Our Stories
“Brain Wellness has shown me that a balanced, integrated approach is what is needed to sustain proper health over the long term. [The program] has given me new vigour, a new outlook, a new chance to interact with the community, increased cognitive power—a new lease on life really; and for that, I will be eternally grateful to everyone in the program.”
Kolby Hughes
Our Participants’ Stories
“Excellent caliber classes… instructors are so good making you feel part of a class… you get feedback and you feel like you are a part of something… the reason I’m not in a wheelchair is because I’m doing these classes… they have had a major impact in terms of my mobility.”
Anonymous Participant
“It is hard to describe the magnitude of the positive impact of the BC BWP. The exercises are personalized and challenging! This program has given me hope and optimism. A hallmark of this extraordinary program is the student-learners whose one-on-one engagement with participants is a highlight and bonus for the participants as well as a clear benefit to the students.”
Deborah Scott-Douglas
“The in-person classes form a bond of support and respect among the participants and the students. Everyone's compassion and encouragement for each other is one of the nicest things I have ever participated in.”
Bruce Thompson
“Receiving a diagnosis may make us feel separated from our social groups and we begin a journey of feeling alone, [the program] has really allowed me to have a lived experience of community.”
Anonymous Participant
"With the Wellness Wednesdays and Research Seminar Series, I learned about my husband's illnesses. I ended up being able to cope and understand what was happening to him...it improved my mood, energy, and coping skills."
Anonymous Participant
Our Students’ Stories
“Having the opportunity to be part of the BC Brain Wellness Program as both a student and student instructor has been the most invaluable experience I have had. This program has shown me how incredible it is to work with those who have a chronic brain injury, and inspired me to pursue this path further in my future career. The drive to improve and positivity of each participant truly motivates me to want to be the best version of myself. I am so grateful for each person I have had the opportunity to meet.”
Leah Balliet
“Participating in the program has been invaluable to my undergraduate experience and has offered me the opportunity to learn practical and tangible skills that I am able to apply to my studies and future career. The program has opened my eyes to the role exercise can have in helping individuals with neurological conditions, inspiring me to pursue a career in neurological rehabilitation.”
Eryn Vaida
“I loved the opportunity to teach, lead, and interact with so many participants across BC during my time with the BC BWP... The best part for me was getting to see people regain abilities they thought they had lost and push themselves to try and attain new goals. Being a part of this program profoundly changed the career I saw for myself- I now want to focus on neurological conditions and see myself continuing to contribute to this community.”
Nicole Zilberman
“We constantly learn about various health conditions in class, but the BC Brain Wellness Program brought into perspective the human aspect of a lived experience. The genuine connections I made with participants solidified my decision to pursue a career in physiotherapy!”
Janice Chan