Mary-Ann gently turns the pages of her memory book, pausing to take in the loving and heartfelt words from family and friends. Her sister, Pauline, had thoughtfully coordinated the project, contacting people and gathering memories and photographs to honour Mary-Ann on her recent 65th birthday.
“It’s so uplifting,” Mary-Ann shares. “When I’m feeling down, I take my book out, read it, and it makes me feel good.” Through the countless expressions of love and appreciation, the book allows Mary-Ann to see herself through the eyes of those who cherish her. She is celebrated as a gift, an inspiration, a sweet spirit, a prayer warrior, and so much more.
One of Mary-Ann’s most cherished gifts from her recent birthday was a memory book her sister Pauline put together from the well wishes and memories of many family and friends. She said, “When I’m feeling down, I take my book out, read it, and it makes me feel good.”
Mary-Ann points out photos, including one of her with her mom before the accident, and another with her dad. As she turns the pages, she recalls fond memories of activities she used to love, such as playing in a band at the brain injury drop-in center years ago. The book is more than a collection of memories—it’s a source of joy and strength.
Today, Mary-Ann lives independently at Vedder Terrace with a roommate and receives support through Bethesda’s Supported Independent Living service. Her life was forever changed 25 years ago when she was hit as a pedestrian, an accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury and other physical challenges. The journey to recovery was long and difficult. Initially, doctors weren’t sure she would walk or talk again, yet her determination and months of rehabilitation and speech therapy led to remarkable progress. She can now walk, though with limitations, and she can speak well, though she may tire easily or feel overwhelmed in large groups. By midday, Mary-Ann usually slows down and takes a break to recharge.
“I have an invisible disability,” Mary-Ann explains. “It doesn’t show, but when you sit and talk with me for a while, you notice it.”
Her disability has brought challenges that are not immediately apparent but significantly impact her daily life. Before the accident, Mary-Ann used her education in social work and psychology working with teens on probation and foster families. Later, she taught students with diverse abilities as an educational instructor in schools. Her injuries prevented her from returning to that path. Despite these limitations, Mary-Ann has built a fulfilling life with the support she receives from Bethesda’s Supported Independent Living program.
Most of Bethesda’s services are funded by the provincial agency Community Living BC (CLBC). However, not everyone qualifies for CLBC funding. People with disabilities like traumatic brain injuries often fall into this gap, unable to access government-supported services. Donations from Bethesda’s community—raised through campaigns such as the annual Lend a Hand initiative and the Christmas appeal—make it possible for Bethesda to offer support to people like Mary-Ann.
Mary-Ann expresses deep gratitude for the assistance she receives. “I think about that a lot,” she says. “I go, ‘Wow, I get a lot of support, and some people don’t.’ I don’t have any other way to explain it except to say this is a big blessing.”
The Supported Independent Living service tailors its services to each person’s needs and goals. For Mary-Ann, this includes help with day-to-day tasks like grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, and attending appointments. Her support workers also encourage her to pursue new goals and embrace life’s possibilities.
Corrine, one of Mary-Ann’s support workers, shares, “We do daily tasks together, but mostly, we’re cheering her on and reminding her that she can live to her full potential. She can experience everything and trust in God: ‘faith over fear.’” Corrine’s role goes beyond practical assistance; she’s there to remind Mary-Ann of her strength and capability. Right now, Mary-Ann is imagining her next goal, starting to play guitar alongside Sarah, the caretaker at Vedder Terrace.
Corinne, right, supports Mary-Ann with services provided by Supported Independent Living (SIL), a donor-based service that helps people live independently in their own homes.
Mary-Ann lives at the Vedder Terrace intentional community and has been a member there since it opened in 2016. She enjoys a vibrant and connected lifestyle. By midday, the amenity room is often buzzing with activity. “It’s nice to go see someone literally steps from your front door,” Corrine says. The community organizes bus trips to interesting destinations, and neighbors often meet for games, coffee or meals. Vedder Terrace is a place where everyone cares for and supports one another, creating a beautiful environment of belonging.
For Mary-Ann, life is rich with memories, relationships, and new opportunities—all made possible by the care and generosity of those who support Bethesda’s mission. Her story is a testament to the power of community and the resilience of the human spirit.
Mary-Ann enjoys a rich and full life as a member of the intentional community at Vedder Terrace.
Bethesda’s ability to offer critical services to people like Mary-Ann who don’t qualify for government funded services is possible through the generosity of donors. You gift demonstrates a transformative love. The teaching of Jesus which provides the moral underpinning for Bethesda’s work, is that we are all created in God’s image and are worthy of equal love and respect, wherein no person is left behind. By financially supporting Bethesda’s work, you are expressing a love that can transform the world.
