Archive for category: Inspiration

Oh man, this year is going to be better than awesome! That’s because the “Beware Brain Bang Foundation” will become a registered non-profit and charity. It’s been a bit of a journey from organizing an annual walk with volunteers, and into gathering Board members to form a new group.
We are working on how we will help raise awareness about Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and how to overcome its challenges. When we will be done, trust me, it’ll be better than awesome!

I’ve had some rough times, getting hit by that minivan while cycling sucked, but I’m determined to make lemonade from lemons. And, it won’t simply be good, it’ll be better than awesome, by a whole lot. It’s the new year, so let’s see what my resolutions are.

Look ahead, don’t dwell on the negative of "what if’s or what might go wrong." Focus on achieving what I can. When we were hit, we were out for a "bit of a ride", (about 100 kms), I think. I've got a feeling that we were going to head to Pakenham, and then back. The week before I'd done a triathlon, but I've got no memories of it, only photos. I have moved on with my life from that accident, I train hard and don’t quit easy. While SoF is no longer, what PRIVATE Nadon is still with me, and that's to "Go all the way, and then some." Every day I am rewarded with a future of possibilities.

That's why I'm going to do a triathlon this year.
Yup, a triathlon! It's swim, bike, run but for me it'll be assisted-swim, recumbent-ride, and then Alinker-run.
As I'm not going to be first, because while I'll be doing it, I'm not competing against anyone but myself. In the early days post-crash, the doctors couldn't say with certainty that I was going to wake up from my coma!
The fact that I'm doing it means that I'll win. I'm beating the odds, and winning!

	Did I mention that I can be tenacious? Play on my strengths will be my next resolution to train for what I truly believe I can physically and mentally accomplish, a triathlon!
I'll be swimming with a neck-float, and floats on my ankles, because for some reason, I simply can't kick properly-enough to keep my legs up. As a result, I can't move fast enough, so need a float on my neck. The downside is that I can't swim on my stomach - but I'm still in the water and will be swimming!
On my ride, which is TECHNICALLY a tricycle, but I much prefer the name Recumbent!
I'm able to sustain about an 20 km/h speed, but I'm going to work to get it close to 30! I'm not sure how long it'll take me to get there, because living in Richmond doesn't give me too much road to train on. Oh, there are roads, but they're
The run aspect will be the most challenging, due to the fact that I'm unable to walk, unsupported. However, I was given an Alinker.
The Alinker is a non-motorized walking-bike without pedals. With an adjustable saddle and handlebars, it is custom designed to challenge society’s assumptions about disability. Most medical ‘mobility’ devices are a technical solution for a body with a problem, it emphasizes the "problem". The Alinker will allow me to perform at my best, allowing my body to put the energy into propelling me forward. Onward to that finish line!
The body does not determine who we are. The Alinker is designed for how we want to live, regardless of a person’s mobility challenges.

But, we are humans, and we have a body. The body does not determine who we are. So the Alinker is designed for how we want to live, regardless of mobility challenges.

I'm not going to be first, because while I'll be doing it, I'm not competing against anyone but myself. In the early days post-crash, the doctors couldn't say with certainty that I was going to wake up from my coma!

The fact that I'm doing it means that I'll win - I have already beaten the odds, and will come out ahead of my expectations.

	I encourage you to find your ‘triathlon’ for this year. Set a big goal, break it down into small realistic steps. Give yourself the chance to try. Motivate yourself this year, if I can, you can start. Through Beware Brain Bang I will be working with a team of dedicated individuals who want to bring much needed awareness about brain injury, how to survive it, move on, and thrive.
Check this blog and our website for more useful insights, resources and compelling stories about acquired brain injury or concussions. You can also follow us on Facebook (link).