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By Ruth Wilcock, Executive Director, OBIA

From Ruth's Desk

When a person sustains a brain injury, the changes that this brings to one’s life can be extremely devastating. For some, during the first few hours, days and even weeks following the injury they are battling for their very life. When this battle has been won, the long road of recovery and rehabilitation begins. For each survivor the journey is unique and has its own set of challenges. However, in speaking with many different survivors, along with their diversities, a common thread of loss emerges. Often survivors of brain injury lose a large part of what made them who they were, leaving them feeling alone and isolated. For others it is loss of their job, their friends and sometimes even family. The devastation of the injury leaves them struggling to regain who they once were, or grappling with finding out whom they might become. Each day brings with it new and different challenges.

As I have listened to survivors share their stories with me I feel great empathy when I hear of their losses, impediments and hardships that they have encountered. However, I also feel a great sense of admiration as I listen to how they have met each and every one of these challenges. I never take for granted the amount of dedication, commitment and fortitude that is needed in order for survivors to meet the challenges that the devastation of the injury has brought about. I continue to be amazed at the amount of resiliency that a person is capable of, and one of the core elements to resiliency is the ability to adapt to change. Whether one is a survivor, family member or professional, each person has parts to them that, at times, can be resistant to change. Change involves exploring and navigating the terrain of the unknown. It takes one out of their comfort zone and exposes vulnerabilities that one may be resistant to confront. However, if one can navigate through the fears and uncertainties of change, this enables one to be empowered.

Change can be devastating and challenging, but when the right tools are in place, change can be a catalyst for empowerment enabling one to move forward and reclaim their lives. The power of the resiliency of the human spirit and its ability to adapt to change is often echoed through the many survivor stories that have been published in the OBIA Review.

I want to give a special thank you to the survivors who are willing to share their very personal journeys with us and for the privilege that we have in celebrating their heartaches but also their many milestones and successes.

I also want to mention that change not only happens to individuals but organizations as well. At OBIA, we are in the midst of experiencing a change. After 24 years of dedicated service Dianne Radunsky, who worked in support services, has retired from her position.

In many ways Dianne was a pioneer in developing our support services department. Dianne has been able to advocate on the behalf of hundreds of survivors and family members whose lives have been touched by brain injury.

Dianne always came from a place of compassion, justice and fierce dedication to getting the best services that were available for the clients she served.

On behalf of the board of directors,staff and volunteers. I want to give our heartfelt thanks to Dianne for her commitment to OBIA and all that she has accomplished in her role.

We wish her all the best in her retirement.

Share Your Story

OBIA would like to hear from you! Send your stories to: stories@obia.on.ca

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