Meet the 2022 Courage To Come Back Award Recipients

On Saturday, May 14th, Coast Mental Health celebrated the Courage To Come Back Awards, presented by Wheaton Precious Metals, in an hour-long commercial-free TV Show, hosted by former award recipient and mental health advocate Corey Hirsch and CityNews Vancouver reporter, Crystal Laderas. 

For 24 years, the Coast Mental Health Foundation has hosted the Awards to recognize British Columbians who have overcome illness, adversity or addiction and have come back and give back to their communities. 

The show has so far raised over $1.2 million, which will go directly to crucial programming to support people living with mental illness in the Lower Mainland.

Thanks to Lorne Segal and The Joseph Segal Family Foundation, Terry Hui and Concord Pacific, for offering to match donations up to $200,000.

Lorne Segal, O.B.C, Chair of The Courage To Come Back Awards and President of Kingswood Properties, comments: “I am thrilled to have shared these five stories of courage and resilience on TV this year. Their stories of resilience and courage are so inspiring.  The Award show is Coast Mental Health Foundation’s key annual fundraiser, and I am very grateful to all those who donated. Your generosity is providing critical support for people living with mental illness. Thank you.”

The five Courage To Come Back Award recipients are:

Bernadine Fox – Mental Health Category

Bernadine Fox endured sexual and physical abuse as a child, and later at the hands of her therapist and abuser. Despite the lifelong trauma, PTSD, Chronic Fatigue and Osteoarthritis, she selflessly chooses to share her story and use her voice to shed light on the issues of mental health and abuse of power.

Watch Bernadine’s story and acceptance speech.  

Kristen McBride – Physical Rehabilitation Category

When a horrific car accident left her paralyzed from the chest down, Kristen McBride refused to let that stop her. She started her own business, and became a provincial-level para-athlete, mother and wife. She selflessly volunteers and fundraises for multiple charities, and has become a champion for people living with a spinal cord injury.

Watch Kristen’s story and acceptance speech.  

Casey Wright – Youth Category

Diagnosed with a brain tumour at six months old, Casey Wright has endured a long and arduous journey of surgery, medication, hospital stays and rehabilitation that continues today. Throughout, his optimism has shone through. He is a true champion for children battling illness, and puts his energy into raising awareness and funds for families.

Watch Casey’s story and his acceptance speech.

Chloë Angus – Medical Category

Chloë Angus suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI), leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. Unwilling to take the drugs needed to manage her symptoms, she developed her own alternative regime. Now, she runs her own ethical fashion business and has helped develop a pioneering exoskeleton that allows her to walk. She has become a tireless advocate for people living with SCI. .

Watch Chloë’s story and her acceptance speech.

Dr. Barney Williams – Addiction Category

A residential school survivor and person recovering from alcoholism, Dr. Williams has made it his life’s mission to help others overcome alcoholism and addiction. He is a leading expert in survivors’ trauma, and served as a committee member for the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. Today, aged 82, he continues to advise government officials and selflessly shares his story.

Watch Dr. Williams’ story and his acceptance speech.

To learn more about the Awards and to watch the TV show, visit couragetocomeback.ca.