Brain injury survivor takes on cross-Canada trek

Brain injury survivor takes on cross-Canada trek

News

Aug 03, 2011

Brain injury is the greatest cause of death and disability for Canadians under the age of 45, says a brain injury survivor who is running across Canada to raise awareness about the issue.

David McGuire, who was told he might never walk again following a brain injury six years ago, started his cross-Canada trek in St. John’s April 1 and was in Hamilton on July 29 to speak with clients and staff of Brain Injury Services, which serves the Haldimand and Norfolk area.

The 38-year-old resident of New Westminster, BC, who hopes to reach Victoria by the end of November, gave an inspirational address at the agency’s Hamilton headquarters to more than 75 individuals, including staff from the Hagersville branch office. 

Wearing a helmet is the number one prevention technique, McGuire says, and youth in particular need to be educated about donning the device during high-risk activities such as skateboarding.

“We’ve got a tremendous brain injury rehabilitation outreach program based in Hagersville and David’s message of prevention was extremely well received,” said Robert Roth, Brain Injury Services communications manager.

Brain injury disables or kills more people in Canada under the age of 45 than any other disease, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. More than 170,000 Canadians incur brain injury each year. 

“It changes your life,” McGuire told the audience.  He has dubbed his fundraiser the “Run to Remember,” noting short-term memory loss as a lasting consequence of his head injury. 

McGuire is working with Brain Trust Canada, a not-for-profit organization involved in national injury prevention strategies.  Money raised will create a legacy fund to promote brain injury prevention and develop new support strategies for people living with brain injury in Canada.

“Young people are particularly prone to head injuries due to high-risk or high-impact activities such as hockey or skateboarding,” noted Roth, who is the former communications coordinator with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit.  “Sports injuries in general figure prominently among youth in Haldimand and Norfolk.”

Brain Injury Services has an office in Hagersville  delivering outreach services to individuals living with the effects of an acquired brain injury.  Haldimand and Norfolk residents can also access other agency services, including complex residential care or transitional living arrangements following a head injury.