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Support of Capt. Trevor Greene.

No question.....just a comment

  • responses and support?

    Votes: 8 80.0%
  • send your own.

    Votes: 2 20.0%

  • Total voters
    10
A remarkable story about Captain Green's spirit and the woman that has stood by him through his ordeal.Prayers for continued progress toward a full recovery.

http://www.genx40.com/archive/2008/november/anupdateon

An update on Trevor’s progress is long overdue with much to write about.

On July 23rd, 2007, after over a year in Vancouver General Hospital, we joyfully left BC for the hope of rehabilitation at the Halvar Johnson Centre for Brain Injury in Ponoka, Alberta. We were advised by the doctors at VGH to put Trevor in a long-term care facility and “let him get on with his life”. I didn’t have to wonder too long what life would be like in a public long term care facility. I wasn’t about to let that happen. We flew out of BC via military flight early on a rainy “wet” coast morning. We were met at the airport by an honor guard from Trevor’s unit in Vancouver, the Seaforth Highlanders. Not surprisingly, this is Trevor’s first memory after the injury. He doesn’t remember any of his time at VGH, which is a blessing in spite of some of the wonderful people we came to know during our time there. I have many pictures and have filled him in on various events and people at that time. I also kept a daily journal for him to read which he has been going through of late. He is endeared by so many of the stories of the true spirit of friendship and generosity. Thank you to everyone who visited Trevor, sent cards, gifts and even prayers for him. He tells me he plans to respond to every one “in the fullness of time”.

When we arrived at the Rehab Centre in Alberta, we were told there was very little chance of recovery and that he would be offered medication trials only and wouldn’t participate in rehab. Fortunately, I had become very good at selective listening by this stage. I had read many stories of people overcoming the odds and I knew Trevor was capable of being one of those stories especially since modern research has found the brain to be “plastic” and able to reprogram itself if given proper cues. In my head I would think, “we’ll see”. Knowing Trevor’s spirit, I felt that he would respond and step up to the challenge rather than languish in this huge body for the rest of his life. I knew he would rather die than live in a wheelchair in a long-term care facility. If this was to happen, someone had to give him a chance to succeed. Thankfully, the Centennial Centre gave him that chance. He proved me right. He did succeed and surprised everyone. When we were admitted to the Centre, he had little to no purposeful movement. He is now able to do bench presses, leg presses and more functional activities like eating, shaving and brushing his teeth. His technique isn’t perfect and he requires a little help with each task but he gets better with each month that passes. When we entered the Centre he barely had a voice. He is now able to speak clearly and articulately and almost at his original level. On September 12, 2008 after 14 months in rehabilitation, we left the Centennial Centre and all our friends in Ponoka for our new home in Nanaimo, BC.

Rehab is far from over for Trevor. His goal is to walk. We’ve been told it’s not realistic by some but this just drives us even harder. We’ve encountered many obstacles over the past 2 ½ years and tackled them head on. Walking isn’t going to happen overnight but we believe it will happen in the fullness of time. In the meantime, we work with our new expert team, have fun and enjoy the journey. Rehabilitation is Trevor’s job. His hard work is paying off. He works out over 2 hours a day and is seeing progress and results weekly. He’s a proud man and isn’t content to have people helping him but he has accepted it as a means to an end. He is scheduled to get a universal gym in the new future for his workouts.

There are many people to thank throughout this journey. I’ll do my best although words cannot express how much these people have done for us in their own way. For those whose paths we haven’t crossed, you no doubt need to be thanked for keeping Trevor, Grace and I in your thoughts and prayers, thank you.

The first group to give a special thanks to is PPCLI ‘A’ Company (ROTO 0, Op Archer), specifically platoon commander Kevin Schamuhn, and section commander Sergeant Rob Dolson, for their quick thinking and rapid response reflexes that prevented the young fellow from taking what would have been a final death blow at Trevor. Your courage and expert training saved Trevor’s life. We are forever grateful for your actions on the afternoon of March 4, 2006. A large debt of gratitude is extended to Shawn Marshall, medic with A Company that day for your proficiency in stopping the bleeding and saving Trevor’s life with the skills your were bestowed. The entire group should be applauded for comforting Trevor and encouraging his soul to stay with us while awaiting the Blackhawk’s arrival for transport to Kandahar hospital.

Special thanks to Sergeant Gary Adams, medic onboard the US Blackhawk helicopter. Gary was instrumental in unblocking Trevor’s airway amongst other procedures on the flight to Kandahar Hospital. Gary flew to Vancouver from overseas on his time off to visit us. He was met with a night out with the rugby gang. I’m told he did survive the night. I did get to thank Gary personally that night but there are never enough thank you’s for helping to save a life!

I haven’t had a chance personally to meet Dr. Homer Tien, trauma surgeon at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital, who stabilized Trevor in Kandahar Hospital for the flight to Landshtuhl, Germany. Thank you to Dr.Tien and his staff at the Kandahar Hospital.

An expert team of doctors met Trevor at the Landshtuhl Regional Medical Centre in Germany. Dr.’s Sorini and Johnson (and team) performed life-saving surgery which allowed Trevor’s brain to swell without causing additional damage. Both doctors no doubt saw many horrific injuries from the battlefield during their time in Germany. We were blessed that they were there when Trevor arrived. These doctors gave Trevor his life back and a future for our family. Heartfelt thanks to both of these exceptional surgeons. Also a big thank you to Dr.Catherine Gray for being a liason between the doctors and family in Landshtuhl. We appreciated meeting you every night for a briefing of the days events, in layman terms. We wish you all the best on the birth of your first child and look forward to seeing you next time you’re on the island. The care Trevor received in Germany from the doctors and nursing staff was second to none. We applaud these people for looking after our injured soldiers.

Although our time at VGH was fraught with numerous ups and downs, I appreciate the efforts of the nursing staff, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and respiratory therapists in all the four+ units Trevor was in. I also appreciate the work of Dr.Woodhurst, nuerosurgeon for the second bilateral cranioplasty which successfully repaired Trevor’s skull. An extra special thank you to Cynthia Wilson, physiotherapist for remaining committed to Trevor despite the lack of initiation, awareness and results. Trevor doesn’t remember much from VGH but he does remember your big smile and vibrant personality. You are a talented physiotherapist and a compassionate person. I have videos from when a thumbs up or 12 minutes of keeping his head up was a big day. You provided the building blocks for much greater things!

A warm hug to Ray McDonald of VGH spiritual services. Thank you for dropping by Trevor’s room with your guitar and furry friends. I miss laughing with you and hearing your stories and songs in person. You were a great source of comfort during those turbulent times. Also a big thank you to Dr.’s Dhawan and Reebye, physiatrists for being “cautiously optimistic” about Trevor’s outcome. It was a pleasure knowing and working with both of these specialists in Vancouver.

This note would go on and on forever if I mentioned everyone’s gifts in detail but a big part of this journey has been various “healing hands”. These folks added their touch to Trevor’s mind, body and soul despite the critical eyes of hospital staff. The first was Adam, a gifted healer who worked his magic on Trevor during the critical first few months of his injury. I have no doubts this young man has very special powers. He was able to see early on the “spark” in Trevor brain. Numerous others have helped to bring this spark to life including our good friend Eve for the months of Reiki (and tea), John Blazevic and Janet Cook for the acupuncture, Andy Bryce for the EFT, and Anita Lawrence for the spiritual guidance. In Ponoka, we were fortunate to find Trish Bowie at the wellness Centre, Heather Lambert for craniosacral therapy and Jennifer Davidson for her magical massage therapy.

We are so grateful to Dr. Gray and his team of professionals at the Centennial Centre in Ponoka. We were fortunate to work with the best of the best at the Center including physiotherapist, Lori, occupational therapist, Kunle and speech therapist, Leah. Although we presented a huge challenge, these capable professionals rose to it in their respective fields. Thank you to Dr. Gray for his knowledge and expertise with the botox needle, I’m sure Trevor won’t have to worry about wrinkles in his upper body for a long, long time. Also a big thank you to Rebecca and Jamie, recreational therapists at the Centre. We had many, many laughs with you both and miss you incredibly.

A big thank you to Theresa Hacking and Greg Edmonds and the Military Casualty Support Foundation (MCSF) for your generous gift toward our wheelchair accessible van. The van has been an essential part of our lives. In Ponoka, the van gave Trevor the freedom to leave the Centre for weekends and outings with the family. Since we’ve been home, it’s been critical for appointments at the physiotherapist, an hour drive each way. This organization was created to fill the gaps not currently met through the Ministry of National Defense programs and services. Information on contributions to the MCSF can be found at www.mcsf.com.

We are so incredibly grateful to Nick Twyman, Dave Neufeld, Valerie and Rob Gibbs, Deanna Vandeneykel and everyone who contributed to or assisted with the fundraisers. We have comfort knowing that we have a backup fund for Trevor’s ongoing rehabilitation or recreation needs. What we don’t spend on rehab we plan to pay it forward to those in need.

Lastly, a big thank you to the Department of National Defense with special thanks to our case managers Steve Stawiarski and Lisa Bardon for providing Trevor with the best any soldier could hope to receive. Canadians should be proud of the way their country took care of its injured soldier. We received the best Christmas gift in 2007 from the military engineers who installed a lift in our house which allowed Trevor to come home for Christmas and weekends thereafter. A sincere thank you to the Seaforth Highlanders for your continued support throughout Trevor’s recovery. We appreciate the place you set for him at each mess dinner. We were honored to attend the inaugural family day at the regiment on Nov 8th this year and look forward to future events. Also a big thank you to the military folks in Edmonton, specifically the CIMIC and OSI fellows for your support. It really helped Trevor get through the rough phases. We were able to personally thank Ponoka Legionnaires Dave MacPherson and Hugh Greene for your visits also during our time in Alberta. Trevor and I were so blessed to have weekly visitors from all facets of our lives since the very start of this long “marathon of baby steps”. The visitors started immediately when we arrived home in BC and still continue today. We cherish how you keep our connection to our former lives. And thank you to everyone who posted comments on this blog. Trevor is blown away every time he reads it.

Most importantly, thank you to our families and friends who continue to supply us with unwavering support. There are too many of you to list here but you know who you are. XOXO

On Dec 13, 2008 at 7pm PST CTV will air a documentary on Trevor’s recovery. The story follows Trevor after release from 13 months at Vancouver General Hospital until we moved back home to BC. Trevor and I can be reached on facebook for anyone that doesn’t have our contact information.

 
Very inspiring note indeed!  Keep up the good work, and God Bless you all for sticking by Trevor during this very demanding time. 
 
Wow, good job and keep up the rehab.  :salute:

I remember hearing about the incident awhile back, I just reread it to jog some memory and I got the shivers AGAIN from it.  :(
 
Really great to hear he is well on his way, and even if it's slow, he is still going forward.
Does the heart good to hear stories like this.

Just goes to show you what the human spirit and body are capable of.
And how having people around you, that love and support you, can be the difference between getting there and not.

It is men, like Capt Greene that Canada such a great country.  A true soldier!!  :cdn:
Thank you, get well soon!
Robin
 
CTV Documentary on Capt Trevor Greene

http://www.ctvmedia.ca/ctv/releases/release.asp?id=10939&yyyy=2008

Canadian Soldier Trevor Greene Defies All Odds In The CTV Original Documentary PEACE WARRIOR, Dec. 13

– Intimate, one-hour documentary offers an exclusive look into Captain Trevor Greene’s courageous struggle to recover from a horrific axe attack in Afghanistan –
– Former WILL & GRACE star Eric McCormack provides narration –

Toronto, ON (November 21, 2008) – In March 2006, Captain Trevor Greene was ambushed from behind and struck in the head with an axe that plunged deep into his brain as he sat down to talk to villagers in Afghanistan. News of the horrific attack made headlines across Canada, as the Canadian officer who went to the war-torn country to spread peace was instead left fighting for his life. In the exclusive CTV Original documentary, PEACE WARRIOR, premiering Saturday, December 13 at 7 p.m. ET on CTV (visit CTV.ca to confirm local listings), Vancouver filmmaker Sue Ridout provides intimate access to Greene’s remarkable journey, as he first fights to survive the near-fatal attack, and then struggles to reclaim some measure of his former life.

** Media Note ** - Download photos from PEACE WARRIOR at ctvmedia.ca.

Of all the stories to emerge from Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, the axe attack on Captain Greene is among the most shocking. Beloved by friends and family for his larger-than-life personality, Greene, a 41-year-old reserve officer from Vancouver, was attending a routine village meeting or “shura” north of Kandahar when he was attacked by a young Afghani. Greene regularly attended these meetings as he travelled around Afghanistan with an Army platoon, helping the Afghan people rebuild their country.

Greene was not expected to live. He spent the next year in Vancouver General Hospital, nearly dying several times. Doctors predicted that he would never come out of his coma, let alone speak or have any movement again. Amazingly, he proved them all wrong.

With the unwavering love and support of his fiancée, Debbie, and from a deep desire to be an active father to their young daughter Grace, Greene eventually transfers to a brain injury rehabilitation program in Alberta, where he makes inspiring progress. Through candid interviews with friends, family and fellow soldiers who witnessed the attack, PEACE WARRIOR builds an intimate portrait of a man whose strong will and positive attitude, combined with his peak physical and mental shape before the attack, allow him to surpass everyone’s expectations, despite his devastating brain injury.

For Canadians who read about the attack on Greene, PEACE WARRIOR is the first glimpse of him since he arrived home in a coma in 2006. The story offers exclusive access to Greene’s harrowing recovery process over an 18-month period and his unfailing determination to one day walk down the aisle with Debbie. The documentary is narrated by Canadian-American actor Eric McCormack, who offered to lend his narration to the film after meeting Greene and immediately being touched by his remarkable story.

PEACE WARRIOR is directed by Sue Ridout, written by Sue Ridout and Helen Slinger, and was produced and developed by Dreamfilm Productions Ltd. in association with CTV Inc. Bob Culbert is Vice-President of CTV Documentaries. Robert Hurst is President of CTV News and Current Affairs. Susanne Boyce is President, Content, Creative and Channels, CTV Inc.

CTV, Canada's largest private broadcaster, offers a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming. It has the number-one national newscast, CTV NATIONAL NEWS WITH LLOYD ROBERTSON, and is the number-one choice for prime-time viewing. CTVglobemedia Inc. is Canada's premier multi-media company which owns CTV Inc. and The Globe and Mail. CTV Inc. also owns radio stations across the country, and leading national specialty channels. Other CTVglobemedia investments include an interest in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, and in Dome Productions, a North American leader in the provision of mobile high definition production facilities. More information about CTV may be found on the company website at www.ctv.ca.

-CTV-

7 PM 13 Dec 08

 
I guess MSM missed a few updates - I, too, was fooled (my sincerest apologies to anyone who thought this was news - need my coffee).....
Soldier injured in axe attack readied for return to Canada
Canada in Afghanistan 'long term,' Harper says

Matthew Fisher, Ottawa Citizen, 4 Dec 08
Article link

Capt. Trevor Greene, badly wounded in an axe attack in Afghanistan 10 days ago, blinked his eyes upon command for the first time yesterday as doctors and nurses prepared him for his return to Canada by air ambulance today.....

- edited when I realized date HAD TO BE wrong - thanks Old Sweat! -
 
I've been thinking about Trevor the last little while. I haven't seen him since just a few days before the attack and I remember he was in good spirits and really enjoying his work in Afghanistan. I was impressed with him before, but the courage and tenacity he and his family have shown throughout this entire process sets an example for all of us.

I continue to send you and yours my wishes for a full and speedy recovery Trev.
 
Just saw Captain Greene being interviewed on CTV about the latest casualties....he continues to support the mission.

He looks good.  An amazing man.
 
CKNW radio video of Trevor and Debbie


http://www.cknw.com/VideoChannel/View.aspx?PostID=13374


Cabar Feidh
 
Here, reproduced under the Fair Dealing provisions (§29) of the Copyright Act from the CTV News web site, is a report on Capt. Green’s progress:
--------------------
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081212/trevor_greene_081213/20081213?hub=TopStories

Doc chronicles axe-attack victim's long road to recovery

Updated Sat. Dec. 13 2008 7:21 AM ET

Michael Stittle, CTV.ca News Staff

In early 2006, Capt. Trevor Greene sat down with a group of Afghan elders in a tiny lake-side village.

Following local customs, he removed his protective helmet as a sign of respect and good intentions. But the meeting took a horrific turn: a young man approached the soldier from behind, held aloft an axe, and buried the blade into the back of Greene's head.

It remains as one of the most shocking stories of the war so far. A section of Greene's brain was split in half and a medic at the scene did his best to keep Greene alive until a helicopter rushed him back to Kandahar Airfield.

But what happened after, when Greene was taken back to Canada to his fiancé and young daughter? How did he survive and continue his life?

"Peace Warrior," airing Saturday on CTV at 7 p.m.(check local listings), answers those questions. The documentary traces the slow and remarkable recovery of Greene as his mind repaired itself and he struggled to regain control of his body, in what he calls a "marathon of baby steps."

It's directed by Sue Ridout, who had access to Greene for a crucial 18-month period, as he began his rehabilitation with the tireless support of his fiancee Debbie Lepore.

"I think there was something particularly brutal about (the attack) that made Canadians remember it, perhaps a bit more than some of the other injuries that had happened," she told CTV.ca by phone from Vancouver. "It was just the idea that he was surprised from behind, that he had taken his helmet off as a sign of respect."

She first met Greene in Langley, B.C., where he began his specialized rehabilitation after having his skull reconstructed in Vancouver. He had already overcome the odds by surviving, but the injury had affected his motor skills and he could no longer walk or move.

"He could clearly understand, but he wasn't participating verbally very much. He would say 'Yes' or 'No' and that was about it. His face wasn't very mobile. He wasn't smiling very much. He was pretty different in those days," said Ridout.

Over the course of 18 months, Ridout and a camera crew followed Greene's remarkable progress, chronicling his intense desire to walk again as he struggled through bouts of pneumonia and a blood clot that almost took his life.

He was helped by rehabilitation experts who followed new research into the brain's ability to re-wire itself and overcome catastrophic injury.

[?] … suffered numerous bouts of pneumonia and developed a life-threatening blood clot resulting … [?] error on the web site

She also captured his efforts to piece together what happened in Afghanistan, and reunions with the comrades who saved his life -- including the medic first on the scene.

In the first interview Rideout had with Greene in front of a camera, he spoke about the assailant who had come so close to killing him. Instead of showing anger or bitterness, he apologized to the young Afghan, who was killed by Greene's platoon moments after the attack.

"We all just about fell over when he said that. You could have heard a pin drop. We couldn't quite believe that we'd heard what we'd heard. We were all pretty impressed that that was his feeling about it," said Ridout.

"Up until then I'd only really heard him speak in monosyllables. To have him speak in more complete sentences was stunning enough, but then to hear what he was actually saying was even more stunning. I think it's a tribute to the kind of guy he is."

Since his injury, Greene has said he wants to continue to work toward creating peace and stability in Afghanistan -- the country where he nearly died. He was in the country as a member of CMIC, the Civilians Military Co-Operation, a group trained to work closely with locals to help rebuild their communities and foster peace.

In an interview with CTV's Canada AM, a wheelchair-bound but smiling and upbeat Greene said his own sacrifice, and that of the 100 Canadian soldiers who have lost their lives serving in Afghanistan, is a small price to pay for the progress that is being made.

"I will always support the mission. If you look at it in a global sense, 100 deaths protected thousands of Afghans," he said, speaking slowly but clearly.

"We've dug wells, now we're advising government. That's progress."

Greene said his recovery has been driven by his love for Debbie and their young daughter Grace, born just one year before he was deployed, and a "burning desire" not to become another victim of Afghanistan.

In terms of his own personal progress, Lepore helps Greene every step of the way. They begin each day in the gym they have built in their garage, doing muscle-building, core-strength and endurance exercises, and continually working to improve Trevor's dexterity with small items.

"Every day it a new one for us. Every day is interesting," she told Canada AM.

Lepore said her own motivation comes from her love for Greene, his commitment to a full recovery, and the desire for their daughter to grow up with a father.

"I didn't want her to be reading about what a wonderful, fabulous man he was. I wanted her to be able to experience that for herself," Lepore said.

"Our ultimate goal is for Trevor to walk, and that's what we're working towards. It's a long process and there are a lot of steps to go through until we get there, but that's our ultimate goal."

And there's a deadline on that goal. The couple's wedding is planned for next July, and Greene hopes to walk down the aisle.

With files from Andy Johnson

--------------------

And note this: "Peace Warrior," airing Saturday [today] on CTV at 7 p.m.(check local listings), answers those questions. The documentary traces the slow and remarkable recovery of Greene as his mind repaired itself and he struggled to regain control of his body, in what he calls a "marathon of baby steps."


 
Trevor & Family
I served in the Airforce for 25 years,now retired. I was in Doha,Qatar during the Persian Gulf War,in the Middle East on board HMCS Preserver after the 911 attacks for 8 months.I was like you,I signed the dotted line for that very same reason,to what was asked of me. We watched W-5 about you and your speedy recovery and were very touched by it! I don't agree with our participaction in being there but do very support all members in what they are there for! Our support for your speedy recovery to you and your family!! We reside in Nova Scotia as I saw your parents are from here as well. If I knew where they resided,I'd drop in and say hi! I am a member of the veteransunnatocanada.blogspot.com.There are a few of us that are as well and is growing. It was recently started up a short while ago.One doesn't have to be a biker to be part of it.I can say this for our members.We are here to support you and your family in anyway possible!
Take care and speedy recovery to ya Trevor! You are a very strong individual!!!

Randy Boutilier & Family
:cdn:
:salute:

veteransunnatocanada.blogspot.com
 
Trevor's still on duty, carrying the Paralympic torch for the troops in Victoria tomorrow:

Paralympic Torch Relay - Capt. Trevor Greene


http://news.globaltv.com/entertainment/story.html?id=2632926

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-buS27zbBQ
 
Remarkable courage, both his, and his fiance's, there's is certainly an inspirational story of how the human spirit can endure and thrive.

Glad to see the news report mention the connection to the reason the parlymics began, as a means to promote injured veterans rehabilitation through physical activity.
Best wishes to them, and all the paralympic athletes
 
Congrats - this, from the Global News:
Exchanging vows at the altar with her longtime fiancé was once too much for Debbie Greene to even wish for.

Four years ago, Trevor Greene, who grew up in Orléans, was unable to move and was fighting for his life in hospital.

He suffered massive brain damage in March 2006 after being struck in the head with an axe while serving with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.

Doctors said he would spend his life confined to a bed.

They were wrong.

Trevor was even able to stand up, supported by a set of parallel bars, for most of their ceremony on July 24. They were wed on her sister's Nanaimo property in front of about 120 friends and relatives.

His recovery from brain injury has inspired an award-winning documentary and attracted hundreds of letters from people who have been touched by his story of courage and perseverance.

But it's really a love story.

"I'd never thought we would get to where we are today," said Debbie, smiling at her husband in the living room of their home in Nanaimo.

Debbie dedicated herself to Trevor's rehabilitation once he returned to Canada.

After making it through an agonizing first year of recovery at a Vancouver hospital, he focused on regaining abilities most medical professionals said he would never get back: using a keyboard, standing and, hopefully one day, walking.

Now, the newlyweds are writing a book about the past 41/2 years to inspire others who are facing challenges in their lives that seem insurmountable.

"If I can do it, anyone can," said Trevor, his voice soft, but clear. "I love being a role model."

Trevor wouldn't have been able to stand for his wedding a year ago.

He even managed to stay on his feet for their first dance; the song was You Sexy Thing by Hot Chocolate ....
3392854.bin
 
That is the best news I've heard in quite some time.  Congrats to the newlyweds! 
 
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