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This newsletter brings you the 2014 conference in pictures as well as the usual informative articles and stories. Enjoy!

Being the newsletter editor and the conference chair can be difficult when both

a conference and the next edition of the newsletter happen simultaneously. This

month however, both have collided in a positive way, as this edition is made up

of a great deal of conference photographs. Hopefully you will be left with a flavor

of what a success this event was.

The presentation PDF’s will be online as promised. We are working to get

them onto our new website www.braininjurycanada.ca as soon as possible.

The Gatineau conference was educational in that much information was

shared with those in attendance. That is a good thing but not the only thing

that happens at conferences. It is the sharing and conversations that took place

as many likeminded people are brought together under one roof. Stories of

successes, new ideas, shared frustrations, mutual joy all unite us together for a

few days. That does not have to end at conferences. We can continue to share via

the newsletter. To that end, I encourage you to send in your story, your success,

your idea, your hopes and your dreams. I am best reached at barblbutler@gmail.

com and I welcome your contributions.

Many thanks to Kim McDonald Taylor for taking all of the conference

photographs in this issue of Impact. Your talent is only surpassed by your positive

attitude and dedication to the cause. Job well done!

Have a great autumn, stay safe.

Barb

P A T H W A Y S A H E A D – O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4W A Y S A D – OO CC TT O BB EE RR

Barb Butler - Editor of Impact &

2014 Brain Injury Canada

Conference Chair

P A TPP AA TT AA YY SS AA E A D – O C T

di f I t &

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Marie-Christine OuelletMarie-Christine Ouellet

Marie-Christine Ouellet

Tatyana Mollayeva Daniel Bax Dr. Paul ComperDaniel BaxD Dr. Paul ComperD

Book Launch

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From the Desk of the Executive Director, Harry Zarins

As I write this message after Thanksgiving weekend, I think of all of the people who have moved forward from their brain injury and the caregivers who have supported them. This includes all of the health professionals, friends and colleagues who support people with brain injury and for those less fortunate who are supported through shelters. Thank you for being there at this time of Thanksgiving.

The month of September was a time for new beginnings. After months of deliberation, we have moved to re-brand the Brain Injury Association of Canada as Brain Injury Canada. Over the next few months, we will be moving towards rolling out our new logo and name. We also launched our new website www.braininjurycanada.ca with the help of funding from the Dave Irwin Foundation. We were able to complete this project and over the next few months we will be phasing out our present website.

Brain Injury Canada has been a member of the Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC) since its inception. Over the years the NHCC

has accomplished much. Just prior to the end of September the landmark study titled “The National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions” was released. You can find it at this site: http://www.mybrainmatters.ca/en What the study uncovered was that the national study of neurological conditions show costs highest for traumatic brain injury 7.3 billion for 2011 to $8.2 billion in 2031.

· Partnership with MODC with shared governance model

· Alignment of the partners to the directions of NHCC (some slides attached here)

· Directions towards alliances with provincial/territorial brain injury associations consistent with NHCC messaging

· Conference was an excellent example of bringing researchers, clinicians, and end users together directed to a common cause

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Allison Woyiwada and Robert McMechan

Tamara Bushnik Enrico Quilico

Dr. Joanny Lui

Allison Woyiwada and Robert McMechany

Tamara Bushnik Enrico Quilico

Students performing at book launch

Dr. Joanny Lui

Ottawa medicine Class presenting cheque to Barb Butler

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Message from the Co Presidents of Brain Injury Canada - Rick Riopelle and Barb Butler

These are exciting times for brain injury in Canada. We, formerly known as the Brain Injury Association of Canada, have changed our name to Brain Injury Canada. As part of this rebranding we have formed a partnership with March of Dimes Canada with whom we have a shared governance model. This partnership positions us well to move towards alliances with provincial/territorial brain injury associations consistent with Neurological Health Charities Canada messaging within which both partners are members. What does this mean to you? This will become more apparent as we move forward but quite simply it means together we will become stronger.

We have just finished our eleventh annual national conference in Gatineau and by all reports it was a huge success. Survivors, caregivers, family,

service providers, therapists, medical personnel researchers, and politicians all attended to listen, share and network. April will find us in Halifax, N.S.; planning has just begun led by a very enthusiastic group from Halifax. It will be an event not to be missed! Our annual September conference’s location is yet to be determined.

Our website has moved to www.braininjurycanada- it is a work in progress so please be patient as we grow.

We invite you to email any thoughts you may wish to share to either Rick Riopelle at richard.riopelle@mcgill.ca and/or Barb Butler at barblbutler@gmail.com

Barb Butler & Rick Riopelle

Co-Presidents

Brain Injury Canada

Rick Riopelle

Barb Butler

“Conference Testimonials”“It was a wonderful conference - a beautiful balance of inspirational survivor stories, the latest in cutting edge research, and a wealth of practical strategies to take away

and immediately integrate into our own practice. I also found it to be a great networking opportunity where I was able to reconnect with colleagues on a

national level who share our passion for the work that we do.” Arden MacGregor

Random conference comments from evaluations“Survivor stories were amazing”

“Inspirational and motivating”

“One of the best conferences on T.B.I. that I have attended”

“Awesome”

“WOW!!!”

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Matthew Sanderson Judy Gargaro

Janic Gorayeb Leslie Burkitt

Laurie-Anne Corbin-Berrigan

Leslie Burkitt

Laurie-Anne Corbin-Berrigan

Matthew Sanderson Judy Gargaro

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(This is the third of three parts on numbers relating to the occurrence of brain injury)

… AND STILL EVEN MORE NUMBERS

b l ti t

Tyrone was 32, three years out of graduate school

and enjoying a successful career when

brain injury struck. He spent 27 months

in three hospitals, in the first three of

which, he was totally mute.

However, aggressive therapies

in a rehab program have

worked miracles. Fortunately,

his setbacks were temporary

and not cognitive. After 15 years,

his balance is still compromised,

but improving.

Upon sustaining a brain injury, some of the possible steps through which a survivor must traverse include acceptance, hospitalization and rehabilitation. Eventually, (if it is possible), one must resume school, work or life in general. Most employees strive to be among that 20 % who resume work (though with reduced load). Considerations such as age, pre-injury productivity and education are important factors which may impact return-rate. Very often, overall productivity depends on year 1 post-injury.

Every year in Canada, some 50,000 people suffer strokes, which often cause acquired brain injuries (ABIs). Of these, 50% don’t recover fully and 20 % resume work but with a reduced output. About 16,000 of these die. Without considering other ABI causes, strokes are the fourth leading cause of death. Also, an estimated 300,000 Canadians live with the effects of strokes - varying degrees of disability. Most people, who suffer brain injuries, in fact 72%, sustain their TBIs from motor vehicle accidents, often causing similar disabilities as strokes.

Most traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors are young adults in the prime of their working lives. At the time of rehabilitation, the survivor tends to see the future as being very uncertain. Unfortunately, many who survive TBIs are not able to go back to

work or school. This number has a shockingly large range from 12.5% to 80%. In one national survey, 75% of TBI survivors were not working. Of the people working, 66% reported that they needed help with daily activities. This need presumably extends to work/jobs. Also, 90% of survivors have ongoing difficulties with social integration. The amount of support given to post-injury workers makes a big difference. Without support offered in the workplace, one study reported that there was a 54% reduction in the willingness of survivors to seek employment post-TBI. Individuals need help to find employment, then, to keep it. In one study, without getting this needed help only 30% got work versus a 92% who had pre-injury employment.

Returning to work after a brain injury is very important, and causes much anxiety, but desired since this is how self-worth is often measured. During my rehab, there was lady, 35 years old and ready to return to work as an accountant. She had an accident and was now extremely anxious about a slight cognitive and communication setback. (About 80% of people with brain injuries have communication disorders). She resettled into her job very nicely.

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Vichwa Bush

Kim McDonald Taylor and Harry Zarins

Dr Sandy Shultz Vincy Chan MadeleineWelton

Kim McDonald Taylor and Harry Zarins

Dr Shauna Kingsnorth

Dr Sandy Shultz Vincy ChanV

Dr. Suresh Kumar

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Angela Chao is a camera assistant in the film industry. A year ago, she had her first concussion at work. She had never had mental illness, depression or personality changes before her injury.

Angela suffered a 6-month long headache, until a stuntman suggested craniosacral therapy. Edwin from Hands for health in Mississauga, Ontario, worked on her head for an hour. Terrible irritability transformed into a feeling of fulfillment and purpose. With each breath she took, her post-concussion symptoms melted away and she felt normal, at last.

Angela went home feeling refreshed, relieved, and creative and poured her emotions into painting a plate. She didn’t know

what she was drawing; she just knew she had to.

The blackbird Angela produced that evening represented her, being freed from her imprisoned mind. It was liberating to know she could think for herself.

Since then, she has tapped into a hidden artistic reservoir and has created more than one hundred and seventy pieces of art in six months. Drawing helps Angela relieve anxiety, sadness and hopelessness. Her style changes from abstract, to realism, suiting her emotions at the time.

She can’t say she is back to normal but she now holds onto a glimmer of hope.

Angela Chao

Mindlessdoodle.ca

A Glimmer of Hope

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Niki Guerriero

Sandhya Mylathula

Laurie-Anne Corbin-Berrigan Andrew Lapointe Aneesha Sravanapudi

Sandhya Mylathula

Rachel Micay

Laurie-Anne Corbin-Berrigan Andrew LapointeA

Jeff Latimer

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Award of MeritJennifer Hooper, Ottawa, ONLes Good, Moose Jaw, SKNicholas Eustace, Toronto,ON

Communication AwardYvonne Nielson, Terrace, BCKenneth Murnaghan, Charlottetown, PEIBrain Injury Society Of TorontoBrainworks Rehab, London, ON

Fundraising AwardMedicine Class of 2017, University of OttawaSophie Diebold - Head Strong, Ayr, ON

National Partner AwardMarch of Dimes Canada, Toronto, ON

Corporate Leadership AwardRx&D, Conference Sponsor Brainworks Rehab, Casey’s Journey of HopeUniversity of Toronto - Brain Injury Canada

Employer AwardDan Hamilton - Performance Management Consultants, Ottawa, ON

Prevention and Awareness AwardDr. Shelina Babul, BC Injury and Prevention UnitTroy Adams, Troy’s Run

Special Recognition AwardDr. Nick Reed - Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab HospitalCommunity Head Injury Resource Services - Toronto, ONDr. Terence Sheridan - St. Michael’s College SchoolDr. Hugh Mirolo - St. John’s, NL

Dr. Jane Gillett Research AwardDr. Peter Rumney, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab Hospital Dr. Roger Zemek, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario

Volunteer of the Year AwardCecile Proctor - Saint John, NB

Debbie and Trevor Greene AwardBarb Butler - Regina, SK

2014 BRAIN INJURY CANADA AWARD RECIPIENTS

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More award winners from the 2014 conference

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Adora Chiu

Sandhya Mylabathula

Jane Clark Foster Dr. Lee Tasker Micheal Hutchison

A

Sandhya Mylabathula Fantastic Frank

Jane Clark Foster Dr Lee TaskerD

Barbara Csenge

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This week the world is focusing on brain issues that include traumatic brain injury, depression, bipolar, PTSD and a host of other “buzz” words that describe the mental torment people go through just to exist in our world.

Before brain issues become last week’s news it is important I write about things that I have learned on my journey to “Mental Wellness”.

I have written often about “the place where the brain has had enough”, and how it is the loneliest, scariest, darkest place that cannot be described in words. It is a place where nothing makes sense. It is a place where my brain seems to choose to think negative thoughts all on its own, with no regard for the truth, compassion or the hurt it is causing.

That is when My Brain is like a delinquent child who needs discipline. What have I learned to do during these dark times?

I have learned to have direct conversations with that

delinquent child brain that sound like this: “You are not going to take me to that dark place” or “Not Today” or “Give me a break….Again? or “I can’t handle this today so please just leave me alone”.

The fancy scientific name for this process is “neuroplasticity” which simply means “I can train my delinquent child brain to think properly, and sit up and take notice, and make it very clear that the delinquent child brain is not in charge.

Until we train every individual who treats people with brain issues about “neuroplasticity”, then we will continue to read about how creative people have chosen to “leave this world”, and leave us all of with the question “could I have made a difference”.

I believe that people who struggle to be mentally well can get better, and can train their brains to help them recover. We must include in the conversation that people can recover from brain issues. The person dealing with the brain

issues must keep searching for a frontline health professional, who truly believes they can recover from brain issues, and don’t give up until they find one. In 2014 we have the scientific tools and conclusive data that can help with recovery from brain issues, so it is really up to the health services to “change the way people think about their recovery from brain issues”.

No matter how many people write “you are not alone” those words are not strong enough to combat the loneliness that torments people with brain issues, unless someone tells them they can recover.

My call to action: to provide hope that people with brain issues will find better ways to recover, help people with brain issues to learn to “live with their new brains”, and to encourage people with brain issues to keep asking questions until they find someone who will help them recover.

What is your call to action on the topic of brain issues?

The World Focuses on Brain IssuesBy Jean Oostrom jean@newbrainliving.com

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Cecile Proctor

Dr Jonathan Wareham and Dr Angela Peddlle

Dennis Radman and Arden McGregor Dr. Jennifer Paige MacDougall Trang Nguyen

Dr Jonathan Wareham and Dr Angela Peddlle Cecile Proctor

Dennis Radman and Arden McGregor Dr Jennifer Paige MacDougallD

Jennifer Kuchinka

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BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

April 15 & 16 2015Halifax, Nova Scotia

Call for Abstracts

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Two Octobers ago we ran a picture showing a young Tess Kostiak with the caption “You are never too young to wear a helmet”. Two years later... great news, she is still wearing that helmet!

Tess in October 2012 Tess one year later in October 2013 Tess two years later in October 2014

Call for Abstracts continued

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Richard TheriaultJason Harps, Barb Butler, Justin McKenna and Richard Theriaullt.

Alexandra Kelly Dr. Ron Wall Josh Furlonger

J p , , JJason Harps Barb Butler Justin McKenna and Richard Theriaullt

Dr Jeff Kreutzer

Alexandra Kelly Dr Ron WallD

Jason Harps

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Please note: The opinions expressed in Impact, the newsletter of the Brain Injury Canada are those of the respective authors and not necessarily those of the Brain Injury Canada. Brain Injury Canada will not be liable for any damages or losses howsoever sustained, as a result of the reliance on or use by a reader or any other person of the information, opinion, or products expressed, advertised or otherwise contained here in. Where appropriate, professional advice should be sought.

Proud sponsors of the Brain Injury Canada

40 Laurier Ave. West, Suite 200, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 7X6Phone: 613-762-1222, Toll Free: 1-866-977-2492Fax: 613-782-2228, E-mail: info@braininjurycanada.cawww.braininjurycanada.ca

Impact News is here to serve the readers and is published four times a year (Editor - Barb Butler). We invite submissions: professional articles on rehabilitation, acquired brain injury, and injury prevention, personal interest, provincial and local association news, and profiles of courage.

Advertising rates per issue print and electronic exposure on our website

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Harry Zarins, Executive DirectorPhone: 613-762-1222

www.braininjurycanada.ca

In an instant a life is changed, forever. Every day, we participate in activities that produce endless risks for sustaining a brain injury: car accidents, a fall from a bike, or a blow to the head. It is estimated that thousands of Canadians incur a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), also known as a concussion, each year, the majority being young adults. Statistics indicate that the incidence of brain injury is two times greater in men. Brain Injury Canada strives to raise awareness of the incidence of acquired brain injury (ABI) in Canada.

A brain injury may make it necessary for the injured person to require full time assistance. Families often become the primary caregiver and support person. Many families are left to cope on their own. They sometimes have little understanding of the effects of the injury and the demands that will be made of them by an injured family member. Families need support from others who understand the effects of acquired brain injury. Brain Injury Canada provides a shared forum for the support of both families and survivors, and also advocates for the enhancement support services.

Prevention through public education, and safety legislation is the key to the reducing the occurrence of ABI amongst Canadians. Brain Injury Canada engages

in extensive public education initiatives through its many local community associations across Canada.

Medical and safety research is another key to addressing ABI. Brain Injury Canada endeavors to support and promote research in Canada and internationally.

About Our Cause: Acquired Brain Injury