Memories That Will Last A Lifetime
“I don’t think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for all the people at Sick Kids Hospital & Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital who have helped me through everything I’ve been through in the past five years.”
My name is Cathy and I am 20 years old. I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in June 2005 and I am currently living with the effects of an Acquired Brain Injury. I have spent time at Holland Bloorview as both an inpatient and outpatient and have made use of a variety of programs and services. As a result of my injury, I had to relearn many basic life skills at Holland Bloorview. A significant side effect was selective mutism. Thanks to intensive speech language therapy, I no longer struggle to find my words. Swimming, physical and occupational therapy, Child Life, family support programs, therapeutic recreation and the Bloorview School were all crucial to my rehabilitation. My recovery was challenging, but I really enjoyed the therapeutic recreation programs. There were a lot of fun activities to take part in and I loved the pet therapy program.
Holland Bloorview’s Life Skills Programs have also helped me regain my independence. I was part of the Youth Weekend Retreat in 2006, Turning Point in 2007, and The Independence Program in the summer of 2008. I really enjoyed being a participant in these programs. They have taught me many skills that will help me in my future.
Currently, I am still involved in Holland Bloorview’s BIG program, which is a Brain Injury Support group held once a month. I enjoy BIG because I get to interact with my peers, make new friends and see old ones as well. I like interacting with people who know what it’s like to have an Acquired Brain Injury because they have been through it themselves. I also enjoy volunteering in Holland Bloorview’s Therapeutic Recreation programs.
Without Holland Bloorview, I wouldn’t be where I am today and I am very proud of myself for all the hard work I’ve done since my brain injury. I have recently graduated from the Early Childhood Assistant Program at Centennial College and will be applying to the Early Childhood Education program. My dream is to work for the Toronto District School Board as a kindergarten teacher! I am indebted to Holland Bloorview for the support I received to help me succeed. The people, the memories, the experiences, but most importantly the journey I went on to get to where I am today. It will forever live with me, in my heart and mind.
