Dave has been part of the Mind Forward community since 2002, initially residing at our West location in Oakville and now comfortably settled at our Conover residence. Dave’s life took an unexpected turn in 1991 when he experienced a severe frontal lobe injury in a car accident caused by a speeding vehicle that ran through a four-way stop. This traumatic event resulted in a six-week coma in hospitals in the US, and eventually led Dave back to Ontario for rehabilitation and support from Mind Forward.
Adjusting to life after his brain injury has brought significant challenges, especially in maintaining his mobility and managing memory difficulties. Despite doctors’ predictions that he would never walk again, Dave challenges these limitations by doing daily physiotherapy sessions to strengthen his legs and upper body. He jokes that he’s in “training to win the slowest marathon ever”.
Dave is social and outgoing by nature. He loves engaging in conversations with his friends and staff, and is known for his quick wit and playful sense of humour. We can always count on him to lighten the mood with a well-timed joke or an amusing anecdote, even if we’ve heard it a few times before! His vibrant personality is part of the welcoming atmosphere at Mind Forward, sometimes cleverly disguising his cognitive challenges.
Through his journey, Dave has found strength in his faith and shares that his relationship with his son is a source of inspiration and motivation. His experiences have really shaped his perspective on life, and increased his awareness of how fragile life can be, creating an empathy for others who are navigating similar challenges. His advice to others with brain injuries is “Don’t give up – unless it’s Brussel sprouts. Those are fine to skip”.
One of Dave’s proudest achievements was his time teaching pre-kindergarten at Southern Illinois University. Known for his ability to inspire children, he classes doubled in size, and many of his students excelled. The last affection of his students proved that Dave was truly making a meaningful difference.
Mind Forward has played a significant role in Dave’s life, providing consistent support, resources, and community engagement opportunities essential for his independence and quality of life. At Mind Forward, Dave participates in community activities, especially enjoying movie outings, Bingo, and following the Toronto Blue Jays as their self-proclaimed number one fan. As a form of relaxation, he immerses himself in sci-fi movies and TV shows.
Dave’s transparent and genuine nature make him a very special member of our community. His passion for education and commitment to empowering young minds is inspiring. Mind Forward is incredibly proud to support Dave on his ongoing journey, celebrating his wonderful smile, his positive outlook, and his exceptional character every day.