[Alan here. I received a post updating my undergrad pal Trevor's progress from Debbie and him this evening and figured I would post it as a whole new entry rather than adding to the string of the now 439 comments, best wishes, photos and fond memories from family and friends in response to the post I wrote when I heard the terrible news. So here you go...]
Hi everyone,
An update on Trevor’s progress is long overdue with much to write about.
On July 23rd, 2007, after over a year in Vancouver General Hospital, we joyfully left BC for the hope of rehabilitation at the Halvar Johnson Centre for Brain Injury in Ponoka, Alberta. We were advised by the doctors at VGH to put Trevor in a long-term care facility and “let him get on with his life”. I didn’t have to wonder too long what life would be like in a public long term care facility. I wasn’t about to let that happen. We flew out of BC via military flight early on a rainy “wet” coast morning. We were met at the airport by an honor guard from Trevor’s unit in Vancouver, the Seaforth Highlanders. Not surprisingly, this is Trevor’s first memory after the injury. He doesn’t remember any of his time at VGH, which is a blessing in spite of some of the wonderful people we came to know during our time there. I have many pictures and have filled him in on various events and people at that time. I also kept a daily journal for him to read which he has been going through of late. He is endeared by so many of the stories of the true spirit of friendship and generosity. Thank you to everyone who visited Trevor, sent cards, gifts and even prayers for him. He tells me he plans to respond to every one “in the fullness of time”.
When we arrived at the Rehab Centre in Alberta, we were told there was very little chance of recovery and that he would be offered medication trials only and wouldn’t participate in rehab. Fortunately, I had become very good at selective listening by this stage. I had read many stories of people overcoming the odds and I knew Trevor was capable of being one of those stories especially since modern research has found the brain to be “plastic” and able to reprogram itself if given proper cues. In my head I would think, “we’ll see”. Knowing Trevor’s spirit, I felt that he would respond and step up to the challenge rather than languish in this huge body for the rest of his life. I knew he would rather die than live in a wheelchair in a long-term care facility. If this was to happen, someone had to give him a chance to succeed. Thankfully, the Centennial Centre gave him that chance. He proved me right. He did succeed and surprised everyone. When we were admitted to the Centre, he had little to no purposeful movement. He is now able to do bench presses, leg presses and more functional activities like eating, shaving and brushing his teeth. His technique isn’t perfect and he requires a little help with each task but he gets better with each month that passes. When we entered the Centre he barely had a voice. He is now able to speak clearly and articulately and almost at his original level. On September 12, 2008 after 14 months in rehabilitation, we left the Centennial Centre and all our friends in Ponoka for our new home in Nanaimo, BC.
Rehab is far from over for Trevor. His goal is to walk. We’ve been told it’s not realistic by some but this just drives us even harder. We’ve encountered many obstacles over the past 2 ½ years and tackled them head on. Walking isn’t going to happen overnight but we believe it will happen in the fullness of time. In the meantime, we work with our new expert team, have fun and enjoy the journey. Rehabilitation is Trevor’s job. His hard work is paying off. He works out over 2 hours a day and is seeing progress and results weekly. He’s a proud man and isn’t content to have people helping him but he has accepted it as a means to an end. He is scheduled to get a universal gym in the new future for his workouts.
There are many people to thank throughout this journey. I’ll do my best although words cannot express how much these people have done for us in their own way. For those whose paths we haven’t crossed, you no doubt need to be thanked for keeping Trevor, Grace and I in your thoughts and prayers, thank you.
The first group to give a special thanks to is PPCLI ‘A’ Company (ROTO 0, Op Archer), specifically platoon commander Kevin Schamuhn, and section commander Sergeant Rob Dolson, for their quick thinking and rapid response reflexes that prevented the young fellow from taking what would have been a final death blow at Trevor. Your courage and expert training saved Trevor’s life. We are forever grateful for your actions on the afternoon of March 4, 2006. A large debt of gratitude is extended to Shawn Marshall, medic with A Company that day for your proficiency in stopping the bleeding and saving Trevor’s life with the skills your were bestowed. The entire group should be applauded for comforting Trevor and encouraging his soul to stay with us while awaiting the Blackhawk’s arrival for transport to Kandahar hospital.
Special thanks to Sergeant Gary Adams, medic onboard the US Blackhawk helicopter. Gary was instrumental in unblocking Trevor’s airway amongst other procedures on the flight to Kandahar Hospital. Gary flew to Vancouver from overseas on his time off to visit us. He was met with a night out with the rugby gang. I’m told he did survive the night. I did get to thank Gary personally that night but there are never enough thank you’s for helping to save a life!
I haven’t had a chance personally to meet Dr. Homer Tien, trauma surgeon at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital, who stabilized Trevor in Kandahar Hospital for the flight to Landshtuhl, Germany. Thank you to Dr.Tien and his staff at the Kandahar Hospital.
An expert team of doctors met Trevor at the Landshtuhl Regional Medical Centre in Germany. Dr.’s Sorini and Johnson (and team) performed life-saving surgery which allowed Trevor’s brain to swell without causing additional damage. Both doctors no doubt saw many horrific injuries from the battlefield during their time in Germany. We were blessed that they were there when Trevor arrived. These doctors gave Trevor his life back and a future for our family. Heartfelt thanks to both of these exceptional surgeons. Also a big thank you to Dr.Catherine Gray for being a liason between the doctors and family in Landshtuhl. We appreciated meeting you every night for a briefing of the days events, in layman terms. We wish you all the best on the birth of your first child and look forward to seeing you next time you’re on the island. The care Trevor received in Germany from the doctors and nursing staff was second to none. We applaud these people for looking after our injured soldiers.
Although our time at VGH was fraught with numerous ups and downs, I appreciate the efforts of the nursing staff, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and respiratory therapists in all the four+ units Trevor was in. I also appreciate the work of Dr.Woodhurst, nuerosurgeon for the second bilateral cranioplasty which successfully repaired Trevor’s skull. An extra special thank you to Cynthia Wilson, physiotherapist for remaining committed to Trevor despite the lack of initiation, awareness and results. Trevor doesn’t remember much from VGH but he does remember your big smile and vibrant personality. You are a talented physiotherapist and a compassionate person. I have videos from when a thumbs up or 12 minutes of keeping his head up was a big day. You provided the building blocks for much greater things!
A warm hug to Ray McDonald of VGH spiritual services. Thank you for dropping by Trevor’s room with your guitar and furry friends. I miss laughing with you and hearing your stories and songs in person. You were a great source of comfort during those turbulent times.
Also a big thank you to Dr.’s Dhawan and Reebye, physiatrists for being “cautiously optimistic” about Trevor’s outcome. It was a pleasure knowing and working with both of these specialists in Vancouver.
This note would go on and on forever if I mentioned everyone’s gifts in detail but a big part of this journey has been various “healing hands”. These folks added their touch to Trevor’s mind, body and soul despite the critical eyes of hospital staff. The first was Adam, a gifted healer who worked his magic on Trevor during the critical first few months of his injury. I have no doubts this young man has very special powers. He was able to see early on the “spark” in Trevor brain. Numerous others have helped to bring this spark to life including our good friend Eve for the months of Reiki (and tea), John Blazevic and Janet Cook for the acupuncture, Andy Bryce for the EFT, Kelly Johnsonand Joy Larsen for the cranial sacral therapy and Anita Lawrence for the spiritual guidance. In Ponoka, we were fortunate to find Trish Bowie at the wellness Centre, Heather Lambert for craniosacral therapy and Jennifer Davidson for her magical massage therapy.
We are so grateful to Dr. Gray and his team of professionals at the Centennial Centre in Ponoka. We were fortunate to work with the best of the best at the Center including physiotherapist, Lori, occupational therapist, Kunle and speech therapist, Leah. Although we presented a huge challenge, these capable professionals rose to it in their respective fields. Thank you to Dr. Gray for his knowledge and expertise with the botox needle, I’m sure Trevor won’t have to worry about wrinkles in his upper body for a long, long time. Also a big thank you to Rebecca and Jamie, recreational therapists at the Centre. We had many, many laughs with you both and miss you incredibly.
A big thank you to Theresa Hacking and Greg Edmonds and the Military Casualty Support Foundation (MCSF) for your generous gift toward our wheelchair accessible van. The van has been an essential part of our lives. In Ponoka, the van gave Trevor the freedom to leave the Centre for weekends and outings with the family. Since we’ve been home, it’s been critical for appointments at the physiotherapist, an hour drive each way. This organization was created to fill the gaps not currently met through the Ministry of National Defense programs and services. Information on contributions to the MCSF can be found at www.mcsf.ca.
We are so incredibly grateful to Nick Twyman, Dave Neufeld, Valerie and Rob Gibbs, Deanna Vandeneykel and everyone who contributed to or assisted with the fundraisers. We have comfort knowing that we have a backup fund for Trevor’s ongoing rehabilitation or recreation needs. What we don’t spend on rehab we plan to pay it forward to those in need.
Lastly, a big thank you to the Department of National Defense with special thanks to our case managers Steve Stawiarski and Lisa Bardon and assisting officers Steve Basaraba, Colin Coutts, Mike Larose and Dave Gilmour for providing Trevor with the best any soldier could hope to receive. We also recognize the incredible work of Sandy Daughn, OT for her ideas and ability to make things happen. It’s been rewarding working with you all. Canadians should be proud of the way their country took care of its injured soldier. We received the best Christmas gift in 2007 from the military engineers who installed a lift in our house which allowed Trevor to come home for Christmas and weekends thereafter. A sincere thank you to the Seaforth Highlanders for your continued support throughout Trevor’s recovery. We appreciate the place you set for him at each mess dinner. We were honored to attend the inaugural family day at the regiment on Nov 8th this year and look forward to future events. Also a big thank you to the military people in Edmonton, specifically the CIMIC and OSI folks for your support. It really helped Trevor get through the rough phases. We were able to personally thank Ponoka Legionnaires Dave MacPherson and Hugh Greene for your visits also during our time in Alberta. Trevor and I were so blessed to have weekly visitors from all facets of our lives since the very start of this long “marathon of baby steps”. The visitors started immediately when we arrived home in BC and still continue today. We cherish how you keep our connection to our former lives. And thank you to everyone who posted comments on this blog. Trevor is blown away every time he reads it.
Most importantly, thank you to our families and friends who continue to supply us with unwavering support. There are too many of you to list here but you all know who you are. A special thank you to Regina for taking good care of us all over the past 3 years.
On Dec 13, 2008 at 7pm PST CTV will air a documentary on Trevor’s recovery by filmmaker Sue Rideout. The story follows Trevor after release from 13 months at Vancouver General Hospital until we moved back home to BC.
Trevor and I can be reached on facebook for anyone that doesn’t have our contact information.
Debbie, Trevor and Grace
Comments
Damian - November 24, 2008 12:35 AM
Outstanding. Absolutely outstanding!
Jay Currie - November 24, 2008 4:03 AM
Thank you for posting this Alan. And thank you to Debbie for writing it and hanging in. Trevor's recovery is a gift and a blessing for him, for his friends and, as we pray for him, all Canadians.
Mike C - November 24, 2008 8:55 AM
Thanks Alan. Wonderful to read.
Sasha - November 24, 2008 11:02 AM
An amazing man no doubt! You Debbie, an amazing woman, and I cant wait to meet you! The two of you together, the combination for great success, and you both have proved this. All the best
Ian Coll - November 24, 2008 1:02 PM
Thank you Alan for posting this very, very welcome news! Debbie and Trevor, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you daily.
Alan - November 24, 2008 1:05 PM
Glad to see you got my heads up, Ian. One of the things I realized with the emailing out to we Kings folks last night is that I have a lot of lapsed emails in my system. Hope all is well over there and thanks for reiterating - for me as well - that all our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Debbie and Trevor:
Nick Twyman - November 24, 2008 1:24 PM
Hey Trevor! I'm happy to hear things are going well! Thank you for your kind words Debbie we were happy to help! I will pass this Blog along to Peter Classen as he contacted me the other day. Best Wishes from Calgary and the Liquid Courage gang!
Dave Neufeld - November 24, 2008 2:41 PM
Thanks for the update. Great to hear you've settled into your new home! It was a pleasure meeting you and Grace, Debbie. All the best with the ongoing recovery.
Alan - November 24, 2008 6:52 PM
Wow - nice to know that your blog is being monitored by the military...in the best way, of course.
Heather Phillips - November 26, 2008 12:01 PM
Fantastic news! I'm so happy to hear about your progress Trevor!! Thank you for the update Debbie. You guys have been in my thoughts so much. Keep up the hard work. It's obviously paying off! You have a world wide cheer leading squad rooting you on!
Thanks for posting this Alan. Cheers!
Terri Brewer - November 26, 2008 1:49 PM
Proof that prayers work!
Alan - November 26, 2008 2:07 PM
Heather: like you wouldn't have kicked me in the shins if I hadn't posted it! ;-)
Always happy to be the bearer of good news like this.
Suganya - November 26, 2008 8:16 PM
Best wishes to you and your family Trevor. Keep fighting the good fight my friend.
Kristen - November 28, 2008 12:45 PM
Such positive news... The strength and courage you both have is amazing and inspiring!
jeanette poulsen - December 5, 2008 1:37 PM
Thank you for sharing your story. The more awareness about TBI and the road to recovery...because it never stops, will hopefully make it easier for others to get support and the resources they need in the future.
Your family is truely an inspiration to us all!
Micheal Doven Gray - December 11, 2008 8:10 AM
I am glad Trevor that you know you can create your life the way you choose and are inspiring others to do the same. I would like to pass along another story for you to watch about a man who healed a severed spinal cord and is walking again. There is nothing that we can't accomplish once we decide. ;-)
http://www.consciousmedianetwork.com/members/jdispenza.htm
Emily Hawkins - December 13, 2008 8:06 PM
Hi, I am a student from the University of New Brunswick, and I happened to be watching Trevor's story on CTV. I was completely overwhelmed by what happened to Trevor, and all he has had to over come. I am truly inspired by his strives in recovery. I wish your family and you the best in life! I have faith that you will walk again. Much love.
steve bruce - December 13, 2008 10:39 PM
hello from sask. trevor you and your family are truly are what being a family is all about
i wish you guys the world and i look forward to seeing a 2010 update of you walking down the isle
i want to send you this link of someone who may help with this
info@freedomfrompain.ca
i worked there and i can tell you i saw things that i thought were not possible
i know it will sound kooky but it maybe worth a try
as well if there is another fundraiser contact my email
i will do whatever i can to help
i truly wish you and yours all the best
Murray - December 14, 2008 12:07 AM
We watched the program with great interest as at the time of the attack on "03-mar-2006", we wondered if you survived. Trevor, your fight for life is truly inspiring and we wish you continued success in your progress to recovery.
christina haverkort - December 14, 2008 12:13 AM
I just watched the story on Trevor on CTV. I was moved by his story. I believe I can I can help you Trevor. Please send me an email. I work in energy, through multiple layers of the human energy field. I believe in my work. And if you believe you can walk again, you will.
December 13th 2008
Vancouver,
chaverkort@shaw.ca
References available.
Trish Bowie - December 14, 2008 12:14 PM
Dear Trevor, I was so excited to watch you,Debbie,and beautiful Grace on T.V. last night. I cried through the whole show! I cried because it was such an honor to work with such a strong and beautiful human being. Trevor you humble me! I am so proud of you! My love and prayers continue to go out to you,Debbie and Grace.Hope to see you in the spring Hugs...Trish
denise crête - December 14, 2008 5:51 PM
well...I have cried when I was watching you last night on tv...I'am a french canadian from Quebec. How great is Debbie...a lot of woman would have give up...and HOW GREAT is Trevor...there is no word to describe both of you...
Do you know the "ostheopathie" ( in english, the word must be almost the same ) if you did not try this soft medecine yet...it maybe help you to get back on your feet ....
I wish you the best ...you are so inspiring...
you will walk...i'am sure of it
denise xx
Alan - December 14, 2008 8:13 PM
Cross referencing a comment left by Michael Coss.
Paul Jung - December 14, 2008 8:21 PM
To Trevor & Debbie:
Thank you for sharing your story, your lives. You two are gorgeous, and so precious - the best that humanity has to offer. You do the world proud. Humankind is blessed to have such giving & extraordinary souls.
Heather Lambrecht - December 15, 2008 5:30 PM
Dear Trevor: I cried through the first show and watched it three times over yesterday. The five months that Clare seen you improve so much, I feel that the Lmyphatic Brain Drainage changed your life you became so much more, I'm astounded how much you changed, working with you all the time I did not see it till the show.Your face is now as beautiful as the soul and person inside. Your life story will inspire so many more people and give them the strength to fight their own battles. What a marvelous message to give out at this time of the year. When miracles can and do happen. Save a dance for me.
ann - December 15, 2008 11:45 PM
I can not adequately express the feelings that continue to run through me after watching your incredible story.Trevor and Debbie, you are blest with one another and will be in my prayers.I truly believe you will be walking side by side down that aisle on your wedding day. GOD BLESS YOU
Chris Sullivan - December 16, 2008 12:45 AM
I also watched the documentary and it was very informative and very moving.
Please get in touch. I want to see us both walk again.
Trevor Greene - December 16, 2008 3:18 AM
To everyone who watched Peace Warrior and wrote these touching and profound posts,
God bless you and thank you.
Your faith is inspiring me to work even harder to reach my goal of walking Debbie down the aisle at our wedding.
Again, heartfelt thanks.
Alan - December 16, 2008 10:29 AM
Great hearing from you, Trevor. It is an interesting reciprocal cycle of inspiration that has arisen in response to the path that life has given you and Debbie. An old fashioned word, virtue, pops into my mind when I think of it. As I hope you know, even though it relies on the incredibly tough card life played for you and your family, on this side of that circle of inspiration both of you exemplify a purposeful drive and focus in a way which has not only strengthened but also challenged many things in me and I am sure those others here - friends, family and strangers - who have left now around all these heartfelt comments. And forgive me if I look beyond your goal of walking down the aisle but I am looking forward to where you both will be in five and ten years, too. Hope all is good with you guys over there out west today.
Dianne - December 17, 2008 3:01 AM
My husband and I live in the Nanaimo area and if you think we could help you with the rehab please contact me. I know you will meet your goals.
Lara Ryan - December 17, 2008 1:52 PM
Trevor and Debbie,
You are both an inspiration. I have been at Kings a couple of times this week and you are on my mind. My most postive thoughts are with you.
jeanette - January 5, 2009 10:46 PM
Hello Trevor and Debbie.
I also live in the Nanaimo area and would very much like to meet you. My daughter sustained a severe head injury in 2002. Wow what a learning curb it has been. We were also in Ponoka almost 3 years after my daughter's injury...yes 3 years and they excepted us. My daughter never spoke or was able to eat food for 2 years and then my god she blew everyone when she began speaking and eating after 2 years.
My daughter had severe tone in her feet and we were able to get them back in position by serial casting for 10 months. There is a therapist in the Nanaimo hospital who has a lot of experience with this type of casting.
I would love to talk to you.
Never give up hope...and never let anyone take it from you!
Alan - March 6, 2009 4:51 PM
An update here.
Alexandra Stadler - April 2, 2009 12:02 AM
Hallo Trevor and Debbie,
Last year in October 2008 I sustained a severe head injury. I was hit by a car and was in hospital for one week. While I was in hospital I had Dr. Homer Tien and his team care for me at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. Trevor if you would like I can give Dr. Homer Tien greetings from you and update him on how you are doing. Just send me an e-mail. I would like to leave you with one message and this would be to Never give up hope... and keep fighting the fight....YOU can do it, YOU have the power!!!
Brenda Bakker - April 5, 2009 6:47 PM
Hello, Trevor and Debbie,
I just spent one hour of my life with Matt my boyfriend that we will remember forever...your story has moved us in a way that has filled our hearts with joy and hope ...your both such amazing people , true strength and focus , a passion for life that is inspiring and a will to fight!
We would love more then anything to offer our services for your very special day coming up in summer time.
I do Hair and Make up for weddings up here in Whistler and Matt is a musician and working also for weddings and events...
We just would love to donate something to your big day !!!...
Please let us know if you are in need of our services... You are such a special Family ...thank you for your story!
Melissa Putt - June 6, 2009 9:19 PM
Please pass the message on to Debbie and Trevor. Myofascial experts deal with this type of rehabilitation.
Tom Myers wrote Anatomy Trains his website is under the same name. Contact him I am sure he could help Trevor regain mobility. We just watched the CTV special on Debbie and Trevor. Please someone make sure they know about this type of treatment.
Sincerely,
Melissa Putt
Maria Miccoli - June 20, 2009 10:37 AM
Hello, I'm hoping you can forward an article on the use of Botox to help an Austrialian man who was wheelchair bound for years due to a stroke walk again. I know from the segment on tv that was shown was that Mr Greene's feet pointing down is affecting his ability to walk. Perhaps the Botox option would help him.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/090620/health/health_australia_botox
Please pass this message on to him and his wife.
Regards,
Maria
Christine Flynn - September 1, 2010 1:33 AM
Hi Debbie and Trevor I live in Adelaide South Australia and have just seen your documentary and I am so greatful you have shared your remarkable journey . I hope you have read the book called The Brain that Changes Itself by Dr Norman Dodge .MD. Scribe Publications ,it endorses your path and faith in walking. Consequently it reminds me of all the small children I have seen with cerebal palsy who have deformed feet yet still walk ,some use a walking frame.If you visit a centre you wonder how they walk with those distorterd feet, but they are children and know nothing else so they just do it.My two friends have children with cerebal palsy and now are adults,they have specialy designed splints for the calfs and walk with soft shoes and use a walking frame and manage to walk in their own style .So don't give up ,but I know you won't.
Much love to you all
Christine
Jessica E Taylor - April 28, 2011 5:28 PM
Dear Debbie and Trevor,
As the rehabilitation machine mentioned below is so important for those with disabilities, I am giving a Presentation to bring it to the attention of people on Vancouver island. Having searched for the the most updated rehabilitation for stroke and A B I for several years, the Quadriciser machine is by far state-of-the-art.
I am not a distributor...just someone who cares about others.
YOUR PERSONAL INVITATION TO A FREE PRESENTATION
Quality Resort, 240 Dogwood Street, Parksville, B.C.
3pm to 5pm. May 1st , 2011.
The subject matter of the presentation will be to introduce to the people of Vancouver island a REVOLUTIONARY rehabilitation machine. A video of the machine in action will be shown. You will hear singer & actor, Pat Boone speaking about his grandson's rehabilitation.
INTRODUCING THE QUADRICISER MACHINE
The machine accommodates a wide range of disabilities, such as Brain Injury, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, obesity and much more.
Patterning was invented in the 1950s but it took 5 people to do what the Quadriciser does. The Quadriciser is a passive-active machine that allows the individuals who are unable to perform traditional exercise without assistance the ability to exercise. It moves an individual's upper and lower limbs through varying ranges of motion without assistance. The machine consists of a motor driven system that moves cables and pulleys attached to hand grips and leg cradles. The handgrips and leg cradles translate through a circular range of motion exercising the entire body. The controls are easily accessable for the individual or helper.
Coordinating the right and left- brain, the informational flow between the two hemispheres even helps spelling, writing, listening, reading and comprehension as well as improving muscle function.
The Quadriciser allows Physical Therapists Occupational Therapists, and Chiropractors to increase the duration of the therapy sessions and the volume of patients participating in therapy.
The machine is used in hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes for seniors, as well as private homes in many parts of the U.S. I fervently hope it will be used in rehabilitation units as well as hospitals in Canada.
Hope to see you there.
Kind Regards,
Jessica (E.Taylor)
Please visit my website.
http://www.jessicaetaylor.org
On Facebook & Linkedin
Vancouver Island 250 951 3368 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 250 951 3368 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 250 951 3368 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Recently Jessica was honored as a 'Hidden Hero' on Shaw TV for her tireless crusade for head and brain injury awareness.