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Some Kinda Wonderful

It takes a remarkable man to spend over 30 years caring for his son. It takes an even more remarkable man to think ahead, lasso supporters, and convince the “powers that be” to build a residence where his son and others with acquired brain injury can be cared for when he and his wife are no longer able.

Meet Hugh Finlay, Scott’s dedicated dad.

Scott was once a rising star on the Ontario Alpine Ski Team. But in 1978, at age 22, he crashed during a competition at Lake Louise.

For the past 35 years, Hugh and his wife, Rosemary, have unconditionally loved and provided physical, emotional and spiritual support for Scott—24 hours a day, seven days a week. They’ve also raised three other children, including their son Mark, who has special needs.

Today, Scott is 57 and his parents are in their 80s. Concerned that their own health and longevity might have an impact on Scott’s well-being, Hugh has helped establish and fundraise for a not-for-profit home for individuals with brain injuries in eastern Ontario.

As winner of the Canada Cares One Wish Award, Hugh and his nominator, Megan Jacobs, request that the $10,000 prize, sponsored by We Care Home Health Services, go toward enhancing the facilities and lives of the residents at the Napanee Acquired Brain Injury and Rehabilitation Home.

Hugh was presented with the cheque during the awards luncheon at the Canadian Homecare Association Summit. As he accepted it, the more than 500 professionals who attended the event gave him a well-deserved standing ovation. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

To all who “care” every day, and to those of you who nominated families and professionals from coast to coast, a thousand happy thank-yous. The heartwarming stories of patience, strength, love, determination and outstanding care brought smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts. As one of our volunteer judges so rightly suggested after a late night of reviewing submissions, “These caregivers are the backbone of daily care across the country—without them, we’d be lost.”

Keep your stories coming, watch for our next campaign and be sure to check out our National and Regional winners at canadacares.org and on page 30 of this issue.

Caroline Tapp-McDougall, Editor in Chief

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