“You can’t live in the past; there is no future in it,” recites Gary Newman, as he sums up his recent few months of recovery. Gary honours this quote and looks forward to his future with happiness and enthusiasm.

In September 2007, Gary slipped off his deck at his home in Dartmouth and broke his neck. He was transferred to the QEII Health Sciences Centre, where he and his wife, Elizabeth, were greeted by a team of orthopedic physicians. “It still stands out in my mind how the team spoke in terms that I could understand. This made a difficult situation much easier for me,” says Elizabeth.

Following Gary’s four-hour surgery, the doctors were optimistic for his prognosis. “The first words Dr. William Oxner said to me after the surgery were that Gary had come through the surgery and could move his arms and legs,” recalls Elizabeth. “That was a huge blessing. It was more than a blessing – one doctor described Gary as a walking miracle.

Gary faced a number of challenges and setbacks during his four week stay at the health centre but fortunately his brain damage was not permanent. “Each day was different and brought a new challenge or concern. I had to take things day by day because I realized I could only worry about two things at once,” chuckles Elizabeth. “There were many obstacles to overcome but we were always informed and kept up to date on the medical status and the treatment options.” Gary is tremendously thankful for the medical care he received, but even more grateful for the support and care shown to Elizabeth by the health centre staff.

As his brain healed, day by day, Gary became more like his old self. “I had to come to terms with not being in complete control and leaving my fate in the hands of others,” says Gary. “I also had to accept that the recovery period would be a two year process.”

Gary went home at the end of October, only four weeks following his injury. A few major house renovations were made so Gary could work through some of his rehabilitation and physical therapy at home. “After only being home for one week, I put on a tuxedo and attended the QEII Foundation’s Excellence in Research dinner,” laughs Gary. With his marketing and sales background, Gary knew right away that he wanted to give back for the care that he received when he needed it most.

“The best part of my situation was that I had Dr. Oxner and his staff of residents. The next best part was that I was a patient in Unit 7.2, where the staff were positive, helpful and full of encouragement for me,” says Gary. “I am forever grateful and we, as Nova Scotians, should be thankful for and proud of our health care system.”

Gary attends physical therapy twice a week and stops by Unit 7.2 as often as possible just to say hi.