The following testimonials are excerpts from unsolicited cards and letters received from families, survivors and medical professionals who have read the book.
“I found your
book not only informative and inspirational, but extremely familiar---were you
sitting on my shoulder throughout our ordeal? …I believe your book would be
very helpful to anyone experiencing the devastation of acquired brain injury. They
are easy and quick to read, but packed with much important information, as well
as uplifting advice. It is good to know during this terrible time that one is
not alone---that others have travelled the same path and made it through.”
Valerie B. Mom, British Columbia
“I love your
book. I cried all the way through it. I believe this book should be in every
critical care hospital in North America.” Tom D. Dad, Nova Scotia
“The words of
hope, fact and inspiration you have compiled together are a comfort to all that
must endure the new, lifelong journey of the entire family. You bring hope and
sanity to those that experience the “end-of-the-rope” feeling.” Jennifer, Survivor, Ontario
A Neuroscience Clinical Nurse
Specialist writes, “A Guide to Traumatic Brain Injury: The
Intensive Care Unit” was so well written it allowed me to have a better
understanding and feeling of what it is like to be a family member with a loved
one in the ICU. It will help me to engage with family members that can be so
overwhelmed with the neurological injury their loved one has experienced. I
feel this book will help many families organize their thoughts and empower them
to ask questions and make decisions. This book provides families with realistic
expectations of what the day to day struggles could be while their loved one is
in the ICU. This book has reminded me of how overwhelming the ICU environment
can be, how devastating a brain injury can change the lives of so many people,
and how I, a nurse can be there for both the patient and family to help them
get through this difficult period in their lives." Cynthia Bautista, PhD, RN, CNRN, SCRN, CCNS, ACNS-BC, FNCS, Yale-New Haven Hospital
“Your words
have been a confirmation of my sanity and given me great strength to carry on.”
Joy S. Wife, Ontario
“I have been
reading and re-reading your book today and am reassured that my family and I
are not alone in our journey. The light of your experience has helped me to
find my way, as you hoped. Thank you for sharing your knowledge to make that
possible.” Norene S., Alberta
“…an
inspiring book that will help a family through the intensive care unit when
they are caring for a family member with traumatic brain injury…..should be
required reading for anyone dealing with the grief and emotional turmoil of
brain injury.” Book Review in No Boundaries Newsletter, Springfield, Missouri
“You are an
inspiration to me….all trauma units should have copies of your books. They are
invaluable.” Mom, British Columbia
“The book has
a wonderful impact on families in the ICU.” Heather Macdonald, RN, BScN,
CCN(C), Nova Scotia
“I like to
give your stuff to new staff to give them a base as to what the personal issues
are.” Teresa D.
“…your
personal experience gives credibility and genuine awareness to your writings.”
Norm Jackson, Social Worker, Alberta
“…book is
comprehensive, meaningful, informative, and far from being over-whelming. It
can be referred to over and over again at any point of the journey. The book
has been an inspiration and guiding light of insight.” Lisette S.
British Columbia
“You had the
courage to put your head, heart, soul and gut together and let it shine through
your words so that it warms and sustains others. Thank you.” Christine, Family Member
“…the book is
a source of comfort and is kept at arm’s length by my bedside.” Melanie E., Nova Scotia
“…the book
has been hugely meaningful to our large family. Intuitively, we were on the
right track, but grasping. The sharing
of your insights and experience with facts and information is a gift. Thank
you.” Ann B, Family member, British Columbia
“...this book
has sustained our family through this roller coaster of love, fear and hope.” Roberta H.
Aunt, British Columbia
“…readable
and easy to comprehend. …written with
compassion, concern and love….an invaluable tool.” Creta M., Wife, Alberta
“….very
valuable resource for family members in the ICU – their feedback is always
positive.” Sandy F. Clinician, Victoria
General Hospital, British Columbia
“Your book
has been a tremendous source of comfort. Your courage and insights are truly admirable.” Adria, Friend, Alberta
“Your book is
so easy to read and informative at the same time. You have no idea how much you
have helped me through this time….My husband went through all the stages and
the book helped us realize that was not unusual for traumatic brain injury….the
agitation, bad language, confusion….” Wife