>> CHRIS: Everyday is a new day. And I can reflect about how far I've come with this brain injury. [intro music] [intertitle 1: Collegeivew, Brain Injury Awareness Month] >> CHRIS: I grew up in Toronto in 1965. I had a really bad habit of using drugs, for forty years. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. And so I reached out to my mother in 1985. She told me about a place down in Windsor, called Brentwood. And that was my first introduction to my mentor, Father Paul Sharbaneau. He was a big part of my life. He's dead today, but his spirit still floats around. And he's looking down on us. [music] [intertitle 2: Chris had a turning point in his life when he suffered two strokes.] >> CHRIS: I couldn't get out of my couch, in my apartment in Windsor. And they told me I had a stroke. And then I walked to the hospital, and they told me I had another stroke two weeks later, at the same hospital. I had to get open heart surgery at the age of forty. That's when things landed for me to move from Windsor back to Toronto because there was no help in Windsor for people with brain injuries. [music] [intertitle 3: In 2007, Chris met Irene Tordoir, a Cota case manager.] >> CHRIS: She helped me to get situated at Collegeview. >> HEATHER: The Collegeview program is a supportive program for those with Acquired Brain Injuries (ABIs). >> CHRIS: In the beginning, I had a difficult time with therapy. And different challenges for my brain. >> HEATHER: Cassandra is Chris' primary worker, and she helps him with his goals. So Chris is very motivated and sets a lot of personal goals. Cassandra is the one who steps in there and picks up where he can't. [music] >> HEATHER: With Cota, it is very much a recovery model. Which means that healing and recovery is very much what the clients want to do. So we take their goals, and try to help them fulfill their goals so that they are able to live the life that they want to live. >> CHRIS: And now I am creating a life for myself. [music] [intertitle 4: Chris continues to accomplish goals and engage with his community.] [Cota 45 anniversary special emblem and logo]