Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity - Black ice takes car crash survivor's leg,
but not her drive to walk again
TORONTO, March 9 /CNW/ - Thirty-three year old Brenda Mascoll was standing behind her vehicle when a driver slid on black ice, colliding into her at over 120 km/hr. She lost her right leg and thought she would never stand again. Four years later, she has new hope as she walks 5-km in support of the hospital that rebuilt her life.
Using a custom-made prosthetic leg, Brenda will walk in the Achilles Canada 5K Run/Walk to raise money for St. John's Rehab Hospital and support fellow survivors that continue to beat the odds.
WHAT: Photo/interview opportunities with inspirational patients participating in the Achilles Canada St. Patrick's Day 5K Run/Walk WHO: Brenda Mascoll, patient and survivor of traumatic car accident with fellow St. John's Rehab Hospital patients, staff and supporters WHEN: Sunday, March 14, 2010 Team warm-up at 9:45 a.m. Race starts at 10:15 a.m. Media Arrival: 9:45 a.m. Interviews available prior to race (9:45-10 a.m.), at finish line and upon request. Photos welcome any time. WHERE: Steamwhistle Brewery, 255 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto TO DONATE: Visit www.stjohnsrehab.com/5k or call 416-224-6945
Brenda began rebuilding her life at St. John's Rehab Hospital in December 2005, one month after her traumatic accident. She underwent specialized custom rehabilitation and learned to walk with her prosthetic leg.
"Everyone at St. John's Rehab Hospital - from the clinicians, to the Sisters and fellow patients - helped me get my life back," says Brenda. "I'm walking to make sure other survivors can benefit from their care just as much as I have."
Brenda is inspired by friend and fellow St. John's Rehab patient and team member Master Corporal Jody Mitic of the Canadian Forces. MCpl Mitic lost both his legs to a landmine while serving in Afghanistan, and ran this course each of the past two years. Over the previous two years, the St. John's Rehab Team has raised over $100,000 for the hospital. The goal this year is to raise $80,000 to purchase specialized rehab equipment and to support the hospital's staff in providing leading patient care.
St. John's Rehab is the only hospital in Ontario solely dedicated to specialized rehabilitation. This North Toronto facility is a community affiliated teaching site of the University of Toronto and is recognized as a high-performing hospital by the Ontario Hospital Association's Hospital Report Series. Home to Ontario's only burn and Canada's only organ transplant rehabilitation programs, we care for people with complex, life-changing illnesses and injuries. With a unique focus on the whole person - body, mind and spirit - St. John's Rehab Hospital is rebuilding people's lives. For more information about St. John's Rehab Hospital visit www.stjohnsrehab.com.
For further information: For further information: Audrey Kim, Advisor, Media Relations and Strategic Communications, St. John's Rehab Hospital, (416) 226-6780 ext. 7089, [email protected]
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