Gail and Richard

When Gail Dodek Wenner first stumbled upon the BC Brain Wellness Program (BCBWP) while searching for research opportunities for her husband Richard, she had no idea it would become a lifeline for them both.

Since Richard’s stroke in 2021, Gail has been his primary caregiver and it has been a tough journey for both of them. While browsing the BCBWP website, she discovered that the program not only offered classes for people living with brain conditions but also vital resources for caregivers.

She decided to sign up for everything that looked interesting to her and ended up finding something for each day of the week. From Mindfulness, Zentangle and Qi Gong to Yoga and Art from the Heart, each class offered something unique.

“The mindfulness sessions have taught me to slow down and be less reactive,” says Gail. “Art from the Heart has given me a new way to express my emotions and Zentangle has been a relaxing creative outlet to deflect the frustrations I sometimes feel as a caregiver.”

The BCBWP, led by Dr. Silke Appel-Cresswell, combines clinical care, lifestyle programs, education and research in a comprehensive and integrated approach to brain wellness for people with chronic brain conditions and healthy agers. Over the last several months, Gail has recommended the program to her friends, calling it “an amazing resource.”

“I noticed a huge improvement in my moods and motivation after starting Art from the Heart and Mindfulness classes last September,” says Gail. “I can only assume these classes are responsible and the feedback from the instructors has also been invaluable. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

For Richard, the transformation has been just as striking. He began personalized exercise sessions with Darius Darabi, BCBWP’s Exercise Program Coordinator and a Registered Kinesiologist.

When Richard started working with Darius, his goal was simple but significant: stand from a chair without using his hands. Through targeted strength and mobility training, he went from struggling with the movement to performing 18 sit-to-stands in a row from a regular chair with no hands. Together, they also worked on his gait and for the first time since his stroke, Richard could walk independently without a gait aid.

“Richard came into every session with such enthusiasm and was always keen on trying different exercises,” says Darius. “His progress is a testament to his dedication and hard work.”

Darius Darabi

The impact has been felt both ways. For Darius, working with participants like Richard has helped shape his future career path. Darius first started working with the BCBWP as a Work Learn student during his undergrad in 2022.

“I appreciated the evidence-based approach and research focus of the program,” says Darius. “I saw first-hand the impact that exercise can have on managing disease and improving the quality of life in individuals with various neurological conditions.”

Although the BCBWP was already offering in-person group classes, they were generally catered to individuals with higher levels of physical function. Therefore, Darius was motivated to start a one-on-one kinesiology service to better address the various needs of participants and provide personalized care.

“What I enjoyed most about my time with the Brain Wellness Program was the participants I got to work with,” he recalls. “I feel truly fortunate to have met so many incredible individuals, like Richard, each with amazing stories to share.”

As he prepares to enter medical school, Darius has not only developed his clinical and research skills but also developed a deeper appreciation for how exercise, nutrition and creative activities can be combined to support brain health.

“Above all, I feel that my work has had a positive impact on people’s lives and that’s something I am very grateful for,” Darius reflects. “I hope to use my knowledge of lifestyle interventions and experience working with individuals with complex health conditions to improve outcomes for my patients in my future career as a physician.”

The experiences of Gail, Richard and Darius show that the BC Brain Wellness Program doesn’t just offer classes—it has created a community where participants and instructors alike can grow, connect and discover new possibilities.