“June is Brain Injury Awareness Month in Canada – a time to raise awareness of the difficulties individuals with brain injuries and their families face, and to celebrate their strength.
“When my son was injured in a collision in late 2023, my family was deeply affected.
“Brain injuries don’t just heal with time like a broken bone. They affect memory, emotions, movement and even the ability to talk. My son faced many obstacles that tested his patience and resolve, and our understanding of what healing truly means.
“My son had to learn many things, including to talk and walk again. At first, he only took small steps, then stairs, but eventually he ran. After months in the hospital, he fought his way back home and back to school and worked diligently every day to catch up to his peers and graduate from high school on schedule.
“Through his difficult recovery, we saw first-hand the strength and determination exhibited each day by individuals with brain injuries, their families, and their incredible medical and support teams.
“My family is so grateful for the support we received throughout our son’s journey. From the moment the volunteer firefighters arrived on the accident scene, we were blessed by the most skilled and dedicated first responders and health care professionals.
“Each year, approximately 5,000 Albertans suffer a brain injury. All brain injuries are unique and the road to recovery can be long, unpredictable and challenging.
“Rest assured, our government will continue to work with families, communities, health care workers and service providers to ensure Albertans with brain injuries have the supports they need to heal and move forward to lead happy, fulfilling lives – just as my son has been able to do.”