BIST members are truly an inspiring group of people and these individuals have agreed to share their stories here.

Whether you are an indivdual living with the effects of brain injury , a fulltime caregiver, family member or friend, or someone who is just learning about ABI for the first time, these stories can give insight into the complexities of brain injury ... and the resiliency of the human spirit.

If you would like to share your story, please send an email to info@bist.ca

Deborah's Story

Deborah was skiing at Big White in Kelowna, B.C. on Christmas Day last year when she lost control and skied off the side of the mountain. This is her Q&A about her experiences and challenges as she continues to recover from her accident.

Ian's Story

G. Ian Bowles was 37 and living in Little Rock, Arkansas in 2001 when his vehicle hydroplaned during a thunderstorm. He slammed sideways into a bridge support and was in coma for six weeks. When he woke up six weeks later, he says he was first confused about where he was, then unsure if his orientation had changed. Was he still gay or had the brain injury somehow altered him? This is his story of life after brain injury and how he and his partner Tim maintained their relationship.

Sarah's Story

Sarah Briggs was a nationally-ranked skier competing at an elite level when a crash on a hill in Quebec altered the course of her life. In the second of two winter-activity themed stories by BIST members living with the affects of acquired brain injury, Sarah shares her inspirational story about her road to recovery

Shireen's Story

My name is Shireen Jeejeebhoy. And I am a survivor. That sounds a bit like an alcoholic introducing herself at an AA meeting. But my injury was wholly involuntary -- I had no say in it.

Greg Noack

Greg Noack is a brain injury survivor of an assault that took place in November, 1996. Greg has been volunteering and working with fellow survivors in some capacity since 6 months after his injury. He currently works at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute in the Neuro program as a rehabilitation therapist.

Celia's Story

Somewhere between being struck by a car and the ambulance ride to the hospital, I seem to have lost my life and who I was. The past 4 ½ years have been dedicated to putting me back together – unlike a bookcase from IKEA after its assembled, there are no extra parts – but missing pieces.

Frank's Story

After an accident at work, Frank was given less than a 2% chance of making it out of the operating room, never mind ever walking or talking again.  Through perseverance and hard work, Frank went on to break Provincial and Canadian records in the 100m, 200m, plus the long jump and shot put events.

The Journey: Tips and Tales by Steve Gregory

Take a unique view into the world of acquired brain injury as seen from the inside.