In January my life changed with a big "BANG". This was not the New Year's fireworks. It was a fall. A very sudden and unexpected fall with a violent hit to the back of my head. It only took a fraction of a second. I didn't even realize what was happening until I found myself half sitting, half lying in my aunt's bathtub with a piercing pain in my head and an electric buzz that went all the way down to my feet. "BANG" and gone was the life as I knew it. Gone were my plans of taking courses and visiting with family and friends while in Germany. Gone were any dreams for the rest of the year and for my life back in Canada.
Although I did not know it, yet at the time.

I have since been unable to work and have lived of my meager savings and a total of $7000 medical EI benefits. The EI claim came to an end in June, and I am now living 100% of my rapidly diminishing savings. I don't know when I will be well enough to return to work, or whether I will ever be able to return to my career as a physiotherapist.


With the help of trusted and highly skilled health care practitioners I have made great progress.

When I was barely able to stand and walk without holding on to walls and furniture, I can now walk for about 1 hr.
When I only had the energy to be up for 1-2 hrs/day, I can now manage 8-10 hrs on a good day.
When I was challenged preparing myself a meal, I can now cook simple dishes on most days.
When I had great difficulty engaging in a conversation, I can now spend time with my friends for up to an hour, one at a time, once a week.
When I was unable to read more than a few words, I am now able to read an entire chapter in a (well-written!) novel.
When I was unable to look at the screen of my laptop without getting an instant headache, I am now able to do so long enough to set up this initiative… over the course of four days.

“Ich finde es super, dass Du so lösungsorientiert bist und Dir immer gute und auch neue Möglichkeiten & Strategien suchst, mit denen es Dir Schritt für Schritt besser geht. Ich sehe da in der Entwicklung der letzten Monate einen riesen Unterschied und Fortschritt!!”
(Heike, friend from University)

And yet, there are many things that are still challenging.

I am extremely sensitive to anything that goes on around me (sounds, scents, light, other people's energies etc.) and am easily over-stimulated.
My cognitive function is still somewhat impaired, esp. regarding memory, concentration, problem-solving, multitasking, planning, organizing and communication.
I regularly experience set-backs, periods of low energy and mental as well as physical fatigue. I continue to have trouble sleeping and am deeply grateful when I fall asleep before 3 am.

I have full trust that I will continue on this road to recovery.
All I need is a bit more time.


It looks like I will need some financial assistance over the coming 4-6 months, possibly longer depending on when I will be able to completely cover all my expenses independently again. My monthly expenses are as follows:

- $1300 for rent, utilities, internet and health insurance
- $ 500 for groceries
- $ 200-400 for medical treatments

My hope is that I will be able to raise $2000/month to cover the basics; $2500 would be amazing to allow some room for random expenses.

This was not part of the agenda, but now it is. A detour on this mysterious adventure called life. Or maybe a shortcut? ... Either way, a Big Bang it was.

Now I need to get back into the swing of things!
Because I am not done, yet. In fact, it feels as if I am just getting started!


My heartfelt thanks to all of you, my family in Germany, friends around the world and those of you whom I have never met and maybe never will. Thank you for supporting me during this challenging time be it in the form of $$, well wishes or healing thoughts. Thank you for helping ease my anxiety by taking care of my financial worries so that I can focus on healing my brain and getting better.

THANK YOU! - MERCI! - GRACIAS! - DANKE! - BEDANKT! - TAKK!