Participants Needed for BC Caregiver Study
Santa’s Helpers Ensure Letters Reach the North Pole
Tracey Barry and Tina Marsh are on a mission to ensure the postal disruption does not stop children from sending their letters to Santa.
The heartwarming story, featured in the Sawatsky Sign-Off segment, highlights a group of dedicated volunteers, including Tina, Tracey, and the individuals they support in the March of Dimes Canada Day Program for brain injury survivors. Together, they embody the true spirit of giving during the holiday season.
These selfless individuals dedicate their time to assembling and delivering holiday cheer and creating a magical season for children. Their efforts demonstrate a profound commitment to community and kindness, ensuring no one feels forgotten during this special time […]
Sounds of the Season by Debra Erickson
Maybe it’s Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas” that gets your adrenaline going and your shopping list done. Brenda Lee singing “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree” is the motivation I need to do my decorating. Of course, there’s the slow sipping of my eggnog tunes like Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” and Anne Murray’s “Silver Bells”.
Whatever your Holiday playlist, one thing’s for certain: music moves us! Regardless of what stage you’re at in brain injury recovery, music is a well proven therapeutic tool. I wouldn’t recommend Alvin and the Chipmunks if you’re struggling with brain confusion. Best to choose the Holiday fireplace channel and a much calmer […]
Letters to Myself by Debra Erickson
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 an old photo from WW1 of my grandfather. He lied about his age so he could join the Canadian Army. After training camp, he was shipped overseas for a brief stop in England. The photo is taken as he sits next to a buddy looking down on the rest of the soldiers on deck. He […]
A Case of Mistaken Identity by Debra Erickson
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 automatically assume they must have seen my twin – until I tell them it’s my brother and he is much larger than me! It can be challenging to describe who we really are. I suppose I could be someone’s doppelganger, but I prefer to be known for who I really am!
This month there will be […]
Canadian Charter of Rights for People with Brain Injury
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 seeking care, by providers as principles for care, by others to educate the public and by policy makers to advocate for needed, respectful and accessible care and services.
This charter was created from information provided by more than 150 people with brain injury and their family members from across Canada. It is intended to be a ‘living document’ that will evolve as needed.
Your feedback is welcome on ways to use this charter, and any additions or modifications that would be […]
Provincial Strategy for Brain Injury Support and Advocacy Needed Now by Janelle Breese Biagioni
This post is in r
esponse 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 addiction challenges, including those with acquired brain injuries. The goal of creating safer, healthier communities is one that we can all support.
However, it is crucial that the enforcement of involuntary care be reserved for only the most extreme circumstances. To truly address the challenges faced by individuals with brain injuries and concurrent disorders, we must find a balance between crisis response and preventative […]
Mind Those Margins by Debra Erickson
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 easily. Instead, the next four months will tumble out like a giant Tsunami. School, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, music lessons, gym programs, soccer sign-ups. Enough to make one feel like you’re treading water for dear life!
My trips to the grocery store leave me in a blurred state of confusion. […]
Let The Games Begin by Debra Erickson
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 6,800 athletes over six kilometres of river.
It was indeed a grand beginning to the games. The exuberant mood of our Canadian athletes was wonderful to see. Not one person had yet entered into competition and that didn’t seem to matter. It was just the joy of taking part. It reminded me of what the spirit of the […]
Brain Injury After Overdose is a Hidden Epidemic
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), leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges. Despite the prevalence, these injuries remain under-recognized and inadequately treated, leaving many without the necessary support and rehabilitation.
These researchers emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare strategies that address the complex needs of these individuals, highlighting the importance of increased awareness, early intervention, and integrated care to improve outcomes for survivors. Recognizing and treating brain injuries in […]
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 Addressing the Intersections of Brain Injury, Mental Health, and Addictions: A Stakeholder-Driven Priority-Setting Study. Health Expectations, 27, e14136.
Researchers from the University of Victoria, the University of British Columbia, and community stakeholders recently published a study on a health research priority-setting process. This process aimed to identify, prioritize, and produce a community-driven list of […]
Priorities for Quality of Life after Traumatic Brain Injury
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 life (QOL). To date there has been limited patient-oriented research to understand the priorities for quality of life following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This research aimed to explore the priorities using a group consensus building method.
Click the link to access the publication:
Priorities for quality of life after traumatic brain injury
Grewal J, Citton K, Sing G, Biagioni JB, Schmidt J (2024) Priorities for quality of life after […]
Help Move Bill C-277 Forward
Bill C-277 is a l
egislative 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 comprehensive support and resources. It emphasizes the importance of education, prevention measures, and accessible rehabilitation services to improve the quality of life for brain injury survivors.
By establishing a coordinated approach, Bill C-277 aims to enhance the overall system of care for those affected by brain injuries. This includes raising public awareness about the causes and effects of brain injuries, implementing prevention […]
Summer Migrations by Debra Erickson
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 part of the travel experience to have flights canceled […]
Mother’s Metamorphosis by Debra Erickson
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 Brain Injury into the mix and all bets are off!
Neuroplasticity – Springtime for the Brain
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 dirty brown snow frozen in the parking lot? I’m constantly checking for that first shy crocus to brave late season flurries and bring a splash of colour to the monochrome landscape.
There’s a lot of activity afoot underground at this time of year. Few of us can claim to be experts on the science of migration or photosynthesis yet these phenomena bring about […]
The Impact of Brain Injury on One’s Inner Calendar
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, your memory was significantly impacted.
Sheila Willis of Alberta, shares her story of traumatic brain injury and the challenges of her inner calendar shifting as a result. Although she was in her early 20s when she was injured, she did not receive a diagnosis of post-concussive syndrome until her late 40s.
Sheila Willis’ story highlights the challenges faced by individuals […]
Barb Butler Peer Support Group a Lifeline for Many
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 own tragedy into inspiration, courage, and bringing hope to others. For decades, Barb has infused her wisdom and kindness into the Regina Brain Injury Support Group.
Recently, Barb joined forces with the CGB Centre for Traumatic Life Losses, Brain Injury Canada, Cowichan Brain Injury Society and other associations to raise the profile of brain injury in Canada, and to bring support for Bill C-277 forward.
Bill C-277 calls upon the […]
Why Write a Blog?
~By Debra Erickson
May 16, 2008, I was heading up our city’s Bike to Work Week. While cycling home from my office that day, I was hit by a truck. The vehicle fled the scene and left me unconscious at the side of the road.
That split second forever altered my life. Two and a half years in neurological rehabilitation, chronic pain, fatigue, and confusion marked my daily life. Navigating the strange new landscape of Traumatic Brain Injury was lonely and difficult. Even my husband of thirty-three years could not understand my behaviour and sadly our marriage ended. My journey is only one story. There […]
Between the Lines: Stories of Brain Injury Survivors (Introduction)
Debra’s Journey: Introduction
Brainstreams is pleased to introduce Debra Erickson, the newest writer in our Between the Lines series committed to sharing the stories of brain injury survivors.
Debra Erickson was the victim of a hit and run in May 2008 and sustained a traumatic brain injury. Prior to her injury, Debra worked primarily in banking and as a legal assistant. Her TBI changed the course of her life and since then she has been involved in with United Way speaking at fundraising events. Her involvement with Humanitarian efforts has taken her to Africa, Indonesia, and Central America. Teaching English as a Second Language has given her the opportunity to […]