My son, Adam, was a patient at The Neuro for consultations, examination, preparation and two brain surgeries, in 2011 and 2015, to deal with his epilepsy.
We came to consider it a second home at times, and are grateful for Dr. Andre Olivier, his team and staff, Monica. The care was extraordinary. The respect for Adam second to none. In 2011, he was still Rebecca Adam, identified as a girl but in the early stages of transitioning to Adam, the boy he truly always was. The Neuro respected all of Adam`s journey. Life`s plan had its own wishes though. The 2011 surgery reduced and better controlled his seizures. We rooted for a cure but the seizures returned. In a second surgery in November, 2015, a surgery my Adam called a “no-brainer” as he sought a ‘normal’ life, again the post-surgery prognosis was encouraging.
However, on Jan. 22, left alone by friends in the hot tub briefly, he drowned after a seizure. He was resuscitated and in a weekend vigil, with many tender mercies, we said our goodbyes. Because of a decision he made at 16, Adam donated four organs, including his heart which went to a man.
I tell Adam’s entire story including a cheer for Dr. Olivier and The Neuro in Soar, Adam, Soar, a book Dundurn Press will publish in February, 2019. Adam had been a very good hockey goalie. He adored Carey Price and the Habs. He comes from an athletic family. His sister, Lauren Mann, has skipped for Quebec teams at the national curling championships. Adam lived a full life squeezed into his 22 years. We are grateful to The Neuro community for the care they gave him.
To learn more about Soar, Adam, Soar, visit: rickprashaw.com
