“Just keep your faith.” Those are Rita’s words of encouragement to others who may be experiencing what her husband is going through. A stroke in 2022 resulted in a combination of non-fluent aphasia and apraxia of speech, as well as a loss of mobility. Yet, a brain injury from a stroke impacts the entire family, testing the bonds that hold them together. Rita understands firsthand the power of love and faith.

Married to Eugen for 13 years, they first met through a dating app set up by Rita’s daughter. Originally from Romania, both had been in long-term relationships in the past: Rita has 3 children, and Eugen has one daughter from their previous marriages. From texting, they progressed to speaking every day for three years. “Everybody told me I was crazy,” says Rita, recalling the reactions to her decision to join Eugen in Canada. However, through their constant communication, they had become best friends. “He gave me the respect, care, and love I was missing,” she says.

Rita’s love, respect, and faith guided her in advocating and supporting Eugen through the challenges on his road to recovery. Immediately following his stroke, Rita had been told that there was little chance of a good outcome, and things looked dire. Nevertheless, Rita was determined that the couple wouldn’t give up. They hadn’t come through so much and found each other after such a long time to surrender without a good fight.

We are amazed by Eugen’s progress at ARBI. The staff here are angels!

Following time in the intensive care unit and the neurosurgical unit, Eugen was moved to a long-term care centre, dependent on feeding tubes and his everyday care. Rita recalls feeling angry, worried, and unable to sleep. “But once I accepted that this is how it is, I began to sleep again,” she says.

The couple share a strong spiritual faith, and Rita meditates regularly. Also, she expresses herself artistically through painting. Meanwhile, Eugen continues to enjoy music, especially classical music and participates in ARBI’s music therapy program with the goal of joining Rita at home again.

While Rita supports Eugen as he works on speech-language, occupational and physical therapies at ARBI, she is also undertaking the modifications required to their home to accommodate her husband’s mobility needs. Rita notes that the caring and compassionate staff at ARBI has contributed to Eugen’s progress. In fact, seeing the couple singing together at ARBI’s Holiday Open House (pictured above) is a reminder of the importance of communication, empathy, and the ties that bind us all strongly together.

 

 

“Love you!” “Can’t wait to see you!” “I’m so happy!”

We take saying these expressions of our feelings to our loved ones for granted. But imagine if—in the blink of an eye—your ability to communicate was taken away. For many people living with the impact of a brain injury from an accident or stroke, the challenge is compounded by a loss of mobility to use their hands to communicate. Your support can make a difference. Consider donating to ARBI today to help individuals like Eugen regain hope, recovery, and the chance for a better life.