on a regular basis even if
they wanted to! But thankfully there is
this handy dandy new tool called “the
internet” that has opened up a myriad of
opportunities for those who want to give
back to their communities but find
themselves in a time crunch.
The term “online volunteering” or
“virtual volunteering” means exactly
what you think it means: committing
your time and skills (free of charge) from
the comfort of your own home for the
betterment of society. Seems pretty
simple, doesn’t it?
I know what you’re thinking, “Really? I
can volunteer for your organization in my
pyjamas while watching Saturday
morning cartoons? This is too good to be
true!” The fact of the matter is, BCC
couldn’t be happier to have you on our
team.
There are so many areas in which you can
help an organization like Brain Care
Centre by just logging on to your
computer. Here are some examples:
researching subjects
creating web pages
editing or writing proposals, press
releases, newsletter articles, etc.
developing material for a curriculum
designing a database
designing graphics
providing legal, business, medical,
agricultural or any other expertise
editing a video or photos
monitoring the news for current
research and headlines
Still not sure it’s that easy? Just ask the
20+ BCC online volunteers who have
contributed over 100 hours of time and
skill last year!
The possibilities are endless. And while
volunteering your time and skills feels
pretty good… there are actually some
really great benefits for you, too!
First of all, you won’t just contribute your
skills, you’ll build them! There is a lot of
opportunity for building on existing skills
and learning new ones through these
programs. Because the program is so
diverse and flexible, you have the
opportunity to be creative in your work.
Not to mention, Brain Care Centre offers
one-on-one, personalized support with
the volunteer coordinator if needed for
extra training.
Online volunteering can also give your
career a little boost. It’s a really great
way to gain experience in a field you are
interested in pursuing. It also helps
broaden your experience. Employers are
always looking for volunteer experience,
especially from new graduates. What an
easy way to get ahead of the pack!
Online volunteering is like networking…
but on a global scale. Depending on the
type of online volunteering you want to
do, you can be connected with other
online volunteers to work together on
projects, as well as work in conjunction
with BCC staff, clients, volunteers, and/or
our networks of colleagues and
professionals. It never hurts to “know
someone who knows someone,” you
know?! Not to mention, all of this will
help you with your interpersonal skills.
Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me.
I guess all that is left to do is to get
started… How do you do that? It’s pretty
simple. Contact Janine, our volunteer
coordinator for more information.
Boy, giving back has never been easier!
Volunteers Rock!!
Casino volunteers needed for Our Edson Fundraiser
Wednesday and Thursday - December 5 & 6th, 2013
Apex Casino, St. Albert
All shifts
For more information please contact ja-
Brain Care Centre would like to thank the amazing online
volunteers who contributed to this issue of Cognosco. We
would also like to extend our gratitude to our talented
volunteer photographers who have captured so many
memories for Brain Care Centre throughout the past
few months. You guys rock!!
25
Advertising Space Cost Per Issue Cost Per Year (4 Issues)
Business Card (0.125) $100 $300
1/4 Page (0.25) $200 $600
1/3 Page (0.33) $270 $810
Half Page (0.5) $400 $1,200
Full Page (1) $800 $2,400
Distribution of this publication is
anticipated to be a minimum of 1100
copies per issue. The distribution area
reaches from Edmonton and
surrounding areas to Jasper and
surrounding areas. Cognosco is not only
printed, but hosted on our website
(www.braincarecentre.com) and posted
on our social media sites.
2013 Bike Safety Festival >>> By Connie Luu, Summer Intern
On May 25, 2013, Brain Care Centre staff and volunteers spent the
day at the 2013 Bike Safety Festival teaching nearly 100 inner city
children from local Boys and Girls Clubs & Big Brothers Big Sisters
groups all about the brain. After receiving new bicycles and
helmets, the youth learned about the anatomy of the brain, listened to
the story of a brain injury survivor, and played an interactive game that
demonstrated how difficult simple tasks can become after sustaining
damage to neurons. With their newfound knowledge of brain safety, it
is our hope that they will remember to always wear their helmets and
protect their brains! This event is made possible through a
collaborative effort by the AMA, Edmonton Police Service, Northlands,
Alberta Health Services, Brick Sport Central, the Dinner Optimist Club
of Edmonton, Alberta Transportation, and the Brain Care Centre.
By Dr. Garnet Cummings, Executive Director
Homelessness and Acquired Brain Injury Research Project >>>
When BCC staff looked at conducting a survey of Edmonton homeless persons to determine the prevalence of acquired
injury, it became obvious that we do not have the resources to do this survey the way it was initially outlined. At that point
we set up discussion with Dr. Rowe and to use the Emergency departments to collect our data. Subsequently, Dr. Rowe and
I worked together to create survey questions from previously validated survey tools. The surveys are being administered by
persons hired and specifically trained to attain the most reliable survey results.
Over the summer, the survey is being completed by persons with no fixed address as well as persons with a mailing address
who attend the Royal Alexandra Hospital, the University of Alberta Hospital and North East Community Health Centre. To
date the enrollment is: UAH=309; NECHC=224; RAH=67 for a total of 600 to date. Once the surveys are completed, analysis
of the data will begin. BCC will attain specific data related to the topic of acquired brain injury and homelessness from the
much larger data set. We are anxiously awaiting the results!
26 Human Services - Disability Policy
and Supports Division
Donations were received to honour of the birthday of:
Alexandra Kramer
Brain Injury Awareness month was AWESOME!! Thanks is extended to all those who purchased and donated tickets, supported the raffles,
sponsored and pledged at the BCC Kick-off Breakfast in Edmonton, the BCC and Reflections BIG Brunch in Edson, and the Dr. Gabor Mate speaking event in Hinton.
Other donations related to the Kick-off Breakfast were received from: Patricia Moyer Dermody - Communicating Success SLP Services; Marni Kuhlmann – CTV; Cummings, Andrews & Mackay LLP; Frances Zinger - Cummings, Andrews & Mackay; Kathleen Ryan - Davis LLP; Bruce Burke - EMC Corporation; Isabel Henderson - Vice President, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital; Janet Juneau - James H. Brown & Associates; Colleen Dibden - Kids with Cancer Society; Old Scona Academic School; Earl Shindruk - Optimax Benefits; Dr. Gail Matazow - NeruoTrauma Psychology Services; Donna Kuo -Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP; Lorraine Alfonsi - Realty Executives Devonshire; Dave Christie The Workun Garrick Partnership Architecture & Int. Design; Anonymous Donor; Erin Bampton; Betty Benson; Isabel Bernete; Stephanie Boldt; Elsie Boychuk; Michael & Caroline Clark; Linda J. & Frank Clish; Nancy E. Cumming; Dr. Garnet & Greta Cummings; Dr. William & Judy Dickout; Trevor Dodd; Deborah J. Dover; David Duggan; Frances Elgaard; Bharti Gupta; Gary Gutscher; K. Lynn Hyska; Soren & Louise Jensen; Ronald Jewitt; Scott & Tanya Karpyshyn; D. Jean Lawson; Dr. Drew R. Makinen; Frank MacKay; Wendy Mathewson; Ross Mckay; David Ted Mitchell; Iris Neumann; Mary Ellen Plumite; Justin Quedado; Margaret Ritchie; Valerie Rodriguez; Marion Rosborough; Quentin Ranson; Jacqueline A. Stewart; Marilyn Dumkee; Lacey Peters; Rajpal S. Thiara; Murray Whitby; Janice Wilson Kick-off Breakfast Raffle Items were graciously donated by: DFA Tech. Inc; Comic Strip; FC Edmonton; Brian Hatfield , Jenny Kashkar Thank you to ATCO Blue Flame for donating 300 Atco Blue Flame Kitchen Cookbooks
Supporters and Sponsors of the Edson BIG Brunch are: Sponsor: Troy Cumberland - Conoco Phillips Inc., Edson
Other supporters: Bob & Lis Anderson, Murray Barrass, Norman & Haroldene Holt, Patricia Harrison, Town of Edson
Auction & Raffle Items donated by: VIA Rail, Barb Eckert, Edson Golf Club, Edson Location – Fountain Tire,
Fineline Stationary, George Mah – Jensen’s Lifestyle Clothing, Medico Instructional, Pat’s Safety Consulting Ltd., and Upgrading
Brain Care Centre acknowledges the gracious ongoing support from:
Alberta Health Services; Alberta Human Services – Disability Policy and Supports Division, City of Edmonton Community Services, Homeward Trust, Union 52 Benevolent Society;
Lorne Ertman; Wanda Despins; Chris & Christine Keamy; Helen Majeed and Family; Wesley Parsons; Donald & Kelly Peacock; Elizabeth Raaflaub; Gertrude Rabinovitz; Michael &
Nadine Stack ; Velma Sterenberg; Cassidy Tomma; Don Verbeke; Douglas Vosper; Eleanor, Ross & Daniel Wein
Brain Care Centre Platinum Sponsor
Brain Care Centre Gold Sponsor
The donations in June for BIAM Green Ribbon have been very appreciated!
Edson BIG Brunch Specially noted are: Event Sponsor - ConocoPhillips Canada Ltd. Media Sponsor - 97.3 The Eagle Radio Station
Kick-off Breakfast Specially noted are: Platinum Sponsor – James H. Brown and Associates Media Sponsor - CTV News Edmonton
27
Bra
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67
If y
ou
nee
d m
ore
in
form
ati
on
abou
t
BC
C,
bra
in i
nju
ry o
r st
roke
,
ple
ase
ph
on
e u
s.
BC
C p
rovid
es a
co
ntin
uum
of
se
rvic
es t
o p
eo
ple
aff
ecte
d b
y a
cqu
ired
bra
in
inju
ry in
clu
din
g c
og
nitiv
e
reh
ab
ilita
tion
, ed
uca
tion
,
su
ppo
rt, se
rvic
e
co
ord
ina
tio
n,
refe
rra
l,
ad
vo
cacy a
nd
vo
lun
tee
r
op
po
rtu
nitie
s.
Mem
bersh
ip F
orm
Lib
rary
R
es
ou
rce
s
Pre
ferr
ed
Se
ati
ng
a
t E
ve
nts
Vo
tin
g P
rivil
eg
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Qu
art
erl
y
New
sle
tte
r
Pe
rso
n w
ith
Inju
ry
Pr
ofe
ssio
na
l
Ca
re
giv
er
Fa
mil
y
Co
rp
or
ate
No
n-p
ro
fit
Sa
ve
th
e S
tam
p!
Ple
as
e h
ave
my
BC
C N
ew
s
de
live
red
to
me
at
my f
ollo
win
g
e-m
ail a
dd
ress:
_
___
__
___
__
___
__
__
___
__
__
__
Na
me:
__
___
__
___
__
__
___
__
___
__
___
__
___
__
__
___
__
__
___
__
___
__
___
__
_
Ad
dre
ss:
__
__
___
__
__
___
__
___
__
___
__
___
__
__
___
__
__
___
__
___
__
___
__
__
C
ity/P
rovin
ce
/Po
sta
l C
od
e:
__
__
__
___
__
___
__
__
___
__
__
___
__
___
__
___
__
__
Ph
on
e:
Da
y:
__
__
__
___
__
_ E
ve
nin
g:
___
__
___
__
___
_ F
ax:
__
__
__
___
__
__
__
I w
ou
ld lik
e t
o d
on
ate
$ _
___
___
fo
r m
y B
CC
Me
mb
ers
hip
. M
emb
ersh
ip f
ees
are
by
do
na
tio
n a
nd
do
no
t q
ua
lify
fo
r a
ch
ari
tab
le r
ecei
pt.
I w
ou
ld lik
e t
o
lea
rn a
bo
ut
B
rain
Care
Ce
ntr
e
vo
lun
tee
r o
pp
ort
un
itie
s.
If y
ou
wo
uld
lik
e to
ma
ke
an
ad
ditio
na
l ch
ari
tab
le c
on
trib
ution
to
furt
her
sup
port
th
e w
ork
of
BC
C, p
lease
ind
ica
te b
elo
w. F
or
con
trib
utio
ns o
f $
10
or
gre
ate
r, B
CC
will
issu
e a
ch
ari
tab
le r
ece
ipt.
$3
5
$5
0
$10
0
Oth
er
__
__
_
Con
trib
utio
ns a
re g
rate
fully
ackno
wle
dg
ed
in
BC
C’s
Qu
art
erly N
ew
sle
tter.
I
wou
ld p
refe
r m
y d
on
atio
n r
em
ain
an
on
ym
ous
Pa
ym
en
t M
eth
od
s:
Cas
h
Ch
eq
ue
pa
ya
ble
to
Bra
in C
are
Ce
ntr
e
Cre
dit
Ca
rd
Na
me
on
Ca
rd:
__
__
___
___
__
__
___
___
__
__
___
__
__
C
ard
#
__
___
__
__
___
__
___
__
___
___
__
__
___
__
__
_
Ex
pir
y _
__
__
_ /
___
__
mm
y
y
VIS
A
MC
AM
EX
Ple
ase h
elp
Bra
in C
are
Centr
e g
row
as a
com
munity b
ased o
rganiz
ation b
y b
eco
min
g a
me
mber.
DE
FY
LIM
ITA
TIO
NS
!
Ea
rly B
ird
Eve
nt
Re
gis
tra
tio
n
An
d M
uc
h,
Mu
ch
Mo
re!
28