The Coss Family
One Phone Call That Changed Everything
In 2006, my wife Suzie and I were living peacefully in our hometown of Quebec City. Surrounded by family and friends, enjoying fulfilling careers, and looking forward to retirement in just a few months. It felt like life was unfolding just as we’d hoped. Then came the phone call that changed everything.
Our youngest son, Dwayne, had recently graduated from university in Nova Scotia and moved to Vancouver to join his older brother, Michael. That morning, he called with devastating news:
“Dad, Michael was in a motor vehicle accident and is now in the intensive care unit at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.”
Suzie and I caught the next flight to Vancouver and stayed by Michael’s side around the clock.
Then came the meeting with the neurosurgeon, a moment that still echoes in our hearts. With little compassion, he told us there was nothing more they could do. Michael, he said, should be moved to a long-term care facility.
We were stunned.
But we refused to accept that fate.
By chance, we had recently heard about hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and began researching its potential. When we asked the doctor, he admitted he knew little about it.
If we wanted to pursue it, we’d have to sign waivers and take full responsibility. It was a “try at your own risk” situation.
We contacted every hospital in Canada with a hyperbaric chamber. None would accept Michael in his condition. Then we reached out to private clinics, and only one said yes. It was in Richmond.
After just three treatments, we saw the first signs of recovery. From that point on, Michael underwent every therapy available to support his healing.
His inner strength, courage, and unwavering determination have carried him forward ever since.
His accident reshaped our lives and gave us a new purpose. Today, our family is deeply committed to supporting brain injury survivors. We’re proud to be part of the Tri-Cities Brain Injury Support Group in Coquitlam, organizing monthly gatherings, bowling, mini golf, summer picnics, Christmas luncheons, even sailing adventures.
There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a survivor’s smile. That smile alone brings us the greatest joy.
Advocating for Permanent Supportive Housing for Brain Injury Survivors
Several of our members are aging parents, now in their late 70s or early 80s, who continue to care for their adult children living with brain injuries.
Together with a dedicated group of parents and in collaboration with organizations such as the Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association the BC Brain Injury Association, and others, we are advocating for change.
Through persistence, compassion, and collective action, we remain hopeful that one day, these survivors will have access to the housing and support they deserve.
“We believe we’re all placed on this earth for a reason. And while that reason may evolve over time, it’s our responsibility to seek it out, and act on it.”
Bob, Suzie and MIchael Coss
John Simpson was the foremost leader in the development of services for people with acquired brain injury in the Province of British Columbia since 1982.
His compassion for individuals and families affected by acquired brain injury moved him to generously dedicate decades of voluntary service to improve the lives of thousands of Canadians affected by this invisible disease.
He mentored countless professionals and supported the development and growth of at least a dozen agencies.
John created the Simpson Rehabilitation Family Award to honour the significant role that families have in the lives of people with brain injuries and the brain injury community. FVBIA continues this annual tradition now known as the Simpson Family Award.