One Day at a Time
January 1, 2007
For Gisele Verrier, the Only Way to Face Life Is Head On
It was only four years ago that Gisele Verrier was going about her days, enjoying a busy and independent lifestyle.
Even though Gisele had suffered epileptic episodes since she was a young girl, the condition had been controlled by medication and she’d adjusted to her fate, believing she had no other option.
But on a visit to her doctor, she was given some good news. He told her she was a candidate for an operation that could rid her of the epileptic seizures.
“I was 40 years-old when I found out there was a possibility that I could be seizure-free,” she says.
With the types of seizures she experienced, the doctors explained that, post surgery, there was a 75 per cent chance that she would no longer experience the seizures. “I was really optimistic about my chances.” Unfortunately, that first operation actually made Gisele’s seizures more frequent.
Seeing her quality of life deteriorate, she approached her doctor. She wanted to have a second operation. The doctor told her, however, that the odds of success were less than the first time. “I was told there was a 50/50 chance of success, but I thought that - I’m going to go for it, because I cannot stay like this,” she says.
While still in recovery, Gisele had a stroke and became paralyzed along her right side. As well, her left eye would not open because a nerve had accidentally been severed during surgery.
“I went from being totally independent to totally dependent, almost overnight,” says Gisele.
She struggled to adapt to her new life, which no longer included working, and depending on others to do everyday tasks. But Gisele says that getting involved with SMD’s Adult Leisure and Recreation program helped make things a little easier.
Gisele now enjoys a variety of activities through the program. She stays busy with Social Club on Tuesdays, Dinner Club on Wednesdays and is involved in the Breakout program offered throughout July and August.
She says if it weren’t for the funding provided to SMD through their Easter Seals fundraising initiatives, she wouldn’t be able to do even half the things (activities) that she does.
“I really like it! It’s a way of getting out of the house and being with other people.”
Last year, Gisele – along with a group of others from SMD – traveled to Camp Morton, out by Gimli for a few nights. It was with some hesitation that she initially agreed to go.
“I didn’t know how I’d handle it because I get homecare, but it worked out well.”
Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate.
“It was raining outside, but you know what? Rain or no rain, either way we were away from home, and in a completely different environment. So, it was really neat – I really enjoyed it and I’m going again this year.”
Gisele’s experiences are possible due to the support of Easter Seals donors. The Adult Leisure and Recreation program offered through SMD is a year-round activities program that provides SMD consumers with social, leisure and recreation opportunities. Community-based programs are offered and staff work to ensure activities are accessible and affordable. Weekend outings and day trips to local summer attractions, cabin camping, art groups, massage therapy, social dinner club and drop-in groups are a few of the activities that provide people with disabilities the chance to more actively participate in the community.
Gisele is very thankful for the opportunities she’s had – and continues to have – through the program.
“You don’t know what it’s like to take it one day at a time until you are forced to. Now, I take it one day at a time,” she says.
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