A former child soldier whose own battles with PTSD and addiction propelled him to offer hope and support to addicts in the Downtown Eastside.
A victim of childhood sexual abuse who, after surviving for years as a stripper, now has a PhD in social work and her own counselling practice.
A teenaged A student and volleyball star who has overcome a traumatic brain injury and years of bullying.
These three people — Jemal Damtawe, Dr. Barbara Harris and Coltyn Liu — are three of the recipients of last year’s Courage to Come Back awards.
Today, Coast Mental Health is seeking nominations for this year’s celebration of “triumph and courage.”
“These are people whose daily example makes us walk a little bit taller on our own path, and try just a bit harder to overcome our own difficulties. They demonstrate extraordinary character facing challenges most of us can’t even imagine,” says Lorne Segal, the chairman of Courage awards.
Last year’s gala celebration raised a record $1.43 million for Coast Mental Health, which offers programs and housing to people with mental illness. The evening is instrumental in enhancing Coast Mental Health’s services. However, as Segal says, it’s the recipients’ stories that make one realize “there but for the grace of God go I.”
There are six categories: addiction, mental health, medical, physical rehabilitation, social adversity and youth.
“People can and do change in remarkable ways,” says 2016 recipient Meredith Graham. “There is extraordinary potential in genuine kindness. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the power to heal.”
Go to couragetocomeback.ca to nominate someone. The deadline is Feb. 8.
@MarthaJPerkins
mperkins@glaciermedia.ca
