Being Together is What Matters

Posted on December 13, 2023
by Sophie Ni

What do the holidays mean to you? For Robin, it’s all about family. This hit home for the father of three when a spinal cord injury changed his life forever.

Two years ago, Robin was on a mountain bike in Powell River when he suddenly went over the handlebars. In that instant he was paralyzed.

“There is so much change in the beginning that you are literally just trying to survive. Your whole family is impacted. Kate and I have young kids and we have always been very active. We were scared of what our future would look like.”

A spinal cord injury is devastating. But you can make a difference. Your financial support helps people during the most difficult time in their life.

During his rehab stay, Robin learned of our programs and met others facing similar challenges. “I can’t tell you how critical it is to connect with someone who understands what you’ve been through. To see a glimpse of what your future can hold and the opportunities that are out there.”

This is the power of peer support! It’s a chance to swap stories, laugh, sometimes cry, and learn about life with a spinal cord injury. And it’s your donation that makes all this possible. Back home in Victoria, Robin stays in touch with our local Peer Coordinator. At our “Nordic Ski” adventure last winter, Kate and the kids were right there beside him. He is so pleased that we welcome family members at all our peer events.

“To find out that I can still ski alongside them is huge. It brings joy to our lives. And it’s all the other wonderful opportunities you have for people to get outside and actively participate with their loved ones. That’s the biggest motivation for me.”

Robin is immersed in the craziness that comes with having three young ones, but he knows he can count on our peer connections. And the whole crew is excited about the holidays. They usually have a big family gathering in Powell River. This year could be quieter though. Robin has surgery coming up and they may have to stay closer to home. But what matters is that Robin, Kate and the kids will be together. He will never forget what it’s like to wake up in the hospital and hear the news that your whole world is turned upside down. Like Robin, I’m sure you don’t want anyone to face a spinal cord injury alone.

Please send your holiday donation to Spinal Cord Injury BC today. It will have a lasting impact all year long. Remember that only funds received by December 31st are eligible for a 2023 tax receipt. Thank you for helping people thrive in their new lives.

With thanks,

Ed Milligan
Chair, SCI BC Board of Directors

Get Our Newsletter

Want the latest news about events, blogs, research and more? Sign up for our monthly newsletters to receive updates directly to your inbox!

Related Posts

PeerSAY: Wheeling in Wet Weather
October 9, 2025
Don’t let the rain put a damper on your plans! The hassle of wet clothes, squeaky wheels and slippery sidewalks is all too common for wheelchair users. Luckily, rain or shine, we’ve got you covered. We asked our SCI BC peer team how they modify, look fly, and stay dry!
Share This
Catheters For Free BC
October 7, 2025
If universal healthcare is free, why do we have to pay to pee? SCI BC member Andy Caswell started the Catheters For Free BC Foundation to urge the provincial government to fund single-use hydrophilic catheters—and he needs your help.
Share This
Exploring Made Easy: Access BC’s Virtual Tours Highlight BC Destinations
September 17, 2025
Spinal Cord Injury BC’s Access BC program partners with tourism associations to create virtual tours that make exploring BC more accessible for everyone.
Share This
Clearing the Haze
September 17, 2025
From research to real-life stories from peers, we’re hashing out the latest on cannabis to help you navigate the world of weed with confidence.
Share This
Spinal Cord Injury BC