The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton is honouring former patients who have inspired others in their rehabilitation journey. Thursday’s ceremony was the 11th annual Courage Awards, hosted by Global Edmonton’s Health Matters reporter Su-Ling Goh.
Patients are nominated by Glenrose staff, including physicians, nurses and physical, occupational and speech therapists.
One of this year’s recipients is six-year-old Liam Webb. He is the youngest Courage Award recipient ever. Also, 17-year-old Jordan Jaffray, 31-year old Mel Beckett and Una Marshall were honoured.
Liam Webb
Liam had just started Kindergarten when he hit his head on the trampoline last fall. Hospital staff stitched up the cut and sent him home. Ten days later, they realized Liam had a stroke. He is now a quadriplegic and can’t speak.
READ MORE: 6-year-old boy paralyzed after trampoline accident awarded for bravery
Despite everything he’s been through, Liam is a happy, giggly six-year-old who loves a good fart joke and never gives up trying in his rehab.
Watch below: Alberta boy recognized for courage after tragic trampoline accident
Jordan Jaffray
Jordan woke up one morning with a headache. A few hours later, the 17-year-old was rushed into surgery to repair two bleeds in his brain.
The brain injury forced him to re-learn how to walk, talk, speak and eat. When he told his family he wanted to do the extreme obstacle course Tough Mudder, they thought he was joking. He wasn’t.
Watch below: Sherwood Park teen receives courage award after surviving brain bleed
Melanie Beckett
Melanie, 31, loves Kung fu so much she spent five years in China studying it.
A few months after she returned to Edmonton, Guillain Barre Syndrome landed her in hospital, unable to walk, talk or even breathe for herself.
READ MORE: ‘Kung fu taught me to survive’: Edmonton woman paralyzed by rare disorder
Thankfully her training helped her fight back in rehab, both physically and mentally.
Watch below: Alberta Kung fu expert recognized for her courage facing rare disorder
Una Marshall
Una is a sassy senior who lost the ability to move her body after a mysterious illness.
She was in Jamaica at the time and had to be flown home.
READ MORE: Una Marshall to receive Glenrose Hospital Courage Award
Glenrose Hospital staff say her positive attitude and encouraging words lifted other patients’ spirits.
Watch below: 1st recipient of 2016 Glenrose Courage Award is Edmonton senior whose smile can light up a room