BJ is Sharing his Experience after Brain Injury to Support Others

BJ’s lived experience with brain injury has inspired him to turn hardship into hope — and now he’s determined to use his story to support others as a peer support worker.

The 43-year-old, who lives at CONNECT Saanich Peninsula, has faced more challenges than most people encounter in a lifetime. His journey has included addiction, incarceration, a devastating stroke, a two-month coma and the long road of recovery while living with a brain injury.

A passionate poker player, BJ often compares life to a hand of cards.

“I may have been dealt a bad hand, but I’m going to play it — and watch me win,” he says.

“I’m not doing drugs, I’m not in jail, my wife is in my life, and I’m not looking over my shoulder anymore. I’m proud of where I’m at.”

In March, BJ began studying to become a Peer Support Worker. His goal is simple but deeply personal: to help people living with brain injuries, addiction or involvement with the justice system know they are not alone.

“If I can change even one person’s life, then I still have value,” he says. “That would mean everything to me.”

BJ’s determination and outlook have left a strong impression on the coaches and other people living at CONNECT. He works out at the gym twice a day, participates in activities throughout the building and has built meaningful relationships with people living and working there. Today, he describes himself as focused, motivated and productive — though he’s honest that life once looked very different.

“I was a really bad guy and did some really bad things,” says the husband and father of three. “I struggled with addiction and was in and out of prison for years. I was never violent, but I stole things and broke into boats.”

While living in Kamloops, BJ says complications from drug use led to a serious dental infection. After multiple hospital visits complaining of severe pain and headaches, he suffered a stroke caused by an aneurysm.

He remained in a coma for two months.

“The doctor told my dad I was going to die,” BJ recalls. “My whole family was there expecting me to never wake up.”

Against all odds, he did wake up — but recovery was overwhelming.

“Every part of me was affected,” he says. “My hearing, sight, smell, taste and touch all changed. My left arm was severely affected, and I couldn’t walk. When I first woke up, I couldn’t do anything. I was terrified.”

Beyond the physical challenges, BJ remembers the loneliness that followed. He didn’t know if he would ever walk independently again, manage his own care or have a place to live outside of long-term care.

Everything changed when his occupational therapist introduced him to CONNECT Lake Country.

“When I heard about CONNECT, it sounded like heaven to me,” he says. “I was accepted and moved in, and I’ll always be grateful to CONNECT and the independence I gained there.”

After spending just over a year at CONNECT Lake Country, and despite the CONNECT coaches’ encouragement to stay longer, BJ decided to move back to Vancouver Island to live with his wife on December 1, 2024. But the transition proved difficult.

His wife was already balancing and job and caring for their three children, while also supporting BJ’s significant care needs.

“I felt terrible,” he says. “She was working so hard and then spending all her extra time helping me. I realized I really needed to go back to CONNECT.”

When he contacted CONNECT Lake Country hoping to return, he learned it wouldn’t be possible immediately. However, a new CONNECT location was preparing to open in Saanich — much closer to home. BJ contacted the Brain Injury Program right away and requested a spot.

“I still can’t believe it,” he says. “On September 10, 2025, I moved into CONNECT Saanich Peninsula. I feel incredibly lucky. This place has been amazing.”

Since his stroke, BJ says the biggest transformation has happened internally. Rather than focusing only on his own recovery, he now feels called to help others navigate theirs.

Looking ahead, BJ hopes to one day move into CONNECT Parksville to be closer to family. For now, he’s continuing to focus on recovery, purpose and giving back — trusting that the next chapter will unfold the way it’s meant to. He will play whatever hand he is dealt.