(Image Credit: Kamloops Brain Injury Association / Humboldt Broncos)
KAMLOOPS BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION

Humboldt Broncos survivor to speak in Kamloops tonight

Sep 5, 2019 | 3:10 PM

KAMLOOPS — A survivor of the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018 will be speaking in Kamloops tonight at the Paramount Theatre.

Hosted by the Kamloops Brain Injury Association, the evening featuring Layne Matechuk’s story aims to provide a better understanding of what brain injuries are really like.

KBIA Executive Director David Johnson says it’s important to get conversations started, and events like these do just that.

“Sometimes you’ll meet someone and you think, “Hmm, there’s something there.’ He might well have a brain injury from a car accident. Motor vehicles are the main place people get brain injuries. So if you hear someone has a brain injury, talk to them. Say, ‘Hey what does that mean to you, how does that affect you, and can I help out?'”

The appearance will not only raise money and awareness, but give hope to other brain injury survivors in the Kamloops area.

After having a hemorrhagic stroke, Krista Willoughby now works through the Kamloops Brain Injury Association, and says it’s nice to hear from others who are living with an injury.

“Everyone sort of has their own story and their own inspiration, and it’ll be interesting to hear his (Matechuk’s) recovery journey, and how he’s fighting back from what he’s had to come back from as well.”

Doors open at 5:00 p.m, with the presentation beginning around 6:00 p.m from the Paramount Theatre. Entry is by donation.

Having played with some current Kamloops Blazers in the past, Matechuk will also be speaking at tomorrow’s Gur Singh Memorial Golf Tournament at the Dunes.

View Comments