My Journey Takes Me Here

​So my journey brings me here; the nation’s capital where the stroke of a pen can impact lives forever, where EVERYONE in our great house of parliament is truly aware of health-care costs and rehabilitation expenses, federal taxes and discuss these events on a daily basis; the home of our elected leader, that we the citizens of Canada elected. Hopefully a leader who continues to lead after reaching his destination. Coincidentally this is my birthplace; a metropolis I am proud to originate from in a country where freedom and logic reign. Unfortunately I come back injured, the wounded always come back to heal. Since my injury, I have been surrounded by knowledge of survival; but shocked to have learned that an injury prevention element could have been implemented.

My injury was quote “a stroke of insight” as it made me aware of others who could be leading quality lives if injury prevention became a national strategy. The cost of preventable injury is putting Canadian businesses at an economic disadvantage and lowering the standard of living for us all. Our health-care system is the #1 wonder of our nation’s environment, we must invest in a National Injury prevention program or it is at risk. Head injury is the leading killer of males under 35, extreme sports is fueling the epidemic; it is being overlooked as a health issue, accidents can be prevented, lifelong disabilities can be avoided. The human and economic burden is staggering and frighteningly continues to grow. Citizens are not receiving proper health-care as a result, and it pains me to think of the ones slipping through the cracks. In this proud capital, my birthplace, I return to plea with policy makers to no longer ignore injury prevention, and look at the risks we take daily in this amazing nation. I am speaking for millions of survivors, spouses, family members, those who have faced a loss or quality of life for something easily preventable.

We as a country have the advantage of setting a proud example. I want to thank VIA Rail, the Brain Injury Association of Canada for sponsoring me to “come home”.

Thank-you

Ian Young