Marietta was one of the first clients from the Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) I met after starting at SCI-AB. She is also a client of Brandice, Team Lead Client Services, and it is she, who shared her story with me.

To know Marietta is to experience a woman who wears a genuine smile on her face, one who is kind and empathetic, with a strong moral compass and a desire to do what is right and good for everyone she encounters. Marietta tells me that she has known happiness, and she has known sadness. She has lived a simple life and done what she wanted in a way in which she was able. She has given a lot to those around her, the children she taught, the adults she taught, her daughter and through it all, simplicity was the golden rule.

Marietta’s journey is one of resilience, grace, and unwavering kindness. Her life took an unexpected turn when, in her younger years, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but her spirit remained unbroken. As a yoga instructor, Marietta understood the profound connection between body, breath, and mind. Yet, when faced with the challenges of MS, she wondered how she would continue on with the life she knew.

Yet, through the years, Marietta’s daily practice of yoga became her sanctuary. It was where she found solace, where she could connect with herself amidst the chaos of her illness. Through gentle movements and focused breathing, she cultivated a sense of inner peace that transcended the limitations of her body.

But Marietta’s journey wasn't just about her own healing; it was about giving back to others. Despite her own struggles, she remained committed to spreading joy and kindness wherever she went. Whether it was a simple smile or a word of encouragement, Marietta understood the power of small gestures in making a difference in someone's life.

Despite the uncertainty, Marietta decided to face her diagnosis head-on. With the support of her medical team and her own determination, she embarked on a journey of adaptation and acceptance. She knew that her illness might alter her abilities, but it wouldn't diminish her spirit.

As mentioned above, Marietta has been a client of the Client Services program since early 2023, and who has been working with Brandice on a number of goals that included accepting the onset of her illness. With all the life changes she's experienced, Marietta had questions about accessibility for maintaining independence and Brandice was there for her. As Marietta moves through life, and as she encounters more questions about how to live her life with all that she has, Brandice will be there to offer support whenever required.

In the NRC, Marietta found kinship and support, a safe haven where she could embrace her journey without judgment. Surrounded by individuals facing their own challenges, she drew inspiration from their courage and determination, realizing that she was not alone in her struggles. Marietta is a firm believer in introducing herself to those around her.

‘If you can say hello to someone by name, and you see a smile, they know they have been seen, and you know you are part of their smile.’

The NRC is its own social community and Marietta has gotten to know the people who are there at the same time as she is. Kim and Alex have helped Marietta strengthen her body in ways that were surprising to both her and her physicians. Marietta claims to feel a sense of inner strength when she is able to lift 5lbs weights. It’s the small victories that make all the difference.

Marietta’s resilience was not just about overcoming physical obstacles; it was also about facing the emotional and social changes that came with her diagnosis. She learned to adapt, to find joy in the present moment, and to embrace the simple pleasures of life.

Through it all, Marietta remained true to the principles of yoga. She understood that the true essence of the practice lies not in achieving perfection but in embracing the journey, wherever it may lead. Just as she encouraged her students to start where they are, she applied the same philosophy to her own life with her condition. 

The way I see it is this: in Marietta’s story, the parallels between yoga and her journey with MS are evident. Both require patience, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace the present moment. And just as yoga teaches us to find strength and flexibility in the face of challenges, Marietta's journey with her condition serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

And while this is Marietta’s story, it is also a story about you, our donors and supporters: it’s a story about what you make possible every day. Your unwavering support empowers persons with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to achieve independence and full participation in the community. And your care and concern for the well-being of our community is nothing short of inspiring.

For all that you do for the clients at SCI-AB, we thank you sincerely and wholeheartedly.

Peta Glezerson

Senior Manager of Philanthropy

I am rounding the corner to completing my first year as CEO for SCI-AB. It has been a full year and I feel privileged to have been able to meet so many members within this community. I have learned so much, I have met many incredible leaders who are supporting persons with spinal cord injuries across our nation and have been honoured to meet and work alongside of people who are helping to create a better, more accessible world for their peers.

Very soon, our 2023-2024 Annual Report will be available, and I hope that when you receive the link, you will be able take the time to read about our highlights from the past year. In addition, we have our Annual General Meeting on June 26. Did you know that you can become a Society Member and receive invitations to join future AGMs? Please reach out to find out more information!

Ultimately, I would like to extend my gratitude to each one of you for supporting SCI-AB. Your financial gifts and your gifts of time have significantly impacted the work we have been able to do in our province. Your continued encouragement and willingness to donate to SCI-AB will help us with achieving some of the goals we have for the future. You make a difference and I thank you for choosing SCI-AB and making a difference in the lives of persons with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities.

The Servus Calgary Marathon, held on Sunday, May 26, 2024, was a resounding success thanks to the participation of everyone involved. Whether you ran, walked, wheeled, or donated, your contributions are sincerely appreciated. The funds we raised will be instrumental in our ongoing efforts to support clients who rely on us for assistance.

The Calgary Marathon Race Weekend stands as Canada's most enduring marathon and Alberta's premier road race. Offering a range of distances suitable for all ages and abilities, it continues to inspire and engage participants from diverse backgrounds.

A special thank you goes to an Shamel Elsayed, an inspiring leader who, for the past 11 years, has leveraged his network for good and has guided the ‘Cenovus for SCI’ team to support him ever year. Through his tireless efforts, Shamel has raised significant funds for SCI-AB, showcasing his philanthropic spirit and altruistic nature. His compassion, resilience, and visionary approach have empowered others to join him in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, and for that, we are enormously grateful.

Shamel had this to say, "Our team, 'Cenovus for SCI', has been an integral part of the Calgary Marathon for the past 11 years. This year, with Cenovus' matching contribution, we raised just over $32,000, bringing our total fundraising efforts to over $375,000 throughout our journey. Your support truly makes a difference. Having experienced firsthand the invaluable work of Spinal Cord Injury Alberta 39 years ago when I needed assistance, I can attest to the profound impact of your generosity".

Shamel, we extend our most profound thanks to you, for spearheading this fundraising initiative year over year and to everyone who supported Shamel with encouraging messages and donations to SCI-AB and to all those who participated in the marathon, we thank you most sincerely!

SCI-AB held a casino fundraiser in Grande Prairie at the end of May and it was a tremendous success. I want to extend my most sincere thanks to the 9 people who filled the shifts over the two days, some of whom spent two days with us. We are so grateful to you for your time and appreciate you all. 

Casino funds are a really important part of our annual budget and go toward supporting the programs designed to empower individuals with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to achieve independence and full community participation!

Thank you once again!

SCI-AB is thrilled to announce our partnership with Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink. This incredible program, backed by the Rogers Charity Classic, is driven by a group of Calgary business leaders known as "The Patron Group." Since its inception in 2012, this group, including names like Jim Riddell and PGA Tour Professional Stephen Ames, has worked tirelessly to create a platform that not only showcases top-tier golfing talent but also champions the cause of supporting Alberta's children and youth. 

The Rogers Charity Classic isn't just about watching great golf; it's about making a tangible difference in the lives of kids across Alberta. Through the community's unwavering support, over $112 million has been raised for more than 270 children and youth charities in the province. At the heart of this charitable endeavor is the Rogers Birdies for Kids program, a non-profit initiative under the Calgary Shaw Charity Classic Foundation. With the motto "Kids Need Heroes," this program aims to raise new funds for local charities, engage the community in the tournament, and provide matching funds for each charity involved. 

You have the opportunity to be a hero for children and youth with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities by donating to the Rogers Birdies for Kids program. Donations made online or by cheque until August 31st will not only be matched up to 50% using the Shaw Charity Classic Foundation matching pool but will also have all administrative costs covered by the tournament, ensuring that 100% of your donation directly benefits the selected charity. 

Please consider joining us in leveraging this incredible opportunity to maximize your impact and support those who need it most. Your generosity can truly make a world of difference in the lives of young individuals facing physical challenges from a spinal cord injury and other physical disabilities.

Let's come together to be heroes for our kids!

If you are interested in maximizing your impact, please click the button below or contact Peta at 587-742-3642.

By joining the Spinal Superstars Monthly Giving Program, you will join an incredible community of supporters like you who are the backbone of everything we do; an exclusive club of caring individuals who are making a real difference.

Benefits of a monthly gift to SCI-AB includes consistent support, financial stability and predictable revenue with sustainability being the ultimate goal. 

And if you are wondering what's in it for you, well, it's all about a stronger connection to the cause, engagement and the best part is having the flexibility to spread your generosity throughout the year.  

If you would like more information about the Spinal Superstars Monthly Giving Program, please contact Peta at 587-742-3642 or go ahead and click the button below. You won't be sorry you did.