When Judith thinks of her brother Richard, one of the first things she remembers is his energy and warmth.

 

Richard and Judith grew up in England, where Richard became a printer. Later, after he and his family moved to Canada, he found work promoting Canada’s national parks – a job that suited his love of the outdoors and his adventurous spirit. Richard loved building things, whether it was a deck for his home or a canoe. He was also a husband and father to two boys.

 

Then, when Richard was 47, a hang-gliding accident changed his life. He spent three months in a coma and was left with a brain injury. He faced the enormous challenge of relearning to swallow, talk, and walk. Eventually, Richard moved into a group home, but without the support and resources he needed, much of the progress he had made came to a halt.

 

For Judith, who did her best to support her brother while also raising her own young family, the experience brought a deeper understanding of how much a person’s quality of life can depend on the people around them. Judith is quick to recognize the support of her husband during those years. His willingness to do what he could gave her the time and freedom to be there for Richard. “I couldn’t have done as much as I did without him,” she says.

Helping Others Thrive

 

Judith had known about L’Arche for many years after hearing its founder speak at her church. She was very moved by the mission of L’Arche, where people with and without disabilities share their lives and recognize the gifts of each person. More recently, Judith learned about The Anchorage – L’Arche Comox Valley’s new home and community project. And when she had the rare opportunity to donate rewards points she had been collecting for years, she thought of L’Arche once again.

 

Judith decided to donate towards the construction of The Anchorage because she knows how much the right support and a sense of belonging can shape a person’s life. Her gift will help create opportunities for people with disabilities to build lives with greater choice and connection – the kind of community Richard could have benefited from after his accident. Richard knew what it meant to be supported by his family, but he needed more. Judith’s gift is a way of helping ensure that others have the support and relationships they need to thrive.

 

“We all have gifts to share,” she says. “I hope others will consider giving in memory of a loved one, so that another person can have the support they need to live their best life.”

 

In remembering Richard, Judith is helping to make that possible. By giving in his memory, she is helping ensure that others have the support Richard needed and that his life continues to make a difference.