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Justin McKenna’s incredible comeback
best man at his brother’s wedding. He advised, “If you’re right shut up, if you’re wrong admit it.” On a more serious note, he says, “Don’t take your life for granted. You only have one and you have to prepare yourself for when you’re an adult. Stay positive.” His Brain Matters organization is a positive force. The gala held in Embrun last
His mother, Suzanne, who has since be- come an ABI Navigator with the Champlain Health Network, says most people do not realize the difficulties many ABI patients deal with. She knows that her family is lucky that they have the support of their family, friends, community, school and church, and sees many families who do not have the help they need. Meanwhile the changes in Justin are as- tonishing. His months in hospital included surgery for some of his physical injuries, speech therapy, physical therapy, battling pneumonia, occupational therapy, memory work, and fighting exhaustion and confu- sion. On his return home, he mostly went out in a wheelchair and had a hard time focusing and speaking, but that didn’t stop him from becoming involved in the community. Now using a walker, with a steady gaze and clear speech, he is a member of the Kin Club, ap- pears at several Brain Matters events per year, works at the Knights of Columbus’ breakfast, speaks at schools, participates in wheelchair basketball competitions, and was recently a speaker at the Brain Injury Association of Canada conference. What of his future? He is studying at St. Paul’s University in Ottawa and plans to be- come a high school chaplain. He likes the environment of both school and church, and says, “Yeah, I want the summers off!” He used to work part-time on a farm and intends to go into cash cropping, and wants to someday get married. He has an immense work ethic and con- stant sense of humour, as he showed when
CANDICE VETTER candice.vetter@eap.on.ca
RUSSELL | Most people in Russell remem- ber the terrible ATV accident six years ago in which Justin McKenna suffered his traumatic brain injury, and since then the community has watched his recovery with a kind of awe, so shaking the 24-year-old’s hand and feeling a grip of steel is a sur- prise. But it’s no surprise to people who know Justin and understand his determination and personal strength. McKenna has gone from being in a months-long coma in 2007, to lifting weights and bench pressing 340 pounds. But it hasn’t been easy, or cheap, which is one of the reasons he, his family and his friends founded Brain Matters in 2010. The organization’s purpose is to raise both funds to help with rehabilitation expenses and awareness with the public about ac- quired brain injury (ABI), which he says is an injury for life. He works out in Ottawa four days per week usually for about two hours, then lifts weights at J.R. Fitness in Embrun (which has given him a complimentary member- ship). He needs an aide with him much of the time, has hours of therapy, and needs specialized equipment —expenses which are not covered by the province. He also uses computer technology and praises the iPad, which he says is an essential tool with its large touch screen.
month raised about $18,000. There have also been the ice- fishing derby (named Brain Freeze), the Wheelchair Challenge hosted by the Russell Basketball Associa- tion at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, the Brain Mat- ters Awareness Calendar, and the constant appear- ances at local events. Why does he do all this? Why do more than most people can, all while fighting his own difficult battles? He looks directly into the interviewer’s eyes. “I wish to inspire everyone who is involved with this cause.” It’s pretty hard not to be in- spired by this strong young man. The Brain Injury Association of Canada thinks so too—they have invited him to be their keynote speaker next year.
Photo Candice Vetter
!/ŏ(10%*/ŏ !ŏ+p( Noël est une des fêtes les plus célébrées au monde. Par contre, pour plusieurs familles défavorisées, Noël est un moment où elles ressentent difficilement leur dif- férence. Depuis 22 ans, Valoris pour enfants et adultes de Prescott-Russell célèbre la magie de Noël en offrant des cadeaux aux enfants dans le besoin de la région de Prescott-Russell. La Campagne des lutins de Noël a comme objectif que tous les en- fants et les adolescents aient un cadeau sous leur sapin le matin de Noël. C’est pour- quoi Valoris fait appel à votre générosité en contribuant à la Campagne des lutins de Noël. Des sapins de Noël sont installés dans chacun des centres de services Valo- ris, ainsi que dans plusieurs commerces de la région. Il suffit de choisir le nom d’un enfant ou adolescent et de rapporter le cadeau sous le sapin avant le 3 décembre. Les dons d’articles neufs (chèques-cadeaux, jeux, jouets, vêtements, livres, etc.) ou les dons en argent peuvent également être déposés aux centres de services Valoris. Aussi, il y a dans certains commerces de la région des boîtes où vous pouvez déposer vos cadeaux. Pour plus de précision, veuillez communiquer avec Natalie Parisien, co- ordonnatrice de la Campagne des lutins de Noël à Valoris pour enfants et adultes de Prescott-Russell, au 1 800 675-6168, poste 4406.
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