When Margaret Miller and Bee Wanstall first crossed paths, it was actually in a boxing class. It wasn’t until they both joined the BC Brain Wellness Program that their friendship truly began to take shape.

“We got to know each other more through the program,” Bee recalls. “And then I babysat her cat once. From there, we just sort of became friends and started doing things together.”

For both women, the Brain Wellness Program has been a source of joy and connection. It provides not only exercise and creative outlets but also a sense of community.

“The classes really lift my mood,” says Margaret. “It’s a good routine and it’s something fun to do.”

Bee adds, “The exercise classes have stabilized me more. I feel like I’m beating the odds with my illness.”

Established in October 2019 by UBC faculty members Drs. Silke Appel-Cresswell and Jack Taunton, the BC Brain Wellness Program was created to extend care for individuals with chronic brain conditions, supporting them beyond traditional clinical treatment through lifestyle and exercise classes.

Both Bee and Margaret have been participating in the program since its inception. Over the last five years, they’ve explored a wide variety of classes, including Improv for Brain Health, Crafters for a Cause, Artful Living and Dance. They even participated in online sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic, though they agree that the in-person exercise classes are far more rewarding.

“Being in person is a lot better than online,” Bee says. “I enjoy it much more and having that face-to-face connection. The students and staff are all great.”

Margaret agrees, “Everybody’s been wonderful and it’s such a supportive environment.”

That sense of connection goes far beyond the classes. This past summer, Margaret and Bee embarked on a two-week trip to Quebec City and Montreal.

“I had originally planned to go with another friend who couldn’t make it, so I asked Margaret to join me,” Bee recalls. “And luckily, she said yes!”

Their trip was filled with sightseeing and lots of good food. They visited numerous museums, toured different neighbourhoods, took a boat ride and even attended an all-male stage production of The Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue.

“It was a riot,” Margaret says with a smile. “The whole theatre was packed, and everyone loved it.”

They also discovered a shared love of Barbie dolls. “I didn’t know Margaret liked Barbies too,” Bee laughs. “I collect Barbie dolls and we went to the Barbie Museum—five of mine were on display there.”

The two walked everywhere, averaging 10,000 steps a day. “Bee is a walker – she walks fast.” says Margaret.

“And we ate pastries every day,” Bee recalls.

“At least two.” Margaret adds with a grin. “And poutine! We also went to Schwartz’s, which is famous for its smoked meat sandwiches. We ate a lot.”

Looking back, both women see their trip as a natural extension of the friendships fostered through the program.

“We probably never would have gone to Quebec without each other,” Margaret reflects. “The program brought us together and it’s led to so many new experiences.”

For Bee, the impact of the Brain Wellness Program has been profound. “It keeps me going,” she says. “I’ve got something almost every day of the week to look forward to. The people that I’ve met, like Margaret, are now my friends. It’s a real community.”

Margaret agrees wholeheartedly. “I can’t imagine what it would be like without this program,” she says. “What would we do with ourselves? I truly hope it continues to flourish.”

So, would they recommend the Brain Wellness Program to others?

“Absolutely,” Bee says without hesitation. “It gets you going, it keeps you active and provides a community. It’s just great for you.”

“And you meet wonderful people you never would have met otherwise,” Margaret adds. “That’s the best part.”

Together, the two friends continue to encourage each other to try new things and embrace life with curiosity and humour. After recently starting a new tradition of visiting the Pacific National Exhibition together, they are now already planning their next amazing adventure, this time to Newfoundland!