Linda Benard: Always on the Go By Mary Dufton
Linda Benard was born with spina bifida, but never let it dictate her life or limit her options. The 77-year-old Langdon, Ontario resident has been active her entire life. She got her driver’s license at age 17 and treasures the freedom and independence it offers. Born in Dalhousie, New Brunswick, Linda lived in Sudbury, Thunder […]
Kyleigh Morgan: Living her dream of becoming a nurse By Mary Dufton
Kyleigh Morgan developed hydrocephalus as an infant from an inoperable benign brain tumour. After being a patient most of her life, 19-year-old Kyleigh dreams of becoming a registered nurse. She refuses to let the challenges of navigating life with an acquired brain injury stand in her way. A scholarship from Hydrocephalus Canada is helping her […]
Mary’s Musings: Shining A Light On Hydrocephalus & Spina Bifida Awareness Month by Mary Dufton
June is Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida Awareness month, so I decided to write about my experience living with both medical conditions. Hydrocephalus is caused by an abnormal build up of cerebral spinal fluid in the brain. It can cause permanent brain damage or be life-threatening if not treated but it is often managed with surgery […]
Beating the Heat with Summer Breathwork by Ingrid
During July and August, Hydrocephalus Canada will not be facilitating our regular programming with the support groups and yoga. The office remains open, and we are here to answer support emails and calls. In our last Chair Yoga session in June, we discussed the importance of breathwork, gentle yoga and light stretches to reduce stress, […]
Em Jordan Finds Her Voice by Mary Dufton
Ever since she was a little girl, 20 year old Em Jordan loved to sing. She began writing music and performing competitively from about age nine. Em also plays the piano, guitar and saxophone. Music makes her feel good about herself and is a form of self-expression. Born with spina bifida, Em grew up in […]
Alexandra Rego’s Journey to Self-Acceptance and Wellness By Mary Dufton
Alexandra Rego, who was born with spina bifida, and hydrocephalus, channeled her lived experience and love of children into training in early childhood education. She has an educational assistance diploma, specializing in children with disabilities and teaching and learning strategies. She was also able to work with children and teenagers through her many co-op experiences. […]
Katrina Beddoe: The Importance of Personal Values By Mary Dufton
Ottawa native Katrina Beddoe values her faith, friendships and family life. Born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, Katrina, 36, lives with her parents and has an older sister. Her favourite past times are sewing and watching television. She likes the British house-hunting reality television show, “Escape to the Country,” which she admits she watches too […]