If not me, who, and if not now, when!

Last week many cities across our country hosted events called “Take Back the Night”, focusing on the need to end violence against women.  Even the need for such rallies once again remind us that Gender Equality is still not a reality in Canada or around the world. Embedded in this blog is a message from Emma Watson, of Harry Potter fame, who addressed the UN General Assembly with a strong message for men and women reminding us that this is not just a women’s issue, but it is also an issue for men as well.  She has launched a “Heforshe” campaign, and although only 24 years old, reminds us that gender bias and gender violence will not change unless we all embrace this issue. “If not me, who, and if not now, when!” 

Joan Atkinson CSJ

Discovering New Frontiers….

Last Thursday evening at St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation Tribute Dinner, Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station, spoke to an audience of over 1500 people relating some of his incredible experiences as an astronaut and some of the learnings we benefit from because of space travel. Through his amazing ability as a speaker and teacher he demonstrated how he is able to re-connect people around the world to the wonder of the universe and the marvels of science. Part of the large audience last evening included some 300 hundred high school students – the next generation of scientists and innovators who will continue to go to new frontiers in both space and in medicine. There is a strong link between these two realities.

The new frontiers that St. Joseph’s Health Care featured last evening shed light on how Parkwood Hospital is using innovative technology to address those living with the effects of stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury. The staff at Parkwood Hospital introduced Chris Hadfield to their new Locomotive Training program. This is an intensive therapy designed to help those with spinal cord or acquired brain injury regain lower body strength and, in some cases, learn to walk again. The hospital featured their new Ekso skeleton. This is a full body robotic outer skeleton that artificially powers a person’s lower extremities. A patient wearing this skeleton, was on stage showing us how it was helping a man regain mobility after a farm accident.

It was not difficult to see the links between the two programs of space and medicine, both using science to go to new frontiers. Star Trek’s claim “to go where no one has gone before” was demonstrated in spades last evening. Our thanks and gratitude go to both Colonel Chris Hadfield and to St. Joseph’s Health Care for helping us see and benefit from these new frontiers.

Joan Atkinson, CSJ 

Straight-talk on Climate Change

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has released a hard-hitting video that calls for the end of the fossil fuel era. He makes important links between climate change, damage to the earth, human rights and poverty. And in true Tutu fashion, he locates the source of hope within us – in our capacity to respond collectively to this decisive moment in human history.

Sue Wilson CSJ

The Power of One!

Last night I participated in the annual 'Take Back the Night' rally and walk through the streets of downtown Hamilton. Sitting on a bench waiting for the event to start, a woman told me that although this was the first time she was attending TBTN, she strongly believed in the need to claim back the streets as places where women can safely walk. She told me of being dragged off a sidewalk into an alley and raped and stabbed 30 years ago. She recalled that after the attack another man saw her distress and accompanied her to the local emergency department where she received treatment and follow-up with the police. The perpetrator was found, convicted and sent to jail.

It was interesting to hear that today, some 30 years later, she cannot recall how long he was in jail yet she recalls with clarity and gratitude the kindness of the stranger who helped her get to the hospital. "If that kind Samaritan had not helped me, I would not ever have been able to move forward". 

The power of one!

Nancy Sullivan, CSJ

Big Brother

No, not the T.V. summer reality show!  The Big Brother I am talking about is my grandnephew, Andrew, age 7. He has a brother, Dylan, 5 and a baby brother, Benjamin, 5 months. However, to really complicate the situation, Dylan broke his leg and you can be assured he required a lot of attention – not only from his parents, but also big brother Andrew. This in itself is a huge responsibility. In the midst of this, the family moved to a new house which means a new school, new teacher and making new friends. All of these factors made it especially trying for a very sweet, shy boy.

I wonder if many years from now Dylan and Benjamin will come to realize how fortunate they are to have a big brother like Andrew. Often it is the little things in life that make us who we are today. 

Perhaps this little story of my grandnephew reminds all of us to give thought to those who may have been part of our lived reality and gives us reason to pause, to remember and to give thanks. Was there an Andrew in your early years or were you yourself an Andrew? It is not necessarily the big happenings, but the ones no one really notices that count.

Can you reflect back, recall and give thanks for any Andrews or perhaps Andreas in your life?

Barbara Vaughan, CSJ