Children and Adolescents with Neurological Disability Organization (CANDO)

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CANDO LogoHaving a child with a moderate brain injury and living in the far east (side of Canada that is) there have been many hurdles to overcome with regards to diagnosis, education, information and understanding. Many injuries show the physical carnage but injury to the brain is often an invisible condition. Not only invisible to friends and family but also invisible to our overburdened health care and educational institutions.

With the help of “new age” doctors and therapists, we’ve been able to identify many of the special needs which need addressing for our son and have developed through traditional and non-traditional methods to enlist the help of our Dream Team. Given the years of investigation and advocacy we were forced to perform without support, we thought our experiences and those of others we’ve met along this journey should be shared. With this sharing in mind, we thought of a group for the advocacy and support of families with children who have a head injury. The name C.A.N.D.O. was developed just to give the children and adolescents a name to call the group – rather than subject themselves to adolescent banter by saying “I attend a group for people with brain injury”, they rather think of themselves as part of a group of achievers. When it comes to our children, I’ve learned the best response is to say – “they CAN DO!”.

We are at the forefront of expertise in brain retraining, plasticity and therapeutic interventions. So much has transpired in the short time since my son has become a survivor that I’m eager to understand and apply whatever knowledge gives him the best chance for living an independent and fulfilling life. We want others who start their journey as survivors to get access to the same information and to be part of the proof that brains can be retrained and we are always able to learn through new pathways and new techniques. Much of this information isn’t delivered to families after their children sustain a head injury. They have to research, often without support, to see where to turn for advise and hope, the information is out there, they just need to be able to access it. All families have to cope with new expectations and new hurdles to overcome; many aren’t given the hope that their children can improve.

C.A.N.D.O. hopes to be able to give young survivors and their families a voice, which can explain the unique needs of every young person, affected by brain injury as we know no two brain injuries are alike and no two families share the same experience.

Besides the many hurdles families face post injury, we also hope to provide ongoing advocacy to ensure their voices are being heard as well as information to the general public about prevention and the absolute necessity of a supportive environment.

Monthly Support Group (pdf)
Contact: Jeannette Holman Price – (709) 697 2532 – Email

CANDO Schedule of Events (pdf) June 2010

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