We hosted nearly 400 Peer Events, Support Groups, and Coffee Meetups around the province.
With the help of our Peer coordinators, we made 153 Peer-to-Peer Matches. around the province.
Our Coffee and Support Groups drew 1,997 participants throughout British Columbia.
Our Infoline Specialists answered
1,635 toll-free calls and requests.
Several years ago, a seemingly minor accident sent Trevor to the surgery room. He would spend the next 11 months in a hospital bed, unable to walk, with friends moving on and his family living far away. Inside, Trevor faced the darkest moments of his life—and he attempted the unthinkable. “I WAS 39 WHEN I WAS INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT. I INJURED MYSELF CATCHING A FALLING PHYSIOTHERAPY PATIENT when I was 37. I felt my back snap. OUR FIRM’S BEEN INVOLVED WITH SCI BC FOREVER, BUT I’VE BEEN THE PERSON PRIMARILY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RELATIONSHIP SINCE ABOUT 2011. THIS YEAR, I’M STARTING A NEW SCHOLARSHIP FOR PEOPLE WITH SPINAL CORD INJURIES. Growing up in a small town in Northern Saskatchewan, I didn’t have the same advantages that other people had but I did have the same opportunities, and I always recognized that as a gift. I never really considered myself an underdog. As long as I had the same opportunity, I could always achieve as much as anybody else — even people that had more of a head start than I did. And I believe the same thing for people that are injured. That’s why I thought about the scholarship. I strongly believe that challenge coupled with opportunity can be the strongest gift you ever give anybody. "I work as an RMT on Saturna Island, BC. I am on the Health Committee on this island and, through the Medical Clinic office, have come into contact with your magazine. I read it from front to back… articles and ads! I am touched by the stories and the pictures and the information! But I am most touched by the immense heart that comes through every page—and through your website.
Luckily, Trevor met someone who was able to draw him out of this dark place.
Kirsten understands what it’s like to be in a wheelchair—she has lived with her own injury for 23 years.With encouragement from Kirsten, Trevor started coming out to SCI BC events and met others facing similar challenges. He now draws strength from his new circle of friends and feels comfortable talking with them about anything. And the program has given Trevor the confidence to try new things—like an adventure trip to Whistler in the summer.
Our YouTube series, launched in 2014, keeps you informed, engaged and up-to-date with the latest in SCI—from adaptive sports and recreation, to community events and research. Join our host, Kirsten Sharp, as she explores, celebrates and connects with the SCI community.
I relate totally to the issues of fatigue and depression, feelings of not being quite a quadriplegic whilst still dealing with all the problems of mobility, sensation, temperature regulation, bowel and bladder dysfunction, neuropathic pain, spasms and limited hand/arm function.
And I am still working with all the questions; acceptance still comes and goes.
Thank you for the articles about people from my tribe—it’s good to hear from others with similar issues.”
— Karin Watson, 71, Courtenay, BC
I am now 72 years old. Constant daily pain has lead to chronic depression. The more depressed I am, the more I notice the pain… However, I can walk short distances with the aid of a cane. So, in the town where I was injured, too many people asked why I wasn’t working or if I was having a good holiday. It took my mother 25 years to realize that I would not get better.
I would like to thank you for “An Incomplete Affair” in The Spin, Summer 2014. I can readily identify with the problems discussed—particularly having an invisible injury.
— Lynn Mackenzie, 72, Terrace, BC
— Scott Stanley, Lawyer, Murphy Battista LLP
I do not have an SCI, although I deal with some spine issues from old injuries. I actually do not know of anyone who has an SCI. That doesn’t seem to matter.
