Journal

The other day I was chatting with a neighbour about kids and biking, and what she told me blew my mind. She said that they aren’t allowed to ride without a helmet on, but why her kids won’t wear a bike helmet has nothing to do with anything logical—it’s simply peer pressure. They tell her that if they show up with a helmet strapped on, there’s a real risk they’ll be teased. They might get called a wimp, a baby, or something worse. And that means, for too many kids, the choice isn’t between safety and danger—it’s between safety and fitting in.

That’s a frightening thought. As someone who’s lived through the consequences of being run over by a minivan, I know what’s really at stake when a child gets on a bike without protection. Helmets save lives. They reduce the severity of injuries. In some cases, they’re the difference between standing up after a fall and never being the same again. But kids don’t think that way—not when peer pressure is weighing heavier than any helmet ever could.

On January 15, 2026 a press conference will be held that will mark the beginning of something powerful — changing the way people think about helmet safety. Special guests from the world of professional hockey, including some familiar NHL faces, will be joining us to help launch I Am BrainSTRONG — a program that’s all about flipping the script on helmet use. Just like the NHL did back in 1979 when they made helmets mandatory, this initiative aims to drive a culture shift. But here’s the catch: unlike hockey, there are no referees on city streets to make sure kids (or adults) wear a helmet when biking. That decision? It’s entirely up to us.

That’s why I Am BrainSTRONG will exist.

Acquired brain injuries (ABIs) are often misunderstood, largely due to the invisible nature of many symptoms. This lack of visibility leads to numerous myths and misconceptions, which can negatively impact those affected. In this post, we’ll debunk common myths about ABIs, shedding light on the reality of living with these often misunderstood injuries.

Living with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an ongoing journey that profoundly impacts not just
the individual but also those around them. Among the many challenges faced by individuals with
TBI, the need for social connection often emerges as a crucial yet sometimes overlooked aspect
of recovery. The importance of this connection cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in
emotional, psychological, and even physical healing.

Yesterday’s Bike Rodeo was one of those events you cross your fingers for… and it turns out better than you could’ve imagined.

We’d had 23 people register in advance, which honestly had me nervous. I was quietly preparing myself for a low-key event, thinking maybe we’d end up with more hot dogs than helmets. But wow — was I ever wrong!

Living with an invisible disability, such as an acquired brain injury (ABI), presents unique challenges. I’ve come to realize that, thanks to what I “learned” from Kerry Goulet, is that by changing my perspective how I see myself is that being visibly-disabled is actually not too bad. No matter where I am, or when, if I need help in pretty much any way, someone’s there. Unlike physical disabilities, invisible ones are not immediately noticeable, which can make it harder to receive the understanding or support one needs. However, there are ways to increase visibility and foster a more supportive environment.