In 1983, my late mother-in-law suffered a brain clot that kept her in a coma for over a year. Miraculously, she came out of the coma but had lost most of her large motor skills. She faced a tremendous amount of rehabilitation to re-learn these - regaining balance proved to be one of the most difficult obstacles. This was addressed through a series of physiotherapy exercises, and CARD was recommended to us as a type of therapy that would benefit her tremendously. It was the therapy that proved most effective in helping restore her balance and motor skills, and it gave her incredible joy! She was presented with an award from Prince Philip (I believe Princess Anne too was involved) but her photo in all her riding finery was a prize in itself. In 1986, she walked down the aisle on her husband's arm for her only son's wedding - a miracle her family thought they would never see - and saw the birth of her 24th grandson. She died peacefully in her sleep shortly afterward, in the arms of her husband of 55 years. Did CARD ever know what an important part of her rehabilitation and her life it was? It was a blessing to her and to all of us, giving her strength, joy, and a sense of accomplishment and progress on the long and often frustrating road to rehabilitation. Your organization was and is a blessing, and we hope it continues to offer hope and opportunity to people with disabilities for years to come!
- Colleen -
