By: Sara VanDyk, SLP
On June 20th, our team had the privilege of attending the Hamilton Brain Injury Association’s 21st Annual 5K By The Bay at Bayfront Park. Throughout the day, our Lear team had the opportunity to connect with survivors, caregivers, volunteers, and fellow professionals. Hearing people’s stories was a powerful reminder of the importance of awareness, advocacy, and access to support.
As an additional personal challenge, I decided to participate in the 5K Classic Race. As someone who doesn’t run unless I’m being chased, this was a big deal for me! I researched running tips and started training in April. I purchased proper running shoes and told everyone I was doing this so I couldn’t back out.
Three years ago, my dad sustained a brain injury. Like many families affected by brain injury, ours has experienced challenges, adjustments, and moments of uncertainty. But we’ve also witnessed incredible resilience, determination, and humour along the way. His journey was one of the reasons I wanted to participate in this event.
As a speech-language pathologist working with individuals with acquired brain injuries, I am also fortunate to meet people every day who remind me what resilience looks like. Our clients face obstacles that many people never see, yet they continue to show up, work hard, adapt, and somehow find opportunities to laugh. Their humour, perseverance, and perspective inspire me constantly.
Living with a brain injury is far less predictable than running a 5K, which has a marked route, hydration checkpoints and a finish line. Yet, progress happens one step at a time, and encouragement from the people around us can make even the toughest stretches feel possible.
One of the things that touched me most about the event was the sense of community. Volunteers lined the route offering encouragement, cheering for every participant regardless of pace or finish time. It was a simple reminder that support matters. Sometimes a few words of encouragement can help carry someone farther than they thought they could go.
Completing a 5K isn’t what I’ll remember most from the day. What I’ll remember is the people who inspired me to be there in the first place and the community that came together to raise awareness for brain injury. I’m grateful to have taken part and proud to support a cause that is so meaningful to me, both personally and professionally. Every conversation, dollar raised, and kilometre completed helps build greater understanding and creates more opportunities for individuals and families navigating life after brain injury.