About

After the incident, a WorkSafe claim was filed, and Rachel received three months of Short-Term Disability (STD) benefits followed by a graduated return-to-work (GRTW) program. Unfortunately, the effects of her traumatic brain injury (TBI) were severe enough that the GRTW failed, and Rachel found herself struggling to prove the extent of her injury. Within four months, her STD benefits ran out, leaving her without income or resources. Over the next three years, Rachel faced homelessness, living in her truck. During this time, her situation became even more complicated. In addition to managing her WorkSafe claim, Rachel was involved in a taxi accident, which led to an additional claim with ICBC. On top of that, her applications for PWD (Persons with Disabilities) support were denied. Navigating self-advocacy from the back of her truck, Rachel was frequently deemed “noncompliant” as she struggled to meet the demands of five organizations, each of which wanted someone else to take responsibility for her care and compensation. Unable to afford basic necessities such as cell phone data, internet access, gas, food, or even clean clothes, Rachel’s resilience was tested at every turn. However, a turning point came when her mother visited the Ag-Rec Fair in Abbotsford and found the FVBIA (Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association) booth. This connection provided Rachel with access to case management services, which ultimately helped her navigate the complexities of her multiple claims. As time passed, it became clear that returning to her former career as a nurse would not be possible. Rachel made the decision to switch career paths, focusing on Occupational Health and Safety and Emergency Preparedness. Despite the challenges, she continued her education throughout the pandemic, earning over 200 certifications and five diplomas. Rachel’s passion for emergency preparedness led her to become involved with the FVBIA’s Emergency Preparedness Program, which was specifically designed for people with brain injuries. She delivered several well-received educational sessions in Langley, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack, where participants eagerly followed the trials of “Safety Dan,” her stick figure mascot, who met an unfortunate demise in many of her whiteboard demonstrations.