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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . These are the stories of The Courage To Come Back Awards. Each year six people are honoured for their courage to overcome and recover from illness, injury or adversity. |
About Courage To Come Back:The Courage To Come Back Awards celebrate people who have inspired others as they have courageously battled back from illness, adversity or injury. Through Courage, British Columbians are acknowledged for their accomplishments, positive attitudes and willingness to give back to their communities. Awards are given in six categories including: mental health, physical rehabilitation, medical, addiction, social adversity and youth. RECIPIENT STORIESRecipient in the medical category
Lori Slater says, “I don’t consider myself disabled because there are so many things I am able to do. I don’t dwell on the ‘cannots’, I concentrate on the ‘cans’. Life is good.” Remarkable words from a remarkable woman. Born with spina bifida, Lori required surgery at just 10 days old. With the exception of a lump on her back and some numbness and weakness, she was much like other children her age. She certainly didn’t consider herself “disabled.” As an adult, however, Lori discovered the lump on her back had grown and, just prior to the birth of her second child, she underwent the first of many surgeries to remove scar tissue that had formed around her spinal cord. In her late 30s, the debilitating numbness and weakness in her legs returned, and Lori once again faced surgery. Even though the operation wasn’t wholly successful, the doctors recommended no further operations and Lori and her family tried to accept the realities of their new life. Within five years, her condition had worsened, and another surgery was undertaken in a hospital hundreds of miles away from her husband and children. The distance and the pain began to take their toll and Lori started into a downward spiral as she struggled to come to terms with her increasing disability. This operation was unsuccessful and she was put on medication to dull the pain in her legs. The medication made her dizzy and she began to repeatedly fall, sometimes very seriously. She remembers this time as a blur of doctor visits and trips to In And make a difference she does: Lori holds down eight volunteer positions in Lori says, “Receiving a Courage To Come Back Award is an honour and I feel very humbled to be chosen. I hope that my story can inspire others to never give up on their dreams.” Congratulations, Lori. Coast is proud to have you as our 2009 Courage To Come Back recipient in the Medical category. Lori Slater named as recipient in CTCB Medical category Lori will receive her Courage To Come Back Award at the 11th Annual Gala Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in The Coast Mental Health Foundation honours the winners of this year's "Courage To Come Back" awards at a dinner in downtown Vancouver. News1130's Treena Wood profiles Lori Slater, receiving the award in the "medical" category, who turned a life with spina bifida into a mission to help others. Recipient in the physical rehabilitation category
Vivian Garcia is a familiar figure at boardroom tables in the Lower Mainland. As a volunteer with the New Westminster Special Services and Access Committee; TransLink’s, Accessible Transit Committee and their “Access Transit” User Advisory Committee; the BC Rehab Foundation; and the BC Paraplegic Association Peer Program, Vivian has worked to facilitate accessibility for all in her community, sharing her time and knowledge to ensure that citizens with a disability are welcomed everywhere. Her commitment doesn’t end there: she has volunteered at her housing co-op, her children’s school, a local theatre and PAWS International Resource Centre. Vivian exemplifies two cornerstones of the Courage To Come Back Awards: “inspirational value” and “contribution to the community/society.” On a hot sunny day in 1988, Vivian was carrying her young baby in the forest surrounding the house she and her husband Peter shared, when a large tree fell on her back. It severed her spinal cord, paralyzing her from mid-chest down – at 22, the she was in a wheelchair, with continuous nerve damage pain that Vivian likens to, “being splattered with burning oil 24 hours a day.” That nerve pain has never left her, yet Vivian has never let it stop her from reaching out to others. Caring for their child at home and Vivian in hospital, Peter struggled to keep his business afloat. Soon their vehicles were repossessed and they were turned out of their home. The couple’s belongings were put in the yard for strangers to pick over. Understandably, the marriage began to fall apart, and Vivian left the rehabilitation hospital much sooner than she should have to look after the baby and try to salvage their life. Wheeling a manual wheelchair and being a wife and mother was a challenge. The difficulties were many, as integration was just beginning to take hold in the Lower Mainland – there were few curb cuts, and there were shops and restaurants Vivian simply couldn’t enter. She persevered, however, and by 1995 she and Peter had a second child. Unfortunately, she was soon for the most part a single parent with two young sons to house, feed, dress, get to school and sports lessons. Still, she volunteered her first-hand knowledge to organizations who could positively impact the lives of her family, friends and neighbours. As one dear friend says, “Vivian’s paralysis may have sat her down, but it certainly hasn’t slowed her down.” Perhaps Vivian’s greatest contribution is an unofficial one: her open heart and home. Many neighbourhood children and teens have spent hours there, receiving support and caring, a place to sleep, help with homework, a meal, advice, the chance to vent and play, or simply getting away from the world. It is a haven for those who are misplaced, displaced and trying to escape the pressures of their lives. It is living testimony to Vivian’s caring and positive outlook on life. Vivian says, “I am honoured to be recognized by Coast for a Courage To Come Back Award. To all people who support and embrace the goals of others, I say thank you. A dreamer, supported, can do great things!” Congratulations, Vivian. Coast is proud to have you as our 2009 Courage To Come Back recipient in the Physical Rehabilitation category. Vivian Garcia named as recipient in CTCB Physical Rehabilitation category Vivian will receive her Courage To Come Back Award at the 11th Annual Gala Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Photo credit: Ric Ernst, The Province Recipient in the addiction category
Growing up in an affluent Vancouver household in the 1950s, Helen Burnham dreamed of getting married and having a large family. Her home life was comfortable but strict: no smoking, dancing, playing cards, or drinking. As was typical in those years, appearances were uppermost and feelings weren’t discussed. It was a childhood that couldn’t have prepared Helen for what life would bring. Helen married young and they started their family: seven children in 14 years. The marriage deteriorated as her husband became emotionally and physically abusive. Helen tried to keep up appearances but the violence in her home increased, and as a way of coping, she turned to alcohol. She took her first drink in her thirties, but soon made up for lost time as the alcohol seemed to make her life tolerable. Eventually, she began to fear for her life and the lives of her children and after 20 years in a violent marriage she ended it. Alone with seven children to raise, Helen found the feelings of failure almost unbearable and her drinking increased. The loss of their home to an arsonist’s fire merely added to her addiction. It wasn’t until Helen’s son Danny was killed in April 1986 in an accident directly related to alcohol and drugs that she sought help for herself and her family. She found a counselor who put her in touch with a recovering alcoholic who took her to a recovery meeting. Like many women, the thought of admitting she was an alcoholic was very shameful for Helen, and she resisted treatment. Eventually she realized it was the only way to save her family, and took her last drink in January of 1987. Even in recovery, though, tragedy happens and in the summer of 2002 Helen lost a second son, David, from mental illness and addiction. Helen was devastated, but this time she did not drown her grief in alcohol. Since the beginning of her recovery, Helen’s mission in life has been to do whatever she can to help other women find freedom from their addictions. She did what very few upper middle-class women would dream of doing: she was open about her illness. Looking for a way to give back and make the greatest possible contribution, in 1990 she and a friend founded the Avalon Women’s Centre. The centre offers a variety of 12-Step programs and resources for women across all social strata who are struggling with addiction issues, and provides a safe, welcoming environment that supports them through their recovery. It is a community of hope that has helped thousands of women in the Lower Mainland achieve and maintain sobriety. Helen says, “Alcoholism is a disease with a lot of shame attached to it, particularly for women. My hope is that by accepting this Courage To Come Back Award, more women will have ‘the courage to come back’ themselves.” Congratulations, Helen. Coast is proud to have you as our 2009 Courage To Come Back recipient in the Addiction category. Helen Burnham named as recipient in CTCB Addiction category Helen will receive her Courage To Come Back Award at the 11th Annual Gala Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver on Thursday, April 30th. For tickets, call 604-675-2328 or purchase online at www.coastmentalhealth.com. One of this year's winners of the Coast Mental Health Foundation "Courage To Come Back" awards turned her battle with addiction into a support system for other women. News1130's Treena Wood profiles Helen Burnham, one of the founders of the Avalon Recovery Society. Photo credit: Nick Procaylo, The Province Recipient in the youth category
Jessica Brimacombe is an honours student. She has a large circle of friends, is an active volunteer in a number of causes in her community, plans to open an art therapy counselling practice to help children, weight trains three times a week, and takes part in Sun Runs. She is a teenaged girl with a zest for life, a kind heart, loving and supportive parents, and big plans for the future. Not exactly someone you’d picture as having undergone 30 operations since birth, with more to come. This remarkable young lady is Coast Mental Health’s 2009 Courage To Come Back Award recipient in the Youth category. Jessica was born with Crouzon Syndrome, a genetic disorder of bones in the mid-face and skull. Her first surgery took place when she was only 7 weeks old, and in her short life has had more than two dozen additional operations and recoveries involving many hours of physical rehabilitation. In addition, Jessica has scoliosis and has had two major surgeries on her spine, and has had a stroke which has left her with slight paralysis on her right side. At various times in her life she has used a wheelchair, a walker, and a cane. She has spent many hours in hospital, in bed and in rehab when she was supposed to be attending school but still maintains a more than 95% average in her classes. She has missed literally months of classroom time, yet has never asked for a reduced workload or modified lessons because she wants to graduate with the same standards as any other student. She does not spend all of her time studying, however. Jessica also volunteers an enormous number of hours per year to help others, including education projects in Africa, fundraising on her grad council, helping grade 2 students learn to read, tutoring a local grade 4 student, planning and working at talent shows. During the summers she volunteers at various kids’ camps and programs. Jessica’s attitude is what most impacts her peers, teachers, family and friends. They say she is responsible, organized, accountable; a remarkably selfless being who is the first to help others. She is gentle, attentive and kind to others while showing confidence and determination to meet her own goals. She lives her life fearlessly and refuses to be treated as a victim, looks for ways to help and get involved, and leads by example with a maturity well beyond her years. They say she is their “golden humanitarian.” Jessica says about winning a Courage To Come Back Award, “When I found out I was being nominated for this award I was excited, honored, and I tried not to let it go to my head. Then when I found out I actually won, I was in shock and speechless. It is a bit overwhelming, but a once in a lifetime experience.” Jessica Brimacombe named as recipient in CTCB Youth category Jessica will receive her Courage To Come Back Award at the 11th Annual Gala Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver on Thursday, April 30th. For tickets, call 604-675-2328 or purchase online at www.coastmentalhealth.com. A young woman who hasn't let a rare genetic disorder slow her down has won in the "youth" category of the Coast Mental Health Foundation's "Courage To Come Back" awards, which will be handed out April 30th in Vancouver. News1130's Treena Wood profiles 19-year old Jessica Brimacombe. Photo credit: Ric Ernst, The Province Recipient in the mental health category
The downtown eastside of Vancouver, Canada’s poorest neighbourhood, is home to some of the toughest streets and roughest SRO hotels in the world. One resident, Tina Tomashiro, knows it only too well – she was once one of many there lost in mental illness and addiction. Today, she brings help and hope to people on those same streets. In 2002, Tina was the victim of a violent sexual assault that severely compounded her schizophrenia and depression symptoms. Fighting such illnesses takes up much of a person’s time and strength. The symptoms can wreak havoc on interpersonal relationships – it is hard to trust, and hard to focus clearly long enough to make meaningful decisions, such as finding a place to live. Like countless others with a serious mental illness, Tina struggled for years to find an accurate diagnosis, proper medication and a home. Plagued by anxiety and paranoid thoughts, she used street drugs to mask her pain. Ironically, a suicide attempt in 2005 offered the first glimmer of hope for Tina. She connected with a physician she trusted and began working with him to find the right medications for her. She took charge of her own care and developed a self-awareness and dedication to her own stabilization that impressed the doctor. Within 6 months of being on the correct dosages, she “accidentally” quit smoking crack and also stopped using cocaine and heroine; hard to do in an environment rampant with it, and she began to undertake other impressive new challenges. Tina began volunteering as a receptionist at Pivot legal society in an attempt to “get back into life,” and was eventually accepted into a five-month internship there through a program run by the Portland Hotel Society. At the end of her internship she accepted a full-time position, ending her reliance on provincial disability assistance. It was a great fit, and the understanding work environment gave her the courage to further her education so she is now well on her way to becoming a certified paralegal. Her job performance is testimony to what DTES residents living with a mental illness can achieve: she has earned several raises and promotions, trains new people, manages a law office, and much more. Tina’s dedication does not end inside the walls of her job. As a volunteer, she spearheaded a program to create a community garden project and annual barbecue at her hotel, applying for and receiving a $500 Neighborhoods Small Grant three years in a row. She has reached out to DTES residents in an annual photography contest, handing out cameras and urging friends and neighbours to submit their pictures. She has even taken part in a documentary about the DTES, speaking with poise and honesty about her situation and her community’s needs because she understands first-hand the struggles of people living there. On any given day, Tina can be seen zipping around the downtown eastside on her rollerblades or her new electric scooter, stopping only to help someone in need – even a stranger. Without intending to, Tina has become a wonderful role model and a leader in her community. Congratulations, Tina. Coast is proud to have you as our 2009 Courage To Come Back recipient in the Mental Health category. Tina Tomashiro named as recipient in CTCB Mental Health category Tina will receive her Courage To Come Back Award at the 11th Annual Gala Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver on Thursday, April 30th. For tickets, call 604-675-2328 or purchase online at www.coastmentalhealth.com. Imaging holding down a job, maintaining relationships, and working tirelessly among the drug-addicted and homeless, while battling your own demons of mental illness. News1130's Treena Wood speaks with Tina Tomashiro, the recipient in the mental health category of the 2009 Coast Mental Health "Courage to Come Back" Awards. Tina Tomashiro | Photograph by: Nick Procaylo, The Province Recipient in the social adversity category VANCOUVER, B.C. March 23, 2009 – Coast Mental Health announced the first of six award recipients of a 2009 Courage To Come Back Award. Becki Wyer of Langley has been named as the 2009 Courage To Come Back Award recipient in the Social Adversity category. Recipients in the remaining five categories will be announced weekly leading up to the awards gala on Thursday, April 30th.
Today, Becki Wyer’s friends and colleagues describe her as “warm,” “lovely,” “articulate and professional.” They talk about a woman who makes a difference in peoples’ lives and is a living example of courage and selfless giving. A far cry from who she was just a few years ago – homeless, ill, anxiety-ridden and living in Stanley Park. Raised in an abusive household, by the time she was 8, Becki was violently cutting her arms and legs, banging her head, and scratching herself to try to dull her inner torment. At 14, she attempted suicide and was diagnosed with depression. It wouldn’t be the last attempt, and it wouldn’t be the last diagnosis. In her 20s, after years of muscle pain and joint stiffness, she was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, a severe and intermittent disability that strikes without warning or mercy. In mental and physical pain, Becki stopped showering, eating, and taking care of herself. She was always tired, easily stressed and sleepless. Isolating herself from her friends and community, she stopped working. She was barely functioning. In desperation, Rebekah left her home and family, and for several months lived in shelters and on the streets of Toronto before making her way to Vancouver. Long months homeless turned into years, as Becki dumpster dove and picked bottles to buy food, slept on picnic tables and under a tarp in the woods. But even then, at her lowest ebb, her desire to help others was beginning to shine, and she volunteered at a soup kitchen on Vancouver’s downtown eastside. In Vancouver she was offered help and housing, but was not yet ready to trust again. The cycle of mental illness and homelessness continued. One night, disoriented and restless, Becki made her way to a park in Aldergrove. She doesn’t remember much about this time, but does remember the kindness of a local RCMP officer who gave her coffee cookies and locked up her bike for her when Becki was taken to the psychiatric ward at a local hospital. Stable, warm and fed, she was finally able to accept the help she so desperately needed. Step by step, she gained strength and purpose, found a home, qualified for disability funding, and re-built her life. Soon she had the need again to reach out and help other homeless – unwanted cats, her past giving her unique insight into their fear and mistrust. Then she began reaching out to her human counterparts, too. Now, Becki contributes to a number of organizations that help the disenfranchised in Langley and area: the Homelessness Steering Committee, the Memorial Hospital Psychiatric Outpatient Program SAFE Group, the Stepping Stones Society, the Fraser Health Mental Health Regional Consumer Advisory Committee and its Langley counterpart; the list goes on. In the eyes of her admirers, what is most outstanding about Becki is her gentle willingness to share her story so that others may be helped. In Becki’s words, “I hope that my story will inspire others and show that there is hope for recovery.” Congratulations, Becki. Coast is proud to have you as our 2009 Courage To Come Back recipient in the Social Adversity category. Rebekah Wyer named as recipient in CTCB Social Adversity category Becki will receive her Courage To Come Back Award at the 11th Annual Gala Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver on Thursday, April 30th. For tickets, call 604-675-2328 or purchase online at www.coastmentalhealth.com. No child should grow up the way Becki Wyer did, and many who do never get over it. Becki not only survived, she became an inspiration to others, and is the recipient in the "social adversity" category for the 2009 Coast Mental Health "Courage to Come Back" awards. News1130's Treena Wood has her story. |
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VANCOUVER
VANCOUVER, B.C. April 13, 2009 – Coast Mental Health announced the fourth of six award recipients of a 2009 Courage To Come Back Award. Helen Burnham of Vancouver has been named as the 2009 Courage To Come Back Award recipient in the Addiction category. The remaining recipients will be announced over the next two Mondays, leading up to the awards gala on Thursday, April 30th.
VANCOUVER, B.C. April 6, 2009 – Coast Mental Health announced the third of six award recipients of a 2009 Courage To Come Back Award. Jessica Brimacombe of Langley has been named as the 2009 Courage To Come Back Award recipient in the Youth category. Recipients in the remaining three categories will be announced weekly leading up to the awards gala on Thursday, April 30th.
VANCOUVER, B.C. March 30, 2009 – Coast Mental Health announced the second of six award recipients of a 2009 Courage To Come Back Award. Tina Tomashiro of Vancouver has been named as the 2009 Courage To Come Back Award recipient in the Mental Health category. Recipients in the remaining four categories will be announced weekly leading up to the awards gala on Thursday, April 30th.