WAGS – Wives and Girlfriends of Spinal Cord Injury
Wishart Brain and Spine Law is proud to be a Trusted Partner with WAGS of SCI, an organization founded in Vancouver British Columbia.
Co-founders Brooks and Elena are two strong, loving women who met by accident on the internet. Both women are the primary caregivers to their partners that have suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI).
Brooks and Elena have found strength and encouragement to face daily challenges by having someone understand what they were going through. They decided to start an Instagram support page for other women in their situation. It was this page that started WAGS, a comprehensive resource for SCI families across North America.
What is most admirable about Brooks and Elena is that they have found an opportunity to help others while still navigating their own crisis, together.
OUR MISSION + GOALS
As WAGS of SCI (Wives and Girlfriends of Spinal Cord Injury) we have a unique roll in our relationships. Not only are we lovers, we also have the role of being caregivers to our injured partners. We wear many hats, and our relationships are anything but “normal” in the eyes of the world.
In the SCI community there is a vast amount of resources, classes, tools and support for the injured person, but we found that there was nothing out there exclusively for US, the romantic partner. Sure there are support groups out there for friends, family and loved ones combined, but there truly was nothing out there supporting our unique dynamic. We deal with situations that are completely different than most couples, and a lot of us find that no one out there understands.. except another WAG in the same situation. Whether it is medical, sexual, romantic, physical or emotional, our needs are complex and sometimes just being able to relate to another woman in our shoes is worth so much.
Our goals in this community is to raise our profile and voice, and provide much needed support and sisterhood to women all over the world dealing with the injury of their partners. Encouraging, understanding and empowering our sisterhood is our number one goal. We never want another WAG of SCI to feel alone again
WAGS of SCI launched a podcast where they have open discussions about what its like to live with Spinal Cord Injury, what challenges they face, how they have found support ,and offer suggestions about where to get help. Tune into their podcast by following this link.
Contact WAGS of SCI at wagsofsci@gmail.com
Individualized Funding Resource Centre
Individualized Funding Resource Centre is located in Vancouver BC and offers help to anyone across the province. This unique organization helps you establish your own Choice in Supported Independent Living or CSIL care system.
Paul Gauthier is one of the founders with an impressive list of resources, incredible knowledge of the CSIL system, and many contacts to help you take control of your own care. Paul claims CSIL to be the “best kept secret in healthcare” and would love to help show you how you can set your own custom and specific care program. They are here to provide, education, payroll services, recruitment facilitation, and other services.
IFRC Mission Statement
To empower people with disabilities who access Individualized funding, by providing them with knowledge and resources to support them in fully utilizing the benefits of the respective program, whereby achieving their objectives of autonomy and independence.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to become the go-to people who empower individuals utilizing Individualized funding by providing the information, support, and training for success in achieving their goals white maintaining freedom and self-determination
Wishart Brain and Spine Law has chosen Individualized Funding Resources Centre as part of our client resources because Paul himself is a CSIL employer. All the skilled and experienced people that you will work with all have diverse abilities. Therefore, they understand your needs from a personal perspective.
It is inspirational to see how IFRC helps those that are ill, or have suffered a catastrophic accident, see that life goes on. There is opportunity to make your life the best it can be.
Paul Gauthier, Executive Director
Chris Hofley, IFRC’s Director of Operations
Hilary Currie, Executive Assistant
Contact: 604-777-7576
How Wishart Brain and Spine Law is different
Lawyers at Wishart Brain and Spine Law practice holistic law. That means that we are not only your legal representation we are also a part of your recovery. We care. Our team helps our clients with finding the resources, equipment, specialists and support you will need for the best recovery possible.
Contact us today if you have been injured in an accident and need help.
