Brain injuries can come suddenly, at the least expected moment, but the effects can be life altering and long lasting.
Life after a brain injury is the focus of the Fraser Health Authority's second Biennial Brain Injury Film Festival, on next month in New Westminster.
"Brain injury can occur to any of us at any time," said Wendy McIntire-Cowx, a social worker with the acquired brain injury program at Fraser Health. "Whether it's a stroke or accident, none of us are immune to it. The good news is that there is life after an acquired brain injury. People can lead meaningful lives and families don't have to feel hopeless. We hope this collection of films will inspire individuals to seek physical and emotional healing."
The festival runs on June 4, 13, 18 and 25. Each evening will feature brain injury experts moderating a post-film Q&A session.
The first film on June 4 is called Brain Injury Dialogues, and it explores the lives of several people with varying degrees of brain injuries. The director, Rick Franklin, shares his story, as he also suffers from a brain injury.
The second film, Peace Warrior, screens on June 13 and chronicles the story of Trevor Greene, who suffered a brain injury when he was attacked with an axe in Afghanistan.
Head Games screens on June 18 and focuses on sports related concussions.
Untold Desires and (Sex)abled: Disability Uncensored will be shown on June 25 - both films focus on disability and sex.
All films start at 7 p.m. at Douglas College, at 700 Royal Ave. in New Westminster. The screenings will be in the lecture room 2201.
According to Fraser Health, there are an estimated 160,000 people in B.C. who live with the effects of a brain injury, and each year, approximately 14,000 people sustain a brain injury. [email protected]
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