I have Epilepsy and Brain Injury both caused by medical neglegence of the Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga staff of 1993! I had a car accident (suffered head trauma)caused by over medication, wrong medication, seizure causing medication!
My life has been turned upside down inside out to say the least by the neglegence of the Canadian medical system! No system in this country wants to take responsibility so I am left holding the bag! No accountability for medical errors caused by incompetent medical staff (credit valley hospital) will only ensure more horror stories like mine
are to come! I have lost all faith in the medical (legal)system in this country! I pray to God each day that I never need to count on any of the systems that have failed me and set me up for where I am today!
Also I wonder just how many people are on disability who are the product of medical errors????????

I am an A B I survivor about to go on a world wide campaign to bring awareness to the PLIGHT of the head and brain-injured.

I would like other survivors to read my website and get in touch with me for discussion.
I am the President of NEW BEGINNINGS FOUNDATION, which is located in Parksville, Vancouver island.

Happy Christmas.
Jessica
Author/Activist/ABI survivor
www.jessicaetaylor.org

I went to Norte Dame University in Nelson,BC in the late 1960's when Dave was on the National Ski Team with Nancy Green. He won't remember me as he was younger than I.

I can relate to his brain injury as I too suffered from a brain injury 5 years ago after being in a coma for 6 weeks. I didn't ski while at university as my mother threaten me that it was to dangerous to ski and if I did she would cut me off my funding for university. I did learn to ski in Kimberley and skied through out the 1990's. I am surprised that Dave remembered how to ski after his coma as that is one thing that I forgot how to do. Once I get on the ski hill I just can't manage the the turns and I guess if I want to ski I'll just have to relearn and take lessons once again.

It was nice to see your program on the fifth estate about Dave and what has happened to him since university and wish him well in his recovery. With myself my memory is pretty good, including my short memory.

my husband & I just finished watching the show about Dave Irwin. I had a closed head injury during the ice storm in '98. I was returning to work in Perth and had a single motor vehicle accident. At first all seemed well until after my hospital discharge. I was released several hours later and was reproted to be fine.

It affected my mind and body to the point that my children and husband became depressed, not knowing how to deal with the situation and without my full time work we eventually lost our 'retirement home'.

My husband and our girls are a wonderful support but insurance has become a nightmare. My devotion to my nursing career has been destroyed and the fact that I loved to help people seems to have been portayed as a negative thing during all the analyzing the insurance company puts one thru.

I too am so lucky to have a husband that loves me for who I was and our new life together. He kids me and tells me it is a good thing I am 'good lookin', but his sincere coice tells me he is here for the long haul.

We commend Dave and his partner for there strength and devotion to each other. Too look at me and to chat with me - no one would know of the problems we go thru. It is the everyday, day in and day out routines and the times forgotten that become so frustrating. It is so hard to explain to others the problem - when they do not see you wrapped in bandages or a cast.

Thank you for putting such a relative story on your show. Too look at Dave and listen to hm talk - one would think he was like everyone else. That is the problem I face daily. Thank you for accepting my story! Kerry Dew

I watched the program Sunday night and was very impressed by the content of the story. I have watched several programs about head injuries and this was the first interview that actually conveyed the realistic side of the story.

I am a 21 year survivor of a serious head injury that I sustained in a motorbike versus truck accident. I really appreciated the openness to the question, where do you see yourself in the future, and another about seeing something that is not in the present, and the answer was I can't. For the first time someone other than myself put that thought out and it is such a direct answer I wanted to say thank you. The remark on rehabilitation was so very well described also. The story about focusing on more than one conversation and keeping each separate conversation in your memory was described perfectly.

In closing I wanted to say thank you to the Fith estate for airing this story andthanve you to Dave Irwin for telling this story with such truth and including all the subsequent looses such as family and not just focus on the loss of memories.

The story of Dave and Lynne as shown on "The Fifth Estate" is a most compelling "must see". It is inspiring, thought provoking and emotional. Not only is it informative and demonstrates the miracle that true love can perform in helping a person with severe brain injury back on the road to recovery, and learning to live a new life happily in the present with family and loved ones for support, and giving one hope for the future. Dave could not have made this wonderful progress alone. He needs the love and encouragement that Lynne gives him. There is no doubt in my mind that Lynne's devotion to helping her companion and partner is why Dave is where he is to-day. Cheers and good luck.

I'm grateful for this story and exposure of the problems we experience. Despite the fact that the brain is the most vital organ in the body, head injury goes largely unrecognized and undiagnosed by the medical community and society at large, because it is an invisible disability...However, plasticity of the brain allows recovery over time of many functions with the help of alternative therapies such as cranial alignment, physio and chiropractic techniques and re-oriention methods such as nlp, timeline hypnosis and visualization, meditation etc...anything which relaxes and restores previous patterns.

A real solution would be a diagnostic Head Injury Centre with co-ordinated health and counselling resources to assist individuals in each Province. It would end the runaround circus and speed up recovery and reintagration of the head injured in the community, saving tax dollars in the process.

dave irwin and others like him,myself included,will always find the journey back from this injury a very lonesome trip ,no matter who is around to help. the story will always be what was,what could of been, and what is right now..most of us injured this way are thankful for what is right now....thanks for remembering us....mel

Fifth Estate
CBC,
Toronto, ON, Canada
www.cbc.ca/fifthestate

Dear Sir:
Re: Sport Brain injuries.
You have a great show where I can't guess the rest of the script before the first commercial like most other shows. Please relay to sports people, owners and ads payers that I pay good money and time to watch professional sport. I don't like it delayed and ruined by unnecessary injuries. If I want to see mayhem, I can watch the traffic and crime shows.

Having survived WW II, I dislike hand fighting since it escalates to knives and guns with out police. Original Olympic, University and Senior hockey Rules made for better hockey.

The brain is complex and it might help to use one of the current laymen models, i.e. a very super complex computer or the evolutionary reptile to super mammal mind.

We all need to appreciate our physical gifts but not at the expense of damaging/losing our personal 'computer'. Who would risking damaging their current 2008 vintage PC and try to run their business using a 1980 C64. Or who would risk damaging the best human minds in the home and let the turtle/fish? Run the show at home and office.
Keep up the great show and topics.

Till next time,
Sam Willowby, Ing, B.Sc, MsCr, PhD(ss)
Human and Nature Show Fan,

An amazing story about Dave Irwin. We have been married 24 years. In 2002, my husband (Ken) a lumber grader by trade and a gold panner (a hobby) was struck in the head by a 5000 lb boulder. He too was in a coma, a miracle he lived, many plates in face. The surgeon said it was the worst facial injury he had seen in his entire career. Ken has lost most of his sight-(legally blind), his taste and smell, has emotional panic attacks, due to his frustrations.

Remarkably his memory is intact and his brain is sharp. He still loves to gold pan and even competed at the World Goldpanning Championships in Dawson City Yukon this past summer.

I admire Lynn as well as I know how hard this is and I truly love Ken. I find it harder to not let his emotions effect me however, and I feel hurt. He can be emotionally distant, and sleeps a lot, but we carry on - that is life.Pam

just so happend to see this show for the 1st time. happens to be valentines day and a great love story it "twas". thanks for the 'reminder' and here's to all women and the men who hate the day.lol

Being a brain injured person myself, I can attest to how extremly important it is to have unconditional support in order to suceed in learning how to live a fairly normal life. My husband has always been supportive and available to assist me when ever I need his help. My husband never knew me before my brain injury, but accepted me as I was. Certainly there are times when he does get frustrated (and for that I do not fault him).

I know from situations at work, that when I am feel I have to hide my disability, I am much more likely not to suceed at a task, because I am more focused on the problem of not being able to be upfront about my sitution.

Thank you for the story on Dave Irwin-it gives me hope and helps me understand what I have lived and lost- love and support are the most important factors - having lost my marriage and my life as I knew it
I admire this amazing couple and am happy Dave is progressing with the love of his spouse and family,

At 4:30 am today, I tuned into Fifth Estate and watched the already-in-progress story re. Dave Irwin. It caught my attention because in 1991, my husband of 31 yrs. fell 36 ft. & sustained a traumatic brain injury that changed our lives forever.

I applaud Lynne Harrison for her outstanding example of love & devotion, and her willingness to learn & experience what it truly means to "live in the present moment", especially considering how new their relationship was at the time.

A psychologist in Ottawa provided me with the insight I needed by explaining that when a person experiences a TBI, the changes that result are dramatic and it is as though they were catapulted to the other side of a river. Those who love him/her need to let go of the person they knew on one side of the river, let go of "what was" -- and be willing to cross over the bridge to the other side of the river in order to receive the person who "now is". These words kept me moving forward & together with my husband through all the challenges in recovery.

There is life after brain injury, but it is "new life" and it seems that Lynne discovered that early on and provided that for Dave. I wish them all the new-found joy in life that they so very much deserve -- they are a remarkable couple, and I know their story will provide hope & encouragement to many others.

While I was watching the show last night it was uncanny as my husband has an aquired brain injury as well and he happened to be "going through one of his episodes" at the time.

We were married six weeks when he was assaulted, in a coma and now seven years later we are still together. We have been together twelve so I guess this is where we are lucky as we had some great pre brain injury time. My husband can walk talk and chew gum all at the same time. His injury has changed him to the point they figure his "behaviour" issues are from seizures but seeing as the brain is one mysterious organ they really dont know.

As I was listening to Lynn they are the same words I have spoken about why I have stayed married and in love.
I am always in awe at why anyone even asks that question
and the never ending "how do you do it " I guess just like Lynn you either do it or you don't .

No amount of medication , therapy will do as much good as the love and support and devotion of a spouse !
Cheers Samantha

I seen your story on dave irwin. it shows that with someone who has the will with someone like lynn striving to bring the best back in dave that their is no mountain he can't climb, and no slope he he can't master. Be well dave.

The courage, love and support provided by Lynne is Remarkable.

My brother suffered a severe fall some years ago and had a silver plate in the back of his head. One of the things that helped him in his recovery was the use Holosync technology provided by The Centerpointe Research Institute.

Holosync is a sophisticated form of neuro-audio technology allowing the listener to easily enter various desirable states, and creating many desirable mental, emotional, and spiritual changes, through entrainment of electrical patterns in the brain. This creates a synchronization, or balance, between brain hemispheres, enhancing mental/emotional health and mental functioning. In the process, new neural connections are created between the right and left brain hemispheres, leading to what is known as "whole brain functioning."

Holosync is based on research done at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, the Meninger Clinic, and a number of other research facilities, and is currently used by hundreds of thousands of people in over 172 countries.

They can be reached at:

Centerpointe Research Institute
1700 NW 167th Place
Suite 220
Beaverton, OR 97006 USA

Phone: 503.672.7117
FAX: 503.643.3114
Email: support@centerpointe.com

I hope this information can be of use to Dave and Lynne.

Regards,

John Smythe

Your program on Dave Irwin was very well done. It profiled his skiing and it showed well how Dave beat the odds on his recovery from his terrible accident in 2001. It brings hope to families and friends who have to cope with someone struggling with a brain injury.

Dave and Lynne are a remarkable couple. After getting to know them over the last few years, there is a lot I have learned from Dave who almost literally lives in the moment and from Lynne who has endless patience for him.

When I was skiing with Dave at Sunshine yesterday, many people recognized him from your program and they took the time to speak with him. It made for a fun day.

Thank you for reminding Canadians about one of the greatest skiers we have had and for introducing the woman who has been at his side working with him on his recovery.

As I read through the others stories I am at a loss for words. I was in a motor vehicle accident 25 years ago and my wife was five months pregnant with our first child. The medical people were more negative than positive about my recovery from my severe head injury. Are there scars?, God yes! huge At first I was shocked that nine of ten marriages failed but afterwards it made sense. Head injuries are a hideous ride for all that are close to the injuried. Dave I. and his partner Lynne should be praised for their strength to talk openly about their life changing event. Keep up the good work 5th E.

We have had a family member suffer a severe brain injury and I have been very active in starting a support group which has become a viable society with a fulltime staff or 3 and a great many programs for the brain injured community.

We spent 6 months in what is considered the best brain injury program in North America. with the knowledge gained ( I have a medical background) the the difficulty our family had in dealing with the most traumatic event in our history a support group seemed the answer.

I feel I could write the book on brain injury on the sequel and want to thank Fifth Estate for telling it like it in the story of Dave Irwin and consquences of what happens. You never get the same person back you have shown the true meaning of what a brain injury does to the person and his family.

I had the occasion to meet Lynn and Dave at a conference and was extremeley impressed with them and what they have accomplished

This ia a very courageous and brave story to tell. Thank you Lynne and Dave. You fuel the fire that inspires those of who work in the field...it is estimated that there are over 100,000 brain injuries in Canada every year. Your story is remarkable.

Lynne, the fact that you are still there as a rock for Dave is beautiful. We will use your example often in our work when people come to us who just don't know what has happened, what to do or what to expect...What you said Lynne really rings true...you can't take it personally because the person who has a brain injury is not in control of the filters for judgement, emotional expression or decision making...the fact that you get that is the key to dealing with the recovery process. Thick skin, selflessness and yes, love.

Yours truly is a love story...
We have just watched the segment here in our emotional recovery group. It really got us thinking and we will now leave you so we can have our own discussion.. Melissa really likes the "Cranium Condom" and wants one of the first ones. Rahcel loves you! Bye for now.

A very compelling story of love, tragedy and survival. I have to admire Dave and Lynne for what they have been trough and what they have accomplished under difficult circumstances

Just watched your story on CBC, I can totally relate to Dave and Lynne's story, and think Lynne is awesome for staying and helping Dave.

My husband also had a ski accident and a brain injury. He too, was in a coma and woke up not remembering anything. We were at that time married for 1 1/2 years and I was 3 months pregnant with our first child. This was back in 1985 (and he was only 22). He had to re-learn all over again life skills that came so easily before the accident.

Back then, there was no one to offer guidance or provide assistance to us. So, I am glad that there are organizations and groups that are now available to the persons and their families trying to work thru a brain injury.

My husband, like Dave is still learning even after all these years. I also think that the brain keeps on developing and learning if you let it.

Everyone tells me that I am a strong person for sticking with my husband as he can be a handful at times, with all the frustrations and emotional ups and downs that he does have. I was glad to hear the Lynne is staying with Dave through all of this. We have now been married 25 years this year.

Again...just wanted to say...Stick with it Dave and Lynne...and

Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life.

Thank you CBC for this inspiring Fifth Estate story on Dave Irwin and Lynne Harrison. Those of us who have had the privilage of meeting this incredible couple know first hand the devotion, dedication and courage involved to bring Dave's recovery to a level that defies all the odds. This is indeed a love story.

This story about dave Irwin I found very compelling. It is both sad and profoundly hopeful. His finance Lynne is an amazing human being and Dave's perseverance and general good humour as portrayed in the story are very moving. It is great to see Dave is recovering but this must be a very hard road for everyone concerned. I think you can see it in Lynne's eyes.

All our lives are very fragile.

I have every admiration for Dave's partner, Lynn. I am with my husband 3 years post surgery for a brain tumour. He has certainly had a brain injury for much longer than that as the tumour grew and replaced brain space, reasonable thought and action. At first I thought it was relationship issues that we all experience from time to time. Many times, too many to count, I thought of leaving. When my enemy, the tumour, finally had a name, I stayed with him. How could I leave?

We are now trying to live with a new normal. I am not surprised that 90 percent of marriages where one partner has a brain injury do not last. My husband is certainly not someone I know now, but, I see flickers of his former personality. I can't promise I will stay. We are still feeling our way with help of therapists and the medical community.

Thank you for a sensitive and informative program. Elke