The holidays remind us of the warmth and generosity that make this season so special. For many, it’s a time of celebration. But for others, it can feel overwhelming and uncertain. That’s why your support means so much. Let me share Gracie’s story with you.
Three years ago, the young woman’s life changed forever. It happened just a few days before Christmas. Driving on a cold winter day near Nelson, Gracie suddenly hit black ice. Her car swerved off the road – and that’s the last thing she remembers.
Gracie woke up two months later in the hospital. She had been in a coma since the crash. Doctors told Gracie she was paralyzed from the waist down. For the 26-year-old who loved the outdoors and her job planting trees, it was a lot to take in. What kind of future would she have now?
A spinal cord injury is devastating no matter the time of year. It can be especially hard during the holidays when everyone else is celebrating. But you can make a difference. Your donation helps people during the most difficult time in their life.
Those early days were tough. Gracie had to relearn everything. How to transfer from her wheelchair. How to dress herself. How to navigate a world that suddenly felt inaccessible. Gracie even had to find a new place to call home. A place where she wouldn’t need someone to carry her up and down stairs whenever she wanted to go out. It was all so overwhelming.
Gracie chose Nanaimo almost on a whim. She needed a location where she could walk her service dog in any weather. It turned out to be the best decision! That’s where she met Jocelyn and Bert, our friendly staff, who introduced her to our Peer Support Program.
“You’ve given me a connection to people who are going through similar struggles or who have gone down this road before,” she says. “It makes life easier knowing I can take their experiences and integrate them into my own. I’ve gained so much from the group.”
This is the power of peer support! Our programs bring people together. It’s a chance to meet others, share tips, laugh, sometimes cry, and learn about life with a spinal cord injury. It can be as simple as dropping in on a coffee support group or as exciting as trying adapted kayaking for the first time. These moments build confidence and friendships. Ultimately, they help people discover that life can be full again. And it’s all thanks to your generosity.
Gracie especially values these connections during the winter months when isolation can creep in. Last year, she was stuck at home when she couldn’t get her wheelchair through the snow in her driveway. It was frustrating. And the festive season can stir up feelings of loss for many. That’s why our peer events mean so much. They help people stay connected.
“Bert invited me to the ‘Hockey Night in Nanaimo’. It was my first time going to a game in years. I usually wouldn’t be able to spend money on something like that so it was nice to have an evening out. And I enjoyed chatting with the group after the game. Bert and I have a similar sense of humour. We just laugh a lot! I also went to the holiday party. Having a nice meal and listening to the music was a real treat. It was great to see everyone getting into the festive spirit and making connections. I don’t go out very often. So I appreciate these events because they bring people in wheelchairs together. It opens up our world.”
Gracie has come a long way since that tragic day on an icy road three years ago. She is settled in her new home. She has friends who understand her journey. She is even planning to try sit-skiing this winter. But adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury is a long road. There will be challenges ahead. Gracie knows she can count on our peer connections for support. And she has Jocelyn and Bert at her doorstep. They are a “firm foundation” for her to lean on. That’s comforting.
Gracie is looking forward to spending time with family and friends over the holidays. She loves the big traditional Christmas dinner they have every year. Her favourite part? The turkey! And Gracie knows what matters most during this busy festive season – family, connection, and being there for others.
This year, you can make the season brighter for someone like Gracie. Your gift – big or small – brings hope, friendship and confidence when it’s needed most. Please send your holiday donation to Spinal Cord Injury BC today. And remember that only funds received by December 31st are eligible for a 2025 tax receipt. Together, we can make a real difference for people with a spinal cord injury. Thank you for your kindness.
Warm wishes,
Ed Milligan
Chair, SCI BC Board of Directors
