Back the Barrys' Road to Recovery
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The Barry family is looking for your support in helping Nick on the long road to recovery from a spinal cord injury.
The accident
Nick was in a work-related accident on March 17, 2022. He was hit on the top of the head with a ramp while loading a snowmobile. The incident left him briefly unconscious, and he initially woke up with no feeling or movement in his arms and legs. He suffered fractures to three vertebrae in his cervical spine (C3, C5 and C7) and severe bruising to other areas of his spinal cord. Fortunately, he does not need surgery.
Recovery so far
Recovery so far
Nick has a long and uncertain journey ahead, with no specific timeline or long-term prognosis at the moment. He has been referred to GF Strong in Vancouver; in the meantime, physio and OT are working with him daily at Kelowna General Hospital.
Nick has a great attitude and is working hard every day. He is slowly gaining sensation in his body; strength and mobility are returning in his legs; and his arms, though slower, are also waking up. He practices standing up with short stints of walking, as well as a growing set of arm and hand exercises. Erin can now support Nick to get out of bed and into his chair, which has opened up a new daily routine of leaving the hospital and visiting the lake.
It takes a community
Nick and Erin are so grateful for the outpouring of support from family, their community and Nick’s employer during this time. Prayers, words of support, meals and help with Fred have been invaluable.
Nick and Erin are thankful to Nick’s hospital support team, Marilu, Art and Jacqui, and the caring staff at Kelowna General Hospital (ICUA, Trauma and 4West). Thanks also to Rachel and Keith Wyatt, Jaimen McMillan and Jane Williams for bringing the gift of Spatial Dynamics into Nick’s healing journey.
Special recognition and gratitude to Erin’s parents, Cheryl and Ken, for their full-time support with the household and keeping things steady for the children so Erin can be by Nick’s side.
Nick has a great attitude and is working hard every day. He is slowly gaining sensation in his body; strength and mobility are returning in his legs; and his arms, though slower, are also waking up. He practices standing up with short stints of walking, as well as a growing set of arm and hand exercises. Erin can now support Nick to get out of bed and into his chair, which has opened up a new daily routine of leaving the hospital and visiting the lake.
It takes a community
Nick and Erin are so grateful for the outpouring of support from family, their community and Nick’s employer during this time. Prayers, words of support, meals and help with Fred have been invaluable.
Nick and Erin are thankful to Nick’s hospital support team, Marilu, Art and Jacqui, and the caring staff at Kelowna General Hospital (ICUA, Trauma and 4West). Thanks also to Rachel and Keith Wyatt, Jaimen McMillan and Jane Williams for bringing the gift of Spatial Dynamics into Nick’s healing journey.
Special recognition and gratitude to Erin’s parents, Cheryl and Ken, for their full-time support with the household and keeping things steady for the children so Erin can be by Nick’s side.
How you can help
At this time, Nick and Erin are asking for support with the extra costs associated with travel to and from the hospital every day and childcare while Erin is off work to support Nick with his recovery. This will become even more important when Nick is transferred to GF Strong.
Looking ahead
If anyone can make a comeback from this kind of injury, it’s Nick. He faces every day with determination, positivity and good humour. He’s looking forward to making a full recovery over the next few years and doing things he loves: being with Fred and family, cooking, gardening, exploring forests, swimming, paddling, hiking and biking.
Thank you for your support.
Organizer and beneficiary
Marc and Krysta Smith
Organizer
Sherwood Park, AB
Erin Barry
Beneficiary