ARBI Graduates

Randy

Survivor and ARBI Graduate, 1989

Today, Randy is a dynamic member of ARBI’s Board of Directors. He is a preferred speaker at national brain injury conferences and the United Way of Calgary & Area. For more than 20 years Randy has volunteered with the PARTY (Prevention of Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth) Program, educating students on the importance of making safe choices. His personal story and positive approach leaves an incredible impact on these young people and their future decisions.

“Thank you so much for the eye opening experience. The life lessons I have learned are forever etched in my memory. Thank you Randy, I only got to know you for a day and it was an amazing day,” PARTY PROGRAM participant.

“Randy is an inspiration to people for his dedication to making Calgary a better place to live. He has given his time and shared his experiences and I strongly believe he has made an incredible, positive impact on citizens of Calgary,” Bruce Murray, ARBI Vice-President.
 

Mike

Survivor and ARBI Graduate 2000

Today, Mike is an active guy who participates in sports such as disabled skiing and sailing. He attends groups at URSA and loves the computer. He lives in a group home and stays with his family on weekends. His positive attitude and friendly nature are contagious. He has volunteered at the United Way, and at the PARTY Program.

“I was told that Mike’s personality changed after his brain injury and that he was a different person.  I met Mike after his injury and liked who he was immediately. I appreciate his sense of humour, his enthusiasm for life and his outgoing nature. Our mutual friendship has spanned a decade.

We have attended parties, gone to festivals, watched movies, gone to concerts and celebrated New Year’s Eve together. My friends have all become quite attached to him. He is a wonderful person!” Jane Dafoe, Fund Development Manager.
 

Debbie

Survivor and ARBI Graduate 1995

Since graduating from ARBI, this dynamic diva has been intent on completing her “Bucket List”. She has accomplished some amazing things including getting married (she is now divorced), seeing celebrities such as Cher, Bette Midler and Dr. Phil. She also got up close and personal with Chris Angel, Mind Freak.

Debbie built a house to accommodate her needs and she lives in Arizona during the winter months. While in Arizona she takes a cooking class and helps organize parties like the Valentine’s Tea, and the St. Patty's day beer fest. She has performed at a comedy club in front of 250 people.

More recently Debbie took up skydiving and she is working on getting her children’s book published. Her mantra is “You know me, you love me!”
 

Lori

Survivor and ARBI Graduate, 1996

Today, Lori is one of ARBI’s most dedicated volunteers.  Her sharp sense of humour, excellent memory and attention to detail keep ARBI staff on track. She operates the photocopier, helps with filing, scanning and special projects.  Lori lives in her own home she had designed and built to her specific needs. She has remained close friends with her original volunteer Pat Steele and she can be found at the Steele’s house on most holidays and special occasions. 

“I have known Lori since the mid-1980s. She brings a smile to my face every Tuesday at ARBI. I think her quick wit and direct, common sense approach with issues are her trademarks. You can always count on a straight answer from Lori, and I like that! Lori is a great asset to the therapists at ARBI and we appreciate everything she does for us,” Brenda Lee-Kemp, ARBI Physiotherapist.