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 put into words how beneficial [BCBWP] classes are to me. The impact is profound in so many ways: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. One example I am so grateful for is how [BCBWP] classes have helped me greatly to recover from a serious operation."
Anonymous Participant
“Led by highly qualified, caring therapists, the [BCBWP] provided the opportunity for me to continue exercising regularly in a controlled, guided and safe way. I often have questions related to my specific circumstances and receive thoughtful, expert advice. This has allowed me to continue a “normal” life, allowing me to continue to teach part-time, participate on not for profit boards of directors and community organizations and enjoy travel experiences.”
Bill Mathieson
“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
“All of these benefits – the physical along with the social and psychological - are real and profound. They give me confidence and help me feel motivated and inspired despite the difficulties that Parkinson’s has brought into my life. As I said earlier, it’s hard to overstate the impact these classes have made. I can only say: they make me feel happy, they make me feel alive. I don't know where I'd be without them.”
Nancy Roberts
“I find the [instructors] and the participants to be wonderful and I learned a lot from everyone! I feel that I am in a virtual, vibrant, young at heart, body and spirit community! Everyone has a common goal - to keep our mind and bodies engaged, keep learning new things and finding ways to move forward. I truly appreciate the program.”
Laura Stoicescu
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
Impact Stories
“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
Finding strength and connection through the BC Brain Wellness Program
When Gail Dodek Wenner first stumbled upon the BC Brain Wellness Program (BCBWP) while searching for research opportunities for her husband Richard, she had no idea it would become a lifeline for them both.
Since Richard’s stroke in 2021, Gail has been his primary caregiver and it has been a tough journey for both of them. While browsing the BCBWP website, she discovered that the program not only offered classes for people living with brain conditions but also vital resources for caregivers.
Read their full story here!
New friends, new adventures: Margaret and Bee’s Brain Wellness Program journey
When Margaret Miller and Bee Wanstall first crossed paths, it was actually in a boxing class. It wasn’t until they both joined the BC Brain Wellness Program that their friendship truly began to take shape.
“We got to know each other more through the program,” Bee recalls. “And then I babysat her cat once. From there, we just sort of became friends and started doing things together.”
For both women, the Brain Wellness Program has been a source of joy and connection. It provides not only exercise and creative outlets but also a sense of community.
Read their full story here!