On May 2004, Ian Young was residing in Calgary, active in the Arts, music culture, a general feeling of unwell brought him to seek medical attention, little did he know the diagnosis would be life altering as well as awakening. A rare disorder was growing lesions on his cerebellum, his condition deteriorated and he suffered several strokes leaving him incapable of many independent functions and virtually an unknown outcome.

His family eventually had him transferred to his hometown of Edmonton Alberta. A lot of complications arose till Ian finally began a brain injury rehabilitation program at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton. A 48 day therapy regime, gave him the physical/mental strength to become independent and the realization that Brain Injury is the leading killer and dis-abler of Canadians in the prime of their lives, Through proper support links Ian has become vocal, doing presentations at a national level, media appearances, organizing a radio show with experts in the field and enjoying a quality of life.

In September 2008 Ian received the 3rd annual Glenrose Award of Courage for his contribution for proper rehabilitation, outcome, quality of life, Ian has returned to academic studies at the University of Alberta, working on chronicling his memoirs and continues to advocate on behalf of adults suffering acquired Brain Injury. Ian often felt overwhelmed, isolated, abandoned till a true friend Aga Bona told him “With Recovery Comes Responsibility” and he will continue to advocate on the quality of life everyone is deserving of.

“If my mind can perceive it, And My heart can believe it’ I can achieve it” – Rev Jesse Jackson