I'm the Bob and Cathy's Kid
Emotions - Love and Fury
by Dr. Trevor Hurwitz , BettyAnne Batt and Aga Karst

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This is a story about Suzanna Bailey, who at the age of fourteen months began experiencing epileptic seizures. Consequently, these seizures led to countless appointments with medical professionals. Six successive brain surgeries left her with life-changing brain injuries, resulting in physical disabilities and behavioural challenges.

www.imthebobandcathyskid.com

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"I wish this book had been available in the early 1980s when the Vancouver School Board became involved with the mainstreaming of special needs students and the subsequent closure of the facilities for these students. I was the principal of a receiving school and I would have been so much better prepared if I had read this book. Little did we know what incredible feats of dedication and support were necessary for the successful integration of these children. Indeed, the publication of this book is still timely and essential." — A. W. Paterson, Principal (Retired)   "This is an inspiring story of a remarkable young woman, who in spite of having a severe seizure disorder and a brain injury, has triumphed and is living her best life. The book is very informative and real! As a parent of an adult son with autism, I felt the anguish that goes with parenting a child with special needs. My son shared a home with Suzie for three years. The lifelong relationships that the authors developed with Suzie are very special! I would highly recommend this book and I commend the family, friends, and those people closest to Suzie for the work they have done!" — Judy Forster, Parent of a son with autism and former Mayor of White Rock, BC “This book is an amazing effort, about an amazing person and family, and the amazing community around her that cares for her.  Suzanna Bailey’s story is one that shows the deep spirit of community, and how seemingly the most challenging of situations can be addressed through the compassion and adjustment of family, friends and systems.  For people (and families) who experience disabilities the deep drive is to try to fix the problems that are brought on by disability – this is a natural “micro-based” response.  The countless surgeries, medicines and treatments that Suzie went through in her early years are evidence of this drive.  Yet for Suzie Bailey, the magic of her success in community today has been the “macro” adjustments that have been made by all who have come to know her.  As people have developed relationships with Suzie, they have come to accept her just as she is – the good and the bad – and make accommodations that have led to her community success.  This book is a must-read for any family or professional who experience or work in support of people with disabilities.  The lessons in these pages are astounding!” — Doctor Al Condeluci

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As you read our story, you will notice that we reference interviews and articles written by the “Book Team”: Jane, Sylvia, Aga, and BettyAnne. When the Bailey family requested assistance from our agency, the Langley Association for Community Living, it was decided that a home with a family-like type of environment was to be designed so that care and support for Suzanna and her parents could be offered in a holistic and caring manner. The staff of the first home (Benz Crescent) were instrumental in these early years of Suzanna’s life, as they attended to her needs with compassion and caring. Over the years, many staff members offered support and guidance for Suzanna, but two ladies (and their families) who have been most influential were Jane and Sylvia. Both were staff supervisors and have known Suzanna and her family since she was ten years old. Their long-term relationship with the Baileys provided valuable insight and recollections as groundwork for this book. Today, both Jane and Sylvia and their families still include Suzie in many social events. BettyAnne was the Respite and Family Support Coordinator for LACL and offered administrative support until Suzie reached adulthood. BettyAnne continues to applaud Suzie’s successes up to this day. She provided gentle direction to the whirlwind of ideas, often guiding the team to find a solution pleasing to all when differences of opinion occurred. As Suzanna moved into her own townhouse complex, several key staff along with Sylvia continued to provide guidance to ensure Suzie was reaching her potential. Upon Sylvia’s retirement, Aga became her staff supervisor, and an instant bond developed. Building on the groundwork set by Sylvia and Jane, and with an understanding of Suzie’s challenges and strengths, she supports the staff to ensure that Suzie has a meaningful and full life.

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Contributors

Author

Dr. Trevor Hurwitz

Author

BettyAnne Batt

Author

Aga Karst

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Other eBook Editions

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