A Survivor’s Journey to Recovery On May 16th, 2023, Paige Havell, a vibrant 25-year-old (now), experienced a life-altering event as the victim of a violent crime. Now paralyzed from the chest down, Paige is navigating the immense challenges of her new reality. Despite the absence of a conviction for her attacker, Paige remains focused on her recovery and on adjusting to her new life at Henley Place, a long-term care (LTC) facility in North London. “I met this guy online, and it turns out he was prone to violence. He shot me in the back twice when I asked him to leave, and he also shot and killed my dog,” Paige shares. This horrific incident has drastically changed her life. “I can no longer do the simple things like walk, shower myself, change my clothes, or go to the bathroom. I am also just not able to be comfortable.” Henley Place, where Paige now resides, is a 190-bed facility with only about three residents under the age of 80. The significant age gap presents unique social challenges for her. “There’s a really big age gap. It is a struggle, but those I talk with here are very friendly,” Paige says, highlighting her isolation from her peers. Paige’s current situation is dire. She is using a rental wheelchair that does not meet her needs, making daily life even more difficult. Paige’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for essential tools and equipment that would significantly improve her quality of life. These include a $26,000 motorized wheelchair suited to her needs, for which she needs to contribute $6,000, a lateral rotation bed to prevent bedsores, a commode, and a lift to help her get in and out of bed. “We need your help so that Paige can regain some quality of life,” implores Bob Wiens, Paige’s grandfather. The costs associated with her care and needs are substantial, and the family is struggling to meet them. Paige has also expressed a desire to move into an accessible apartment that is affordable, as her current LTC facility is far from her home in St. Thomas. As a victim of violent crime, Paige received a one-time payment of $1,000 and an offer of counselling from the government. However, this assistance falls short of what she needs to adapt to her new life. Without a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, trips back to St. Thomas cost $170.00 each time, adding to the financial burden. A fundraiser roast beef supper was held on June 7th at the Salvation Army, but more is needed. “I just want to make it more comfortable to live, to make my space more accessible,”
Paige explains. Despite her circumstances, she aspires to get her GED and eventually, to go to college, showing her determination to build a fulfilling future. Bob recalls the harrowing night when Paige was shot. “The doctors said she had died three times when she was in the operating room. But she lived through it. So, there’s a reason she’s here.” To help Paige regain some quality of life, please consider contributing to her GoFundMe campaign (Paige’s Healing Journey). Every donation brings her closer to obtaining the equipment and support she needs to live more comfortably and independently.
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Hometown St. Thomas • July-August 2024 • Page 3
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